ATTIC MOLD INSPECTIONS
Qualified professionals doing quality work means we only produce the best results
GTA MOLD INSPECTION
Phone: (416) 568-9702
A lot of people that have upgraded their home in the last few years are now having a problem. The government is promoting energy savings products. Improving your home or business with these energy savings products is a good idea but you need to consider the building science of the dwelling. The study of building science doesn’t seem to be the strong point of government. The eco-energy program was a great benefit for many home owners to upgrade their furnace, windows and insulation levels in their homes.
As you tighten your home or business up, you reduce the air infiltration rate on the windows, doors and furnace and increase the wall infiltration and the attic infiltration rate. Example I will use is a home that has all new windows installed. The windows represented 15-25% of the homes infiltration rate. Now the home has increased attic infiltration and exfiltration. Now with all the humid air from the home moving into the attic you now have the chance for mould (mold) if the moisture can’t escape or you have mould laden air being pulled into the home because of a negative air pressure in the home. With building science you to be balance the air in and out .
If you are going to tighten up your home or business you have to have a plan to replace the air that is not entering into the home. An attic inspection is recommended yearly in your home.
Inch by Inch Healthy Homes conducts black mold inspections and attic mold inspections in Toronto and the GTA.
Get your attic inspected today.
Need qualified and certified mold professionals?
MOLD INSPECTION FAQS
Can I have a mold problem if my house is only two years old?
Actually, given the proper conditions, mold colonies can appear within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. There have also been incidents where wood building products were contaminated with mold prior to being fastened in place at the home construction site.
Why can’t I proceed directly to the remediation of the mold?
You can, but we recommend a mold inspection that includes moisture measurements of floors, walls, and ceilings. Any materials with a high moisture content can indicate hidden mold growth. Comparison of air and mold samples can also indicate hidden mold, as well as reveal what kind of mold you are dealing with. We will be happy to discuss different mold inspection options that best fit your needs and budget.
Should a mold inspection be included in the list of pre-purchase property inspections?
A mold inspection can provide invaluable information about any structural investment you are considering purchasing. Home inspectors sometimes report mold when it is visible, but they typically do not have the aid of specialized equipment that reveals hidden problems (please see the following answer). And, through air sampling, the Certified Mold Inspector can alert you if there is a mold-related indoor air quality problem.
What are some of the features of the mold inspection?
A Certified Mold Inspector will conduct an indoor environmental visual examination (survey) that is enhanced by state-of-the-art devices. Some of these devices measure structural moisture (moist conditions encourage mold growth), air particulates (high particulate counts can be identified with an air sampling device), and thermal variations (cool areas may have a high moisture content). The enhanced examination thus helps pinpoint otherwise invisible moisture intrusion areas where hidden mold may exist (example: inside walls). Mold testing is also offered by the Certified Mold Inspector and samples are collected by following scientific protocols (there is more on mold testing in the following answers). You also receive a written report with recommendations for your specific situation.
How can I benefit from mold testing?
Mold sampling (and testing) will supply answers to questions like: Are mold spore counts higher in my indoor air than naturally occurring mold spore counts outside? What kind of mold (genus) is growing in my home? Is the discoloration, found on the floor (or attic) joists, mold? Sample analyses can also assist your healthcare professional in identifying medical problems that could be related to mold. And, should legal action become necessary, “chain of custody” protected samples would be essential for providing evidence of mold contamination.
What standards exist for evaluating indoor airborne mold quantities?
Indoor mold spore counts should be similar to those of the outdoor air in your immediate vicinity. This axiom is supported by scientific principles and approved by recognized authorities of air quality. These authorities include, but are not limited to, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists; the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology.
How do I know if the mold in my house is toxic to my family and my pets?
It is difficult to be absolutely certain. Most mold sampling analysis does not identify mycotoxins, but it does reveal the mold genus. Genus results are compared to the list of molds that have the potential to produce mycotoxins (a few are listed in the following answer).
What species of toxic molds are commonly found in buildings?
Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria–all considered toxic.
Stachybotrys, Fusarium, and Trichoderma (also considered toxic), produce mycotoxins that are easily absorbed into skin, intestinal lining, airways, and lungs. Other toxic molds include Coccidioides, Blastomyces, Histoplasma, and Memnoniella.
How long will it take to receive testing results?
Collected samples will be promptly sent to an accredited microbiology laboratory for analysis. Normal turn around time for lab results is two to three days.
CONTACT US NOW