Should I Use A Home Mould Testing Kit?

Should I use a mold testing kit?Mould is definitely something you don’t want around your home. Although it’s not poisonous, it is unsightly, puts other people off, and over a period of exposure, could cause chronic, upper respiratory illness too. It’s also the outward sign of water problems, especially in the basement. We’ve been doing mould removal and  mitigation for a long time now in and around Toronto, and there is one thing that we know.  The source of the water problem needs to be removed before your mould problem can successfully be eliminated.

Mould Testing Kits

Although some stores still sell these kits, they’re almost useless. Putting out a “settling plate” is about as sensible as leaving a ripe banana out on the kitchen counter. OF COURSE mould will develop naturally on the fruit. That’s what mould does. And it will settle on the settling plate because that’s what it’s designed for too. But this DOES NOT necessarily mean that the mould came from somewhere in your house – or for that matter tell you where it came from either.

Moreover, the decreasing popularity of mould kits also means that they may sit on shelves for ages, even though the testing chemicals have shorter sell-by-dates. Some scientists investigating them have also recorded conflicting findings. This means that mould test kits are `at best, unreliable.

A Total Lack of Logic

Knowing you have mould in your home is a problem statement, and not a solution. And the mould you are concerned about is obviously concealed, or else why would you need to test for it? The far bigger risk you run by using a mould testing kit is that you might get a clear result, while all the time intruding water is causing permanent damage to the structure of your home.

Manufacturers of the test kits know this. That’s why they use scare tactics like “mould could potentially kill you”, when it’s patently not true. Mould, inhaled over a period of time, or if you have respitory problems, can be dangerous, but it’s still not poison.We’ll say it one more time so there’s no possibility of misunderstanding. Mould is not the problem. It’s the dampness and leaking water behind the mould you should be worrying about.

Damp Inspections versus Mould Tests

Every basement should be inspected annually for dampness and other wet basement problems. That’s because basements attract moisture the same way overripe bananas attract mould. A mould test kit is a blind test for fungi that tells you virtually nothing. You’re just wasting time and money.

A damp inspection, on the other hand, is a detailed survey of your entire home by specialists who know just where to look for problems. If there’s mould there too, they’ll be sure to spot it. This information is secondary in nature though, and it effectively comes free.

Choosing the Right Basement Specialist

Although the internet is cluttered with information about damp and mould, this is no more useful than background static, because there’s no substitute for training and experience. Sourcing and addressing damp problems – especially in basements – is no job for casual handymen with mould test kits. If you have signs of water problems and mould in your home, the best bet is to have a certified professional come in and do a full inspection in your home.

 

 

Should I Buy a Home with a Wet Basement?

While you shouldn’t rule out a home with a wet basement, you do need to do some further investigation before going ahead with a purchase agreement.  We’ve been a part of hundreds of home inspections in Mountain View over the years.  Many times we get called in when a home inspector or buyers agent discovers a potential problem and recommends a waterproofing contractor come in a give an assessment.

Since basements are basically a hole in  the ground, kind of like an inground swimming pool, and rainwater will naturally flow to low lying areas, basements are bound to have some sort of water problems. Sometimes the seller of the home you buy may not even know of them. At other times, they may try and conceal them. At best you have a repair job ahead of you. At worst, you could be in a legal battle trying to recoup the cost of repairing your basement.

Along with seeking the advice of a  traditional home inspector, if you suspect water problems in the basement, your safest bet is to have a waterproofing contractor inspect the basement before you buy the house. After all, you wouldn’t purchase a second-hand car without asking an expert for an opinion, and having the vehicle tested too. It makes sense to apply the same logic when buying a second-hand home. The waterproofer’s report shouldn’t cost you an arm or a leg either, but could potentially save you from tens of thousands of dollars in home repairs.

Things to Look Out For

Insist on doing the inspection without the seller or their agent hovering nearby.  Alarm bells should start ringing in your head the moment you spot any of the following:

  •  The characteristic musty smell of damp or mold. If you find it in a basement, there’s bound to be moisture down there somewhere too.
  •   Water staining anywhere on the ceiling, floor and walls. Make sure you bottom out on the cause, and find out if it’s still happening.
  •   The white powder the experts call efflorescence. Water leaves this behind over a period of time after it evaporates.
  •   Plaster rendering coming away because of spalding happening inside the wall itself.
  •   Black, brown, green or yellow mold that needs a damp environment in which to take root and multiply.

