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mold remediation ottawa

Mold Remediation Ottawa: Basic Information and the Removal Process

Mold remediation identifies and removes or encapsulates large-scale mold from homes to keep residents and homeowners safe. Also, mold treatment becomes a more common feature of purchasing and selling homes. Every homeowner wants to avoid having a mold problem. The dampness in the basement and water intrusion are just two causes.

It’s important to take care of this serious problem as soon as it’s discovered to prevent harm to your property and potential health issues. Despite the fact that there are various mold removal options, should you attempt this project on your own? This significant question is made clearer by our specialists.

What Is Mold

You may be thinking “why is mold bad” and, more significantly, “is mold dangerous” after hearing about it. Here are some guidelines for recognizing mold and the risks associated with its growth.

Mold is a form of fungus that develops in hyphae, which are multicellular structures. Both indoor and outdoor mold spores are created by these hyphae. Mold needs moisture to flourish even though its spores are widely distributed.

How To Spot Mold

Here are some mold warning indicators to look out for in your house:

  • A musty odor in your home’s dampest room
  • Green, grey, or black patches or stains, fresh, on a porous surface
  • White fuzzy stuff under wallpaper and other materials

What Are The Health Risks

Mold can cause harm to your home in addition to health issues when its spores are discharged into the air and inhaled over time. The following are some indicators that mold exposure may be hazardous to your health: unusual headaches, Insomnia, Allergic, Asthma, etc.

How To Remove Mold

Find the source

As previously noted, there are a variety of ways that mold can enter your house. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that humidity is always the perfect environment for mold growth. It’s imperative that you locate the source of the moisture before taking any action.

Contain Area

Even though mold grows on or in surfaces, its spores can travel through the air, therefore it’s crucial to contain an area with mold before decontaminating it. Turn off any central air vents and use plastic to completely isolate the area from the rest of the house.

Protect Yourself

Making sure you are appropriately protected is a further crucial step. Fabrics are porous and can spread mold to adjacent rooms, endangering your health in the process. Get mold remediation-specific coveralls, masks, gloves, and other protective gear. Masks made of paint and coveralls won’t be enough to keep you safe.

Cleanse Area

Use borax, a white powder cleaner that you may find in the laundry detergent aisle if the mold is contained in a limited area. It destroys the mold when combined with water and applied to the affected region; it also stops it from coming back. However, because it contains water, it is not advised to use it on porous surfaces like carpeting or drywall. 

It’s advisable to entirely remove and discard porous sections that are obviously contaminated because drying them out and removing the mold may be too difficult or impossible to do in order to stop future mold growth. It’s crucial to understand that bleach will not be effective if you have major mold contamination. 

It will fade the color but not get rid of the mold, and because of the humidity, new mold development will be encouraged. Utilizing a negative air machine to remove airborne particles is advised as an extra measure after decontamination. This will keep the mold spores contained and prevent the rest of the house from becoming contaminated.

It’s crucial to be aware that mold removal is not advised for those who have health issues, particularly respiratory issues. As much as possible, keep all members of your household away from any contaminated locations until they have been properly cleaned.

When To Call In An Expert

While these four processes might seem easy enough, there are numerous situations where hiring a remediation specialist is strongly advised. The following are instances in which you should contact a mold decontamination specialist rather than performing DIY treatments:

Black mold is present, the infected area(s) is deemed to be medium or large, and you are unsure of the source of the moisture that led to the mold.

Choose Renovco Ottawa for Mold Remediation

The Unique Concept of Renovco is cleverly recognizable. Everything from emergency work reconstruction, content handling and cleaning, warehousing, mold remediation, ozone treatment, and fire-line system to a distribution channel and one-stop shop for design services is offered. 

This innovative solution is becoming to become not just a unique skill that Renovco enjoys but also a profound aspect of peace of mind that clients like. Renovco quickly rose to the top in the renovation and restoration industry from the very beginning. Contact us by calling 613-727-7070 or emailing infoottawa@renovco.com.

asbestos removal ottawa

Professional Asbestos Removal in Ottawa

Renovco is a fully compliant asbestos removal company in Ottawa, Ontario. We offer safe and effective services to bring up your building to speed. With all the health and safety regulations.

