Mold Inspections in Toronto and the GTA

Mold is one of the most common and critical problems we do inspections for in Toronto and the GTA. It can pose serious health risks for you and your family, as well as damage to your home.

According to the Mayo Clinic, mold is the leading cause of chronic sinus infections, the most common chronic disease in the United States. It can cause even more serious lung problems for older adults, children with asthma and people with weak immune systems.

Even when it grows in areas that don’t affect your breathing, like an attic, it’s still a problem. That’s because mold promotes rot and decay, which can damage the structure of your home.

There are many types of mold that can grow in homes, but in all cases it’s unsafe and should be removed.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that’s found all over the world because it can grow on almost any surface if there’s enough humidity. It’s a natural part of our environment—but much like rain or insects, it’s not something you want in your home.

Mold reproduces itself by releasing spores into the air. When these spores land, new patches of mold can begin to grow. 

However, the airborne spores can also be breathed in by humans and other animals. In this way, mold growing indoors can affect the air quality of a home, condo or office.

What causes mold in homes and buildings?

Most of the issues we see in home inspection are related to water, and mold is no exception. It will grow anywhere that has a consistent relative humidity level of at least 60%.

Here are some of the areas we see it most often in homes:

• Non-ventilated spaces like behind walls and under floors. If you see mold spots on a wall, there’s a good chance we’ll find a bigger mold problem behind, where the humidity is higher.
• Attics, especially when they’ve been re-insulated in a way that blocks ventilation. In most cases, mold in the attic won’t affect the air quality of the house. However, it still promotes rot and decay and needs to be removed before it damages your roof.
• Basements, which get less sunlight and can be prone to leaks or flooding. 
• Bathrooms, especially ones with bathtubs or showers. If your bathroom doesn’t ventilate properly, it’s a perfect breeding ground for mold.
• Kitchens, especially under the sink where leaks can occur.
• Around windows and sills, which can collect condensation.

Signs of mold

Here are some tips on what to look for when checking for mold in your home:

• Mold comes in many forms. It often looks fuzzy, but sometimes it can simply look like a stain on a wall.
• The most common colours of mold are black, white, green and brown.
• Use your nose—mold has an unpleasant musty smell. It can smell like rotting wood or laundry that was left in the washing machine too long.
• Check the seam between walls and ceilings, along baseboards, around windows and behind/under appliances.
• Check any small enclosed spaces, like under sinks and in cabinets.

Do I need a mold inspection for my Toronto or GTA property?

Sometimes mold in the home is obvious. But how do you know if the mold you see indicates a larger, hidden problem or if there’s mold in other areas of your home?

A specially certified mold inspector like Holley Home Inspections can give you the full information you need. After a mold inspection with Holley Home Inspections, you’ll know:

Since mold can be dangerous for your health, we recommend a full inspection if you’re at all unsure about the presence or extent of mold in your home.

Preventing mold

When it comes to mold, prevention is the best defence! By following the steps below, you can prevent mold from developing or coming back to your home.

How to prevent mold

1. Watch for damp areas in your home. Pay special attention to basements, closets, window sills, roofs and around tubs, sinks and pipes.
2. If you find damp spots, fix them immediately. Repair any leaks as soon as you notice them and clean up any pooled water—don’t let it sit.
3. Use fans in your kitchen and bathroom. Always use exhaust fans in the kitchen when cooking and in the bathroom during showers. Let the fan run for a while after you’re finished cooking or showering.
4. Watch the humidity level in your basement. Many basements need a forced air heating and cooling system or a dehumidifier to keep the humidity level down.
5. Watch the carpeting and rugs in humid areas. Hang bathroom mats to dry completely after showers. Carpeting in humid areas like basements is not a good idea.
6. Vent outside. Check to make sure your exhaust fans and clothes dryers are indeed venting to the outside.
7. Seal tubs and sinks. If seals around tubs and sinks aren’t right, water can leak into and behind walls.

If you have questions about mold or would like to schedule a mold inspection in Toronto or the GTA, give Holley Home Inspections a call today! A thorough inspection will let you deal with any existing problems so you can have peace of mind.
 

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