Mold Removal in Toronto GTA

Bathrooms – showers, tiles, and behind vanities.

Basements – concrete walls, cold rooms, or around sump pumps.

Attics – roof leaks, insulation, crawl space and wooden beams.

Bedrooms & Living Areas – window sills, carpets, and furniture in humid rooms.

Mold spores [Ref: Wikipedia.org, Commons.Wikimedia] Mold spores enter Toronto homes through open windows, leaky roofs, clothing, shopping bags, and even pets. Once these microscopic spores land on a damp surface, they begin to grow within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Science has identified more than one hundred thousand mold species, yet most indoor strains fall into three main groups.

The Three Primary Mold Categories
Allergenic: These species trigger allergies, sinus irritation, and asthma flare-ups. Sensitive individuals often react strongly, but even people without allergies can develop mild symptoms.
Pathogens: These molds mainly affect individuals with weakened immune systems or those recovering from serious illness.
Toxigenic:These strains produce dangerous mycotoxins and can cause health issues even in healthy adults. Mold [Ref: cdc.gov] that appears to be orange or red in color is typically found outdoors, given its nature to thrive on decaying plants or moist wood.

This type of mold,  can appear slimy, is harmless and should only be removed for aesthetic purposes.

There are many types of mold that look black, and not all “black mold” are as toxic as Stachybotrys.

To remove the mold from hard surfaces of kitchen and baths, use undiluted vinegar. You can also use regular bleach but make sure that it is diluted. One cup of bleach should be mixed with 1 gallon of water. Hydrogen peroxide is another mold killing solution. If the mold is greater than 10 square feet, it is best to call a professional.

Prepare for proper moisture control measures. Use a humidifier to keep the humidity level under 60% or below, as desired.
Improve the airflow at your house to warrant that there is proper ventilation.
Ensure all household surfaces are clean and dry at all times to reduce chances of mold to grow.
Similarly, if there are any leaks, repair them on time and monitor your rooms and spaces regularly.
Take measures against having a damp environment at home.

Time taken to remove mold depends on various factors, such as the intensity of mold, type of mold, how much mold is present, and where the mold is growing. On an average, mold removal processes take from 1 to 5 days. During the remediation, its best to stay elsewhere, especially if you are mold-sensitive, as removing mold infestation can be dangerous to health.

Exposure to mold and damp environment can lead to a variety of health issues, depending on the amount of mold growing and an individual’s sensitivity to mold; people that are sensitive and prone to allergies may face harsher affects than those who aren’t. Some symptoms which arise from mold include headaches, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, red eyes, and patchy skin at times. If you are facing similar symptoms, check for mold in your home.

Mold remediation includes taking fast action against mold to ensure that it does not spread beyond easy control. After identifying the source of mold, which is commonly in damp spaces, such as bathrooms, air vents, etc., use antimicrobial application as the first step to mold’s corrective remedy, followed by air filtration, containment, removal, and cleanup. After cleanup, invest in a humidifier to ensure that the humidity level stays low at your house.

Due to mold’s dangerous properties to one’s health, its best to hire a professional to remove mold from your attic, as they have proper chemical solutions and treatments to combat it. If you wish to carry out the process yourself, use wire brushes, dry ice blasting, or HEPA vacuuming methods. To ensure mold is completely removed without any signs of regrowth, its best to adjust the ventilation of the attic while carrying out the process and after as well.

Mold is reproduced by spores which are carried by air currents; hence, it’s common for mold to grow in areas where moisture is present in excess or in warm and damp temperatures. This can be either indoor or outdoor. When these air-borne spores land on a moist surface, they start growing. There are some materials which are prone to mold growth more than others, such as cellulose, plastic, and concrete.

While anyone can easily carry out mold remediation and the process might seem tempting to do so; it is best to have a license and proper training to do mold remediation, as direct contact with mold is hazardous to health, especially if done without protective gear and good quality chemical solutions. If mold is a growing concern in your area, its best to invest in a training program to learn professional mold remediation.