Mould in your home is not only unsightly and unhygienic—it also carries serious health and safety risks. That’s why it’s important to check your home for mould regularly and to take steps to prevent it from forming. Read on for our tips on how to check for mould in your home in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
Where to Look Mould is a fungus that grows on surfaces from the spread of microscopic spores travelling through the air. It thrives in damp spaces and is frequently caused by humidity, poor ventilation, sewer backups, roof and pipe leaks, and water buildup around your home’s foundation. When checking for mould, start with the kitchen and bathroom, two places where excess moisture often accumulates. In the bathroom, check the shower, toilet, sink, walls and ceilings. In the kitchen, inspect in, around and below the sink and inside the fridge. Keep in mind that food past its expiry date or not properly stored can also attract mould. After thoroughly inspecting your bathroom and kitchen, check other parts of your house for mould. Look around AC and heating vents, windowsills, carpets, upholstery, house plants, mattresses, walls and ceilings; these are all places where mould forms under the right conditions. Basements also tend to attract mould because they are often damp and poorly insulated. Check around your basement’s pipes, ducting and vents for signs of mould or excessive condensation. The Importance of Mould Abatement If you find mould in your home, you should immediately seek professional mould removal services to make sure it is safely removed. Inhaling mould spores inflames your airways and causes symptoms like nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness and throat pain. Over time, exposure can reduce lung function and lead to chronic problems like asthma. In addition to affecting your health, mould takes a toll on the well-being of your home and can cause structural damage. Because of the risks, it’s important to consult professionals when dealing with household mould, which often forms in places that are difficult to see or reach, such as inside your home’s insulation. Mould abatement specialists know exactly how to spot a problem. If the results show you have a mould problem, they’ll determine the safest way to remove the mould completely. Professional Mould Removal in Ottawa For over 50 years, O’Reilly Brothers has been providing insulation and abatement solutions to residents in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Our qualified technicians will be glad to assist you through the mould removal process and help prevent mould from forming in your home. To make an appointment, contact our office today.