Things that You Could Attempt Yourself

Sometimes the cause of basement damp is a leaking water pipe or a faulty appliance. If it’s a transient problem like that and you’re a handy person, you may just need to tighten up a joint or two. In other words, the basement is not the problem – it’s the way it’s being used.

The solution can also be as simple as redirecting rainwater where it’s discharging from a gutter, adjusting a garden sprinkler system, or unblocking the drain in a window well. Again, here the basement is quite sound. But no basement will perform well if there’s water dammed up around it.

More Serious Problems

If the above issues are not present, and there’s moisture penetrating through the basement walls from outside, then you have a real problem. Either the drainage systems that were put in place have failed, or they were inadequate in the first place. It’s pointless even trying to stem the flow of water with a cheap kit from a hardware store. You’ll most likely need a professional to assess the situation.

Avoiding All of This

We alluded earlier to the wisdom of arranging a proper survey before bidding for a home that includes a basement. Why take chances with your biggest investment? Obtain peace of mind. Have it checked out first by a certified waterproofing contractor. Know what’s on offer before you buy.

 

 

How to Fix a Humid Basement

Humidity is an expression of the amount of water in the air. Humidity tends to increase during hot summer months, and is can be found indoors in any climate, especially like here on Toronto where we tend to have cold Winters and sometimes Scorching Summers with lots of rain and climate swings in between. We feel uncomfortable when the ambient humidity is high because it reduces the effectiveness of the natural cooling process we call sweating. The higher the ambient humidity level, the happier mould becomes though. And that’s a double-bind that’s best avoided at any time.

Mold in finished basement Toronto

Our basements are mini climatic systems too (although builders set out to ensure they remain as dry as deserts). That’s because the earth we build on is dynamic, and heaves and shifts naturally as its own moisture levels vary. And as it does so, it exerts massive pressure on our basement structures. The almost inescapable result is cracking, followed inevitably by water seepage.

Your Basement – A Lifelong Project

If you have a basement that’s completely watertight, then count yourself among the lucky ones. That’s because, when soil is saturated with rainwater, it’s as good as having a dam outside, thanks to force of hydrostatic pressure. Few cement-based building materials are one hundred per cent waterproof either. True foundation waterproofing uses rubber membranes on the exterior of the home. When you think about it, that’s why we build houses above the ground on foundations, and set roofs on top of them.

Finished basement with musty odour

Your Counter Measures

  1. Detect the Signs – The first thing you need to do is keep your nose tuned in to the slightest distinctive whiff of dampness, humidity or mould downstairs. When you detect something like that, it’s time to conduct a visual examination. That mould or damp spot has to be someplace, and that’s somewhere near the root cause too.

 

  1. Find the Spot – It’s important to remember that damp and humidity vary according to the season, and what’s happening on the far side of the basement. When it’s present on the walls it shows as a blush of water, a trickle or a dribble. On the floor, things are simpler because it forms a puddle somewhere or soaks the flooring above it.

 

  1. Detect the Source – If water’s dripping through the ceiling, it’s likely caused by a leaky pipe upstairs. If it appears on a wall instead, then that wall is either cracked, or the moisture is following a gap caused by an intruding pipe, or during the building process. Water on the floor is either the result of those wall or ceiling leaks, or caused by a more serious problem because you have water welling up from down below.

 

  1. Fix the Problem – While it is possible to seal a tiny crack from inside (although this is never a permanent solution) more serious basement damp problems require professional solutions that involve tackling the problem at its source – and that’s inevitably beyond the walls or below the floor.

We wish we could be more positive about the “instant solutions” offered on the internet and in hardware stores. At best, they conceal the problem while the hidden damage worsens. Using a dehumidifier can reduce the dampness in the basement, but it won’t fix the problem and will leave you with another daily chore of emptying the tank every day.

 

 

What Are Mould Mites?

What Are Mould Mites?

