At Zip Contracting, we do provide mould remediation services in the Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon wards of the Peel Region of Ontario, Canada. Mould remediation involves many steps, including removing the conditions that cause mould to reappear.
Types of Mould Damage
- Unsightly mould growth
- Health problems due to mould in the air
- Stains left behind after mould is removed
- Mould travelling to other spaces like walls and attics
Mould Growth in Houses and Commercial Structures
Mould growth inside buildings is a result of porous building materials or objects that have remained wet for 48 – 72 hours minimum. In homes or businesses that are kept clean and dry, mould growth is rare. When it does occur, it is usually a result of accumulated moisture that has gone undetected. Pipes leaking inside walls, roof leaks in attics, and malfunctioning HVAC drainage systems are common sources of undetected moisture problems in buildings.
A clogged drainpipe caused the condensate catch pan of this HVAC system in an attic to overflow. It went undetected for months. The only visible indication of a problem was a slowly worsening drywall joint on the ceiling. On inspection, an affected area of about 800 sq. ft. (74 SQM) was discovered.
Mould spores viewed through an electron microscope, magnified 415X
Mould spores are ubiquitous in both indoor and outdoor environments. All that is necessary for them to ‘take root’ and grow is for a porous material such as drywall or wood to remain wet for an extended time period. Once it begins to grow, the mould releases microscopic spores (like seeds) by the millions. As long as suitable environmental conditions remain (warm, wet, porous materials) it will proliferate.
Our Mould Remediation Process
Our mould remediation professionals will start with an inspection of your home to find all the places where mould exists and to identify the source of any excess moisture problems. The source of any water leaks must be found and repaired before the remediation can begin. If significant mould is discovered, an Industrial Hygienist will be brought in to identify the type and quantity of mould present, and to develop a remediation protocol. The protocol will normally include the installation of a containment barrier to keep the mould within the affected area. Air scrubbers will be deployed to remove excess mould spores from the air and reduce the likelihood of spreading it throughout the structure.
Mould that is growing on surfaces will need to be cleaned by scrubbing, abrading, and the application of antimicrobial agents. Some materials, such as carpet and drywall may not be restorable so must be removed and discarded. Some wood materials can be restored by abrading the surface to a specified depth. If abrasion removes so much material as to compromise the structural integrity or useability of the item, it must be discarded and replaced. A mould inhibiting sealant may also be applied to plywood and other structural materials to help prevent future growth.
After the remediation, clearance testing is performed by the Industrial Hygienist. This can be a reiterative process in which successive cleaning and testing will be required to finally receive a clean bill of health from the industrial Hygienist. u
Repairs and Reconstruction
Once cleared by the Hygienist, our Construction Manager will meet with the owner to discuss the build-back. Many home and business owners use this opportunity to make modifications and improvements. Cabinetry, flooring, appliances, and structural changes are common areas of upgrading or improvement.
In this example, a basement laundry room suffered extensive mould damage due to leaks in concealed plumbing. After the remediation the family elected to convert the basement to a self-contained in-laws suite. The customer was very pleased with the results.
Contact Zip Contracting
Be sure to contact us if you are dealing with mould problems in your home. We will be able to help you remove the mould and make sure it does not come back.
