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Archive for June, 2010

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Mold Testing 101

Monday, June 21st, 2010

The purpose of an indoor mold test is to help:

  • Prevent the introduction of mold into your home
  • Detect the location of mold growth, should it already exist
  • Determine the sources of the mold

What Can a Mold Test Find?

A Mold Test will find mold growths on surface areas of your home (bathrooms, carpets, basements, attics, ceilings), in settled dust, and in the air that you breathe.

Usually caused by moisture and humidity, a Professional Mold Test can find the following:

  • The types of mold that may be present in your home (there are approximately 150 different types of known house mold)
  • If the mold is of the toxic (mycotoxins) or non toxic kind
  • Determine if your indoor environment is safe
  • Decide how to correct a mold problem
  • Help to make a party respond to the problem (i.e. Insurance, Tenant, Landlord)

Invisible to the naked eye, toxic mold can’t be identified with a photograph, since most molds look alike.

Do It Yourself Mold Test Kits vs. Certified Mold Testing

There are 2 routes you can take when testing for mold; namely, Do-It-Yourself Mold Test Kits or hiring a Professional Mold Testing Company.

  • Do it Yourself Mold Kits – Are bought off the shelf and are inexpensive. Most claim quick results and peace of mind, but often provide inaccurate amounts of mold, should it exist. Directions must be followed exactly to get meaningful results, and they are rarely able to determine the difference between toxic and non toxic molds.
  • Professional Mold Testing – Is provided by a certified mold expert using top of the line equipment for visual, surface and air testing and sampling. Samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for incubation and analysis. Upon receiving results, you are presented with a mold report detailing mold levels in your home (elevated or normal); type of mold present (toxic vs. non toxic); cause of the mold; corrective measures and methods of preventing future mold from re-occurring

Should you feel you or your family at risk of toxic mold contamination, Contact C4U Inspections for Professional Mold Testing services by calling (250) 768-8512.

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Mold Inspection 101: Part 3

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Choosing a Mold Inspection Company

Mold Inspections are usually carried out by home inspectors, and some do a fine job of detecting mold; however, most are not Certified Mold Inspectors and may not adhere to Provincial, Federal and/or recommended Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry.

A certified mold inspection company is specially trained in home mold inspection and detection services: Ensure that any company claiming to provide mold inspection services follows Health Canada’s Guidelines for Mold Inspections and can provide the following mold testing and inspection services:

  • Toxic Mold Testing
  • Carpet Sampling
  • Construction Mold Problems
  • Pre-Purchase Inspection
  • Preventative Mold Treatments
  • Household Moisture Assessment
  • Moisture intrusion detection (Leak Detection)
  • Mold Remediation

Call C4U Inspections for professional mold inspections (250) 768-8512.

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Mold Inspection 101: Part 2

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Mold is a fungus mostly related to damp and musty areas such as bathrooms, basements and attics.

Mold can grow and take hold within 24-48 hours following a water intrusion, can be difficult to identify, and if left unchecked, can result in property damage and health issues including:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Asthma
  • Ongoing Respiratory Issues

Why Get a Mold Inspection?

There are number of reason you should consider mold inspection services. For example:

  • Health – The existence of mold can cause serious health issues, especially for the young, elderly and those with existing respiratory problems. Professional mold inspection services can spot and prevent the further spread of mold, protecting you and your family.
  • Real Estate Transactions – Regular home inspections may not detect mold growth behind walls, ceilings and insulation; humidity levels and differences from room to room that may cause hidden moisture problems; the moisture content of drywall, hardwood floors, window sills, and other mold-forming areas.
  • Former Flooding – Regular home inspections may not detect previous flooding, known leaks, suspected leaks and/or the chance of re-flooding; all that may lead to mold growths.
  • Drug Houses – Regular home inspections may not detect toxic mold caused by former residential ‘Marijuana Grow-Operation s’, many of which end up condemned.

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