Mould is a fungus that’s found growing naturally outside, where there’s damp and rotting plant material. It propagates itself by releasing tiny seeds called spores that are light enough to travel through the air, enter a home through an open door or window, and colonize any space that’s either damp or humid.

Mould mites in Toronto home

Everything has its purpose in life, and that goes for mould too. In this instance, its part of the food chain of a tiny creature called the Tyrophagus Putrescentiae, or mould mite. A scientist first noted the tiny, hairy small white insect in Austria in 1781. Since then, it’s spread world-wide, and is found crawling inside homes all over Toronto.

Must I Move Out?

No, that’s not necessary. In fact, Tyrophagus Putrescentiae doesn’t even bite (although it does shed its long hairs – and these can cause irritating allergic reactions when inadvertently inhaled). However it is also an indicator of a far more serious problem. Somewhere in your home you’ve got damp, and that can cause permanent damage to your largest investment by far.

Can I Get Rid of Them?

It’s not always practical to spray mould mites, because they share your favourite spaces like your vegetable rack, computer keyboard and even television. However, if you get rid of the things they live off, they’ll likely vacate your space without even giving notice. By all means, wipe the ones you see away with a damp cloth. For a more permanent solution, consider doing the following:

  • Get rid of any plant matter that’s not completely fresh. This could be a tired flower arrangement, or fresh broccoli left out overnight in the kitchen. Chances are that both are harbouring spreading mould.

 

  • Ventilate your home on a daily basis to get rid of accumulating humidity. Inspect your attic, living space and basement for any signs of damp. Appoint a damp-proofing specialist to address any problems that you notice.

 

  • Eliminate all mould by wiping it away with a solution of one cup of household bleach to a five gallon bucket of water, remembering to use a facemask and waterproof gloves just to be sure.
damp and mould mites in home

In the Long Run

It’s a fact of life that once you’ve got mould in your home, it can be difficult  to get rid of it completely – and that means that from time-to-time you’re going to find mould mites too. This does not mean you cannot manage the situation though. You just need to ventilate your home, eliminate mould when you see it, and arrange a for a certified mould inspector or contractor to conduct a proper inspection, to prevent deep-seated problems from developing undetected.

 

Home Renovations That Increase The Value Of Your Home [Infographic]

When your about to take on a costly home renovation project, the most important consideration you should make should be the enjoyment and value you’ll receive as a homeowner from this renovation.  If you think you’ll eventually be selling your home in the future, you may want to also consider the increased value this renovation will bring to your home.

Some expensive additions, such as an inground swimming pool, can be very expensive, but could add little value to the asking price for your home in the future. This is dependent on region and locale, here in Toronto, it wouldn’t add much value due to the colder climate and short swimming window….but in a hot climate, an inground pool is a must.

Everyone loves a finished basement or a new kitchen, but not everyone wants a giant swimming pool taking up half their backyard. If you’re wondering which types of renovation add the most re-sale value for you home, check out this infographic courtesy of elocal.com.  While personal enjoyment should be your main concern when investing in a home renovation, it’s also comforting knowing that you’l get most of your investment back if you decide to sell your home one day.

Home renovations that increase the resale value of your home-infographic

Is Black Mold Dangerous in My House?

That’s actually a leading question, because “dangerous” is a term more often used to describe a life-threatening situation, or something that can cause serious bodily harm. Black Mold is actually neither of these (despite claims in the sensational media to the contrary). However it is not good for us either – especially for people with hyper-sensitivity to it. Mold is a living substance that can rapidly grow throughout the house if left untreated, so it’s therefore best removed immediately when found.

 

How Black Mold Develops

Black Mold (also known as stachybotrys chartarum and stachybotrys atra) is a dark green fungus that grows under damp conditions on anything that’s low on nitrogen and high on cellulose. This means it just loves common household materials like gypsum ceiling board, fibre board, dust, paper and even lint.  Here in Toronto, the change in seasons and sometimes wild weather swings can contribute to mold problems.

