A Historic Property with Familiar Issues: Asbestos & Mould

A battle is raging for the preservation of a historic property in the Toronto area, and like so many of the older, picturesque properties a lot of us love, it features some problems homeowners may recognize.

Stouffville Council is considering both sides of the debate in deciding about what to do with the so-called Bartholomew house on rural property that is part of a 260 acre parcel recently bought by Adena Stallions, a company owned by well-known entrepreneur Frank Stronach. The company plans to grow feed for race horses on the farmland.

On one side, a consultant’s report lists a number of serious issues including mould infestation, possible asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint, a triumvirate of the construction ills of the last century.

The local Heritage Advisory Committee, however, disagrees with the findings and has produced their own consultant’s report that claims the property is structurally sound and can be made habitable again despite its problems.

If the building is kept intact, there’s no doubt that the remediation work required would be extensive, including asbestos removal and mould removal.

Older Homes = Older Problems
Asbestos was once considered a miracle construction material and if your home was built before 1970, you should assume that it contains asbestos in one form or another. It can appear in a number of places and in mixtures with other materials, among them:

• Around windows
• Insulation
• Wall panels
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• And more

When it comes to mould…
You don’t actually have to see mould for it to be flourishing and it can grow in your home no matter what its age. It’s actually more common for it to exist inside walls, around windows and in basements – all the places where leaks can happen and moisture can collect – where you probably won’t be aware of it until you feel the symptoms which can include:

• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Coughing and phlegm build-up
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Allergic reactions

We Can Help!
Our experienced mould and asbestos removal experts can help.

• Our mould removal process takes a multi-faceted approach from start to finish.
• We can offer asbestos remediation or asbestos removal according to your individual needs.

For the Health of You & Your Family
Get peace of mind from GreenStream Environmental. In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental at (416) 818-9414.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414.  You’ll be glad you did.