Insulation and Mould

One GTA family’s ongoing nightmare with their home and legal battles boil down to one equation: no insulation = mould.

The unfortunate family bought a semi-detached home in Vaughan, north of Toronto, in 2004 but haven’t lived in it in four years as it has become uninhabitable due to mould infestation. The home was purchased from the original homeowner, who had bought it brand new two years earlier. Like many naive – and later sorry – homeowners, the family moved in without a home inspection, reasoning that the house was only two years old. What problemls could there be?

Almost immediately, the family began to notice clues that point to a lack of insulation in the attic, including:

• Too hot in the summer;
• Very cold in the winter;
• Ice build-up where the walls meet the roof;
• Constant leaks in the winter when he turned the furnace up and it melted the snow on the roof.

In the summer, the heat and constant humidity from the outside caused mould to begin to develop. The volatility of temperature changes disturbs patterns of ventilation, meaning moisture tends not to dry out – a recipe for mould growth.

The family began exhibiting some of the typical health issues associated with mould exposure, which include:

• Respiratory issues, including difficulty breathing;
• Eye, nose and throat irritation;
• Persistent runny nose and sinus irritation;
• Worsening of allergies with no known cause;
• Skin irritation and rashes.

Insulation, Ventilation & Mould
The family, the city, the builder, the original homeowner, a subcontractor and the insulation company are all embroiled in a round of lawsuits in a search for who is responsible for the situation. It’s a very unfortunate case that illustrates the crucial role of insulation and adequate ventilation in preventing mould growth.

Insulation helps to control both temperature and humidity in a building. When warm air from outside hits cooler surfaces inside, it creates condensation. If it doesn’t dry out, it causes mould growth. Humidity levels of over 60 percent also promote mould growth.

If you have a problem with mould in your home, you can trust the experienced professionals at GreenStream Environmental to take care of the issue for you. In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

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.