Is mould lurking in your home? By Michelle Warren
• Bankrate.com
This might mean installing proper ventilation in
a bathroom or attic or fixing a leaky pipe or structural issue.
Sometimes it's as simple as thoroughly cleaning up after a spill
-- mould can start to appear in as little as 48 hours after a spill.
"If you have a continual problem it means the source of water has
not been controlled," says Wilkinson.
If you're having trouble containing mould or growth
is extensive (think bigger than a sheet of plywood), you may need
professional help. "If you're not sure, it's always better to call,"
says Wilkinson, adding that mould that's ignored or not discovered
right away can cause extreme problems.
An environmental engineer or hygienist uses special equipment to measure airborne mould, while licensed investigators can also identify the problem, determine the source of the mould and offer solutions. Here, restoration and abatement specialists take over and the process differs depending on the nature of the problem. When tackling a mould-infested attic, for example, Lindsay would completely enclose the area, remove and dispose of all insulation, use a dry-ice machine to blast the entire space (dry ice vaporizes mould), then vacuum everything before applying a disinfectant and sealer.
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Your local Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation office should have a list of
independent businesses that have completed the CMHC Residential
Indoor Air Quality Investigator program, while environmental engineers
and other professionals can be found in the phone book or online.
Examine credentials, check references and ask about insurance, as
well as adherence to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, or WSIB,
practices. There are no regulations for mould removal; however,
The Canadian Construction
Association's CCA-82 guidelines are a comprehensive resource.
How much does removal cost?
When done right, "it's an expensive process," acknowledges Wilkinson, emphasizing that containment is important for protecting the health of homeowners and those removing the mould. The cost, time and approach depend on the severity of the problem.
Houses
that have hosted marijuana growing operations, for example,
might have to be completely stripped because mould seeps in to the
pores of drywall and wood. This extensive removal and clean up can
cost $50,000, while an attic or basement might run $4,000 to $10,000,
depending on size and damage. "If you're calling in a professional,
you're at a few thousand right off the bat," says Lindsay.
Disasters and years of neglect aside, in most cases mould problems don't have to get this big. Mould needs the right circumstances to flourish -- if moisture is in check, temperatures are regulated and ventilation is good, your home shouldn't be a breeding ground for out-of-control fungi.