You’ll find it on these materials wherever they are exposed to high humidity, water leaks, condensation and even flooding. When you spot Black Mold in your house you’ll know three things for certain:

  • You have a moisture problem
  • You have a potential health problem
  • Your household cleaning routine could be improved

Black Mold is unhealthy, but usually not an immediate medical concern – unless, that is, you have a serious upper respiratory-tract condition like asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis or a constant, wheezing cough. You don’t need to pull the sheets over your head or vacate your home. You just need to get rid of the Black Mold and tweak your lifestyle.

When You Know It’s There

Besides its characteristic musty smell, mold causes symptoms that affect the general health of residents. Constant sniffles, hacking coughs and allergic attacks are all signs that there are mold spores in their lungs, and that’s not something that’s worth continuing with. However it’s pointless trying to get rid of mold while it continues to regenerate itself. You need a two-pronged solution for the problem.

 

Prevention

Mold grows everywhere in the natural environment. It propagates itself by giving off microscopic seeds called “spores” that are so lightweight that they travel through the air. When they come to rest on a hospitable surface that’s also moist, they take root and begin to multiply.

This part of the problem is relatively simple. Get rid of accumulated dust around the house and call in a waterproofing contractor to eliminate any damp. Wipe down all surfaces to get rid of spores. Keep at it, and your black mold infestation will slow down and may even stop spreading.

Removal

Now that you have the source of renewed mold under control, it’s time to get rid of the historic evidence. Here’s what to do (provided you are not suffering from, or susceptible to upper respiratory tract problems):Clear the house of people and pets just to be sure

  •  Open up all the doors and windows
  •  Put on non-porous gloves and protective eye-wear
  •  Make up a solution of one cup of bleach to a gallon of water in the garden
  •  Go inside, and wipe everything with the solution
  •  Be prepared to throw ruined fabrics away
  • Leave the house to air for as long as you can

Is this a Job for a Mold Specialist?

It depends, provided the Black Mold is not too widespread, such as a leak around a bathroom pipe or under your sink.  If you have more serious mold and water problems, such as in your attic or in a damp basement, you may want to call in a mold removal specialist as there may be several areas in the house where it has spread.  You’ll also have to determine and fix the source of the water leak or else your mold problems will just return.  If you have questions about mold or water leaks in your house, feel free to contact us here and we’ll be happy to offer some advice.

 

Vertical Crack In My Foundation Wall

Vertical Foundation Wall Cracks

A foundation is the structure on which a home or other building rests. It may be a simple trench filled with concrete on which the brick walls stand. It could also be a concrete-reinforced sheet under the entire building. Where the ground slopes, there may be foundation walls as well, to make up the height difference.

Where a basement is constructed beneath a dwelling, these foundation walls go up to full room height, and receive immense pressure from the weight above them. Unfortunately not all builders make good engineers. If the forces bearing down on foundation walls are incorrectly calculated – or they are inadequately supported by their footings – then the walls will inevitably crack.  Cracks in the foundation can also be a result of shifting of the earth around the foundation, causing enough movement and stress for it to crack.

Toronto home with vertical crack in foundation

Warning Signs

Vertical foundation cracks usually develop during the first few years after construction finishes, as the building settles and the concrete finally cures. They typically start as hairline cracks that progressively open up. A structural engineer is able to measure their movement, and to determine whether the cracks are new developments, or older history.

It is also possible for basement wall cracks to develop when peripheral events affect an existing structure. These could include alterations to the property, blasting in the neighborhood, or even an earth tremor. It’s important to monitor for basement cracking during events like these, so that an insurance or other claim may be lodged before the opportunity expires.

Consequential Problems

Most times a mildly cracked foundation wall is more of an irritation, because it admits moisture and even drops of water through it. Nonetheless, homeowners are strongly advised to consult an a qualified contractor or engineer if in any doubt. The more serious consequence is often a reduction in the value of their home, since buyers often run a mile from the sight of cracks.

“Solutions” That Don’t Always Work

The only sure-fire way to seal a leak is at its source (unless it’s a hairline crack that may be filled with polyurethane). As a professional foundation contractor in Toronto, we get hundreds of calls a year for foundation cracks, including following up on poor attempts to fix them.  The following are examples of botched jobs we often come across:

  • Amateurish attempts like papering over basement wall cracks or filling them with commercial caulking seal. These are inevitably bound to fail as efflorescence builds up behind the sealant causing it to peel away. It’s also almost impossible to obtain a dirt-free, perfectly dry surface with which to bond.

