Category: Mold Removal

Need some mold removal for your commercial building? Here’s what you need to know.

Mold infestations can be a silent but devastating issue in commercial properties, affecting not only the structure of buildings but also the health of occupants. As a facility manager, business owner, or decision-maker, understanding the importance of mold removal is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. In this article, we’ll explore key aspects of mold removal in commercial settings and underscore the benefits of working with a professional remediation company.

Identifying Mold in Commercial Properties

• Visible Signs: Look for discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors. Mold often appears as black, green, or white patches.
• Odor: Mold has a musty, damp smell that is easily recognizable.
• Health Symptoms: If occupants are experiencing allergies, respiratory issues, or other health problems that improve when outside the building, it could indicate a mold issue.

Risks of Mold in Commercial Buildings

• Health Hazards: Exposure to mold can lead to health issues like respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and in severe cases, neurological effects.
• Structural Damage: Prolonged mold presence can weaken building materials, leading to structural integrity issues.
• Financial Implications: Ignoring mold problems can lead to costly repairs and legal liabilities.

Mold Removal Process

1. Inspection and Assessment: A thorough examination to identify the extent and type of mold infestation.
2. Containment: Preventing the spread of mold during removal is essential.
3. Air Filtration: Utilizing HEPA filters to cleanse the air of mold spores.
4. Removing Mold-Infested Materials: Infected materials must be removed and disposed of properly.
5. Cleaning and Disinfection: Surfaces are cleaned and disinfected to eliminate mold residues.
6. Restoration: Restoring the area to its original condition.

Preventive Measures for Mold Growth

• Regular Inspections: Routine checks for early signs of mold can prevent larger issues.
• Moisture Control: Keeping humidity levels in check and promptly addressing leaks or water damage.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow reduces mold growth risks.

The Importance of Professional Mold Removal Services

Mold removal in commercial buildings is not a task for the inexperienced. Here’s why opting for a professional remediation company is essential:

• Expertise and Experience: Professionals have the necessary knowledge to effectively tackle mold issues.
• Advanced Equipment: Specialized tools and techniques are employed for thorough mold removal and prevention.
• Safety Protocols: Ensuring the safety of occupants and workers during the remediation process.
• Compliance with Regulations: Adherence to health and safety regulations is crucial in commercial settings.
• Long-term Solutions: Beyond removal, professionals provide recommendations for preventing future mold growth.

Partner with a Specialist for Optimal Results

Dealing with mold in commercial buildings requires a level-headed approach and professional intervention. By recognizing the signs of mold growth, understanding the removal process, and implementing preventive measures, you can maintain a healthy environment for your occupants. Most importantly, collaborating with a professional remediation company specializing in mold damage and removal ensures the safety, integrity, and longevity of your commercial property. Trust in their expertise for a mold-free future!

At Touch With Care, we understand the importance of safeguarding your property. We provide restoration services such as flood and water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire restoration, and specialty cleaning to assist you in case of any unforeseen disasters. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you maintain a safe and functional commercial property.

Everyone dreads black mold, but few truly understand it. Here’s a quick overview of black mold removal, from the pros.

Understanding Black Mold

Black mold, scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of mold that appears dark green or black. It’s often associated with damp, water-damaged environments and can be found on materials like drywall, carpet, or insulation.

Common Misconceptions

• Not Uniquely Dangerous: Contrary to popular belief, black mold is not inherently more dangerous than other types of mold. All molds should be treated with caution.
• Health Implications: Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems, especially in individuals with allergies or weakened immune systems.

When is Remediation Necessary?

Identifying the Need

• Visible Growth: If you see mold growing on surfaces, it’s a clear sign.
• Persistent Dampness: Areas that have been water-damaged or are consistently damp are prime locations for mold growth.
• Health Symptoms: Unexplained allergies or respiratory issues might indicate mold presence.

Remediation Process: Step-by-Step

1. Assessment: A professional team will inspect your property to identify the extent of the mold problem.
2. Containment: To prevent the spread of mold spores, the affected area is isolated.
3. Air Filtration: HEPA filters are used to clean the air of mold spores and other particulates.
4. Removal: Mold-infested materials are removed or cleaned with specialized methods.
5. Drying: The area is thoroughly dried to prevent future mold growth.
6. Restoration: Any materials removed (like drywall or carpet) are repaired or replaced.
7. Prevention Tips: Professionals will offer advice on preventing future mold growth.

Safety First

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Professionals wear appropriate PPE to protect themselves from harmful exposure.
• CEPA Guidelines: Remediation follows Canadian Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The Importance of Professional Remediation

While some minor mold issues can be tackled with DIY methods, dealing with black mold often requires professional intervention. Here’s why:

• Expertise: Professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle mold safely and effectively.
• Equipment: Specialized equipment is often needed for proper mold removal and restoration.
• Comprehensive Approach: Experts ensure that the problem is resolved completely, reducing the risk of recurrence.
• Health and Safety: Professionals adhere to safety protocols to protect your health and theirs.

Dealing with black mold is not just about removal; it’s about creating a safer, healthier environment. Working with a professional remediation company ensures that your commercial space is free from mold hazards and is a safe place for everyone. For commercial property managers, facilities managers, and business owners in Southern Ontario looking for reliable mold remediation services, choosing a specialized company is a wise decision for long-term property health.

At Touch With Care, we understand the importance of safeguarding your property. We provide restoration services such as flood and water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire restoration, and specialty cleaning to assist you in case of any unforeseen disasters. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you maintain a safe and functional commercial property.

