Tips For Avoiding Mould In Rainy Season

It’s spring, otherwise known as rainy season, and this year we’ve already seen heavy, even torrential rains and flooding in some areas of the GTA and Southern Ontario. On April 20, 72.4mm of rain fell in Dundas, just west of the GTA – in effect, representing a month’s rainfall that was dumped on the community in Hamilton’s west end in a single day.

Even without extreme conditions, once the rains start in the spring or fall, the ground becomes saturated. That sends the water running in various directions, and eventually it will go where it is not wanted – inside your home. That means leaking roofs and windows, and damp basements.

And, it means mould.

Mould Check
Mould will occur anywhere that water accumulates and then lingers. All it takes is a few drops in a nook or cranny where you don’t see it – that and about 24 to 48 hours, along with organic material like cellulose in paper or wood products, or sheetrock, as food.

Don’t panic! There is a lot you can do to mitigate any damage, and to proactively prevent mould from ever taking hold in your home. Here are a few mould prevention tips for rainy season.

Indoors

  • Check your home for possible leaks, especially in attic, basement, or crawl space areas where you may not see them.
  • Wherever you find leaks, be sure to clean and dry the area thoroughly, along with fixing the issue that caused the leak. Time is of the essence, so you want to get to it as soon as you possibly can.
  • Use a dehumidifier to rid the air of excess moisture, especially when there has been a flood or leak.
  • Ventilation is the key to keeping humidity under control.
  • Change the filters in your furnace and air conditioner regularly; at least once a year.
  • Masonry sealer is a good option for basement walls and floors – ask a reputable building contractor if you’re not sure about DIY.
  • A vacuum with a HEPA filter can help protect you from mould spores in the air.
  • Avoid keeping cardboard boxes in your basement, especially if it is prone to dampness.

Home Exterior Checklist:
Examine your home from the outside, looking in particular for things like rotting wood, gaps in window frames, missing roof tiles, and other signs of potential water damage. If you find anything like that, then be sure to also examine the inside to determine where water may have flowed.

  • Check the roof and remove any debris.
  • Clean – or have a professional do it – the eavestroughs of leaves and other debris.
  • Check any downspouts for leaks and clogs, and that they drain away from the building.
  • Check the caulking around doors and windows.

We Can Help
If you have mould issues in your home, you can trust the experienced 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.

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