 

  • Commercial filling with hydraulic cement or other rigid substances is also bound to fail, because the structure will still shift with seasons, while the hydrostatic pressure from outside continues unabated. The same applies to epoxy seals to a lesser extent. They may sometimes work for years though – provided they are attached to a perfectly clean dry surface

Flexible, expandable urethane sealants may work where a crack has stabilised. However their elasticity is limited, while cracks can expand by up to 100% quite quickly. For this reason they are not ideal.

The Real Solution

Where vertical foundation wall cracks are serious, or there’s water pouring through them in the rainy season, the only viable solution is to remove the outside soil, to install a french drain or other soak-away system, and to apply a flexible waterproofing sealant or membrane from the outside.

Repairing and/or waterproofing a foundation  can be expensive for the homeowner, it’s also alot of work. If you’re going to do it, be sure it’s being done by a professional that will offer a guarantee on their work and has experience working with foundations.

 

 

Understanding High Water Tables

Did you know that many cities sit on top of old waterways and river systems?  While there are many reasons your basement might be leaking water, in some areas, rising water tables could be the problem.  While the water table below your home may be several meters below your foundation, that doesn’t mean that it won’t cause water problems in your basement.  Below explains what a water table is and how it can effect your home.

A water table – sometimes also referred to as a groundwater table – is the upper level of accumulated water that has collected on the saturated or impermeable surface below it. Groundwater tends to level out just like the water in your bath or swimming pool. That’s why it’s called a table by the experts, because the tops of tables are usually smooth too.

High water table in Toronto from underground rivers and streams

Two Types of Water Tables

Geologists speak of two kinds of water tables, namely perched ones and true ones. True tables are those prevailing in an area. They represent the average water height, plus / minus the prevailing season in terms of wet or dry. However water doesn’t always seep down consistently. Factors that affect water penetration include:

  • The degree of existing saturation
  • The permeability of the strata
  • The presence of impermeable rock.

Groundwater may perch higher at some points than others as a result of this phenomenon. Think of this as a step-change, or as if there’s a thick book laying on your desk or table.

Implications for Building Basements

Homeowners watching their new basement being excavated should not necessarily be content when the earth comes out dry. That’s because water could rise up during the rainy season if their home is in a low-lying area, and exert hydrostatic pressure on the walls resulting in leaks and cracks in your home’s foundation.

This is especially probable if their house is built on clay, or if they have to excavate through hard rock or shale to create space for the basement. That’s because excessive rain could cause water to perch around it temporarily, inevitably increasing the risk of mold-inducing dampness.

Artificial Causes

Basement contractors dig out a larger area than they require, so they can work on both sides of the walls as they damp or waterproof them. When they are finished, they backfill the spaces on the outside of the basement, usually with the same material they previously excavated.

This creates a leaky fill especially if they’re using rock or shale that water filters through more rapidly that the original underlying surface can absorb. This in turn creates a dam of wet material right around the outside basement walls. This can stand for days or even weeks in winter. Just imagine the hydrostatic pressure if you filled the space with water, and you’ll have a good idea of the consequences.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

If you are looking for a home and are concerned about water problems, or you currently have water problems in your basement, you need to consider a four-pronged strategy to knock this problem on the head. Ignore this advice at your peril. You could be inviting a high repair bill in the future.

  • Avoid building/buying your house – or add a basement – in a low-lying area that’s surrounded by high ground or where water drains to naturally.  Water will use gravity and  find the path of least resistance when searching for a low lying area, which could be that new home you’re eyeing.

 

  • Do install French drains / weeping tiles around the outside walls at the lowest point, to drain groundwater away before it causes damage.

 

  • Do not allow the contractor to backfill with loose material.  Be sure the backfill is replaced properly or you could be creating a swimming pool around your foundation. If necessary, import something more suitable.

 

  • Do everything you can to prevent water from finding its way from the surface to the bottom of your outside basement walls in the first place.

In these ways it is usually possible to manage groundwater effectively. Ignoring a water leaks in your basement for too long can lead to expensive repairs and health concerns from mold later on down the line if left untreated.