If you’re dealing with a musty smell in your home, the culprit may be mould. Check out our tips to get rid of that smell once and for all.

There’s nothing worse than when a lingering smell takes over your house – especially if it’s something you can’t quite identify. If you’re noticing a musty smell in your home, there may be more to worry about than just a bad smell. Musty odours are usually caused by water damage or high humidity, which could mean mould. Here’s some tips to identify and eliminate that musty smell – and deal with any accompanying mould.

How do I know that it’s mould?

Mould thrives in damp, warm, dark places. If you’re wondering what’s causing that musty smell in your home, ask yourself if you’ve had any water damage or high humidity, which creates perfect conditions for mould growth.

Mould isn’t just an odour problem, it’s also a serious health risk. A good way to identify mould is if you or a member of your household has an allergic reaction. Those sensitive to mould will often cough, sneeze, wheeze, get a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes or skin irritation. In extreme situations, mould can even cause asthmatic symptoms like shortness of breath or chest tightness. If you’re feeling any of these symptoms and smelling a musty odour, it’s time to look for mould damage.

Where to check for mould

Mould can hide almost anywhere in your home, but the most popular areas include the basement, attic and garage. These places tend to have poor ventilation and are typically dark, cold and damp. In the attic, the most common places to find mould include:

• In your insulation
• Near any leaks on the ceiling/roof
• Near vents that lead to the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room/dryer, as well as vents near the bottom of the roof that ventilate the attic

In your basement, check these areas:

• Around ducting and pipes (especially if your find any leaks or condensation)
• Near a sump pump, water heater or furnace
• Near windows or vents, which attract condensation
• Carpets

In your garage, mould can form through water leaks or when rain from your car drips onto the floor. Make sure to check these areas when looking for mould:

• Around the garage doors and windows
• Areas with standing water
• Behind storage bins or items that aren’t moved often

If you can’t find the source of the mould but are still smelling a musty odour, it’s possible mould is hiding in your walls or other hard-to-see areas. In these cases, it’s a good idea to hire a restoration company to track down the mould for you.

How to get rid of mould

Once you’ve found the cause of that musty smell in your home, it’s time to eliminate it. First, create a mixture of household detergent and water and scrub down any affected areas. Make sure not to use bleach, which will kill live mould, but not mould spores. If you leave any mould spores, you run the risk of more mould growth in the future.

Once the area is clean, make sure you dry it fully using ventilation and dehumidifiers. When this is done, you’ll be able to repaint or reconstruct the area, if needed.

No mould left behind

A musty, dank smell is often caused by mould – a serious problem that should be dealt with immediately. While do-it-yourself methods exist, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure all mould spores are eliminated. Touch With Care has the experience to handle even the most persistent mould problem.

When you experience a flood, an urgent response will limit damage to your home or business. Touch With Care’s team of highly experienced restoration specialists are prepared to act quickly across Toronto and Mississauga. We respond within the hour to limit the possibility of water damage, electrical dangers, the growth of mould and bacteria, and structural harm to your home or business. Contact us when disaster strikes.

Need to remove some mold? Here is an expert’s brief for mold removal, from the professional mold remediation experts.

Mold growth is a major problem for any property owner. Apart from the fact that mold is gross, it’s also a health hazard. Mold grows in wet or damp sections of your property, compromising indoor air quality and posing a risk to the occupants’ health. Here is an expert’s brief on how to remove mold professionally.

1. Trace the sources of the moisture

All mold growths are caused by water leakage or a moisture problem. That’s why you should establish where the moisture comes from because mold spores will spread and grow at every place where there is moisture. The aim is to identify the source and use this information to find all the mold formations, including those that are not visible from the outside. The surfaces that often host mold include insulation, drywall, fabrics, tiles, and, wood.

2. Prepare a report and develop a remediation plan

After establishing the cause and scope of the mold problem, prepare a report and include photos and videos of the mold formation. The mold removal team uses the report to develop a remediation plan. The details include when work begins, the mold removal schedule, the individuals responsible for the remediation, tests to be done, and if there is a need for relocation. The report can also help in liability management for the property and inform future mold suppression strategies.

3. Determine the extent of mold growth

Mold grows in all damp surfaces in the home, so you need to calculate the extent of the contamination. Determining the severity of the contamination informs the approach you use for mold removal, clean up, and disinfection. The Canadian construction industry has guidelines for mold assessment procedures. The guidelines recommend three remediation levels based on the extent of the contamination and sensitivity of the affected areas.

4. Mold remediation

Mold remediation involves removing the existing mold while minimizing exposure and preventing future growth by rectifying the moisture problem. Based on the calculations, you can determine if you need remediation Level 1, 2, or 3. Some homeowners decide to handle Level 1 and 2 contamination on their own. Level 3 requires supervision by a qualified mold removal professional. The general steps for Level 1 and 2 involve:

• Solving the moisture problem to prevent future growths
• Isolating the contaminated area
• Applying mist to suppress dust
• Removing and disposing of all the contaminated materials
• Cleaning all the contaminated surfaces in accordance with level 1 and level 2 cleaning requirements

5. Evaluate the mold removal process

Check if the moisture problem has been solved by revisiting the property a couple of days after the remediation. Organize additional testing by a certified environmental testing agency to verify that the place is safe for occupation.

Touch With Care is an emergency restoration services company serving most of southern Ontario. Contact us for more guidance and professional assistance with mold removal.