Scarborough Landmark to be Renovated after Asbestos & Mould Clean-up

Mould, asbestos and other hazardous substances are all that stand between a dilapidated former inn and artist’s colony in Toronto’s east end and new life as a restaurant and event centre.

Located in the Guildwood Village in Scarborough, the Guild Inn was once a place where artisans and crafts people worked in open concept studios where the public could watch their sculptures and paintings take shape or wander the landscaped grounds. Today, the windows are boarded up and the grounds are cordoned off. That too is set to change soon, however, and work is set to begin this fall.

The historic property was green lighted for development and the final details are close to being sorted out. Built in 1914, the property began as the Bickford house, a manor house that would eventually become the core of the Guild Inn.

The city has agreed to be responsible for clearing mould and asbestos from the building before the renovation work will proceed.

Historic Properties – Historic Problems
After decades of neglect, it’s a wonder that there is anything left to restore. It was built just over a century ago just when the heyday of asbestos use was reaching its peak. It was seen as a miracle construction material that was,

• Fire retardant;
• Water and moisture resistant;
• Nearly indestructible.

What could go wrong…? Well, decades after the fact, it was discovered that asbestos dust can be inhaled into the lungs where it never goes away. Over the decades, many lung diseases can develop, including cancers and deadly mesothelioma.

Neglect = Mould
Mould is the other major issue that needs cleaning up. It didn’t get built into the house, of course, but the only requirements for mould infestation to begin are:

• Lingering moisture;
• Food – which for mould is organic materials, including the cellulose found in materials like drywall, carpeting and fabrics;
• Temperatures above 4 degrees Celsius.

It’s clear that a long neglected building is a recipe for mould growth. However, it can also be growing inside a wall in your home or under the floor where you never see it, the result of a pinhole leak in the plumbing you never knew you had.

Adequate Budgeting
Just as with the Guild Inn situation, when you renovate, it’s important to budget for potential asbestos removal or mould removal or it can be a nasty surprise once the walls are opened up. If your home was built before the mid 1980’s, it almost certainly contains asbestos in one form or another.

If you have a problem with mould or asbestos 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.