Mould And Renovations

A GTA homeowner recently got a nasty surprise – mould in the walls in a prized family room. What’s worse, the Thornhill resident is blaming a TV renovation show that took on her home in a televised episode for the problem.

The woman says that, back in 2009, the room was more or less gutted by the TV show’s reno team, including carpeting and other flooring, redoing a bar area, and removing a wall mirror. Part of the new look involved turning one corner of the room into a banquette area with bench seating and an upholstered backrest.

Unfortunately, just recently, the homeowner says she discovered water damage in the basement underneath the family room, with a leak in the plumbing that was traced back to the area of the wall behind the upholstered backrest. When the banquette was dismantled, the homeowner discovered a hole in the drywall where a drain pipe was visible – and there were drill holes in the plastic piping. Black mould and stain was everywhere inside the wall.

Renovation Caution
We can’t say whether or not the show – which no longer airs – was at fault or not, but the story brings up a very important point about being cautious of plumbing during any renovations.

• All it takes is a pinhole in plumbing inside a wall, unseen, for moisture to accumulate. Mould can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours.
• If you are drilling into walls, do you know for sure where plumbing is located? You can’t afford to take the risk.

We often think about maintenance when it comes to the connection between plumbing and mould, and while that is important, extra care is just as warranted when it comes to renovating, or any type of work that involves drilling into walls that potentially contain plumbing.

We Can Help
If you have mould issues in your home, you can trust the experienced and certified mould removal experts at GreenStream Environmental to take care of it 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.