We also will complete your asbestos removal work as follows:

  • Thoroughly trained and fully insured asbestos remediation technicians
  • Worksite preparation, cleaning and safe disposal of asbestos
  • Equipped to handle all the Types (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3) asbestos removal projects

We handle all asbestos removal projects in Ottawa, Montreal, and other close areas

Renovco is a well equipped Ottawa asbestos removal company because we are prepared to undertake all asbestos removal work. Including here industrial and commercial asbestos removal.

We also have provided removal, containment, and disposal of friable asbestos material for our clients. Those who had asbestos issues trusted us and we gave the best service possible, for a healthier environment.

Sometimes, removing asbestos especially in large quantities is a high-risk work. It is not only dangerous for workers but also for the building which can lead to asbestos contamination and greater exposure. Our Ottawa asbestos removal technicians are fully trained, insured, and equipped with the right tools and equipment.

Asbestos removal process in Ottawa

Asbestos is a highly toxic and hazardous material. The process of asbestos removal goes through 4 steps:

  1. Investigation and evaluation of all detected toxic areas.
  2. Plan the work: Secure the areas and start to plan for the removal.
  3. Execution and disposal of asbestos 
  4. Finishing final touches, taking into account every change or regulation.

Typical areas that may have asbestos

  • Around basements, attics and cold cellars
  • Behind drywall
  • Above drop ceilings, ceiling tiles
  • Beneath floor tiles and hardwood slats
  • Inside ductwork and pipe wraps
  • Roofing shingles and siding
  • Circulatory intake vents

Dangerous material found in these areas will affect the quality of air inside your home. It also will create health problems for those who are exposed to asbestos. Owners who detect or even suspect an asbestos presence inside their property should immediately hire an expert to test and perform asbestos removal.

Choose your professional company

Our teams of experts are always ready to serve you, whether you would like to design your dream bedroom, remodel a bathroom, finish the basement, create a new home extension, renovate your office or get disinfection and cleaning services, you can count on Renovco!

Renovco has a smartly identifiable unique concept. From emergency work reconstruction, content handling and cleaning, warehousing, mould remediation, Ozone treatment, and Fire-line system to a distribution channel and one-stop-shop for design services. However, this clever solution is translating to become, not only an exclusive competency that Renovco enjoys but also a profound peace-of-mind feature that clients treasure.

So, feel free to contact us here.

flooded basement

Flooded Basement Restoration – Renovco Team

 

A flood may happen at any time. A flooded basement can be a disaster. It may be caused by all sorts of things. This includes a broken sump pump, storm sewer backup, a burst washing machine hose, or even a failed water heater tank. Undepending by causes when a flooded basement happens, are some essential steps that a homeowner can take to begin the flood cleanup process.

Time and the forces of nature together continuously bear down on your home that was built and designed to never have a flooding, musty, or a damp basement. If you hire professionals than basement flooding is a problem that can be solved quickly. Basements can flood from almost any point including floor, walls, pipes, windows, and hatchway entrances. Most flooded basements are caused by heavy rains, groundwater flooding, or home plumbing failures.

You must bear in mind that, if flood water inside your home is pumped out promptly, your walls, as well as your carpet, flooring, ceiling, and personal property can quickly become damaged. This helps to create an unsafe environment of breeding bacteria, mold growth, and rotting wood. The flooded basement restoration process has two primary phases: flood water removal and flooded basement cleanup, which includes the drying process.

REMOVE THE FLOOD WATER

If your flooded basement has a relatively small amount of water, you may be able to mitigate some of the flood damage by beginning the drying process on your own. Try to remove as much flood water as possible with wet-dry vacuums and pumps. In cases where you don’t own water removal equipment, you can typically rent a pump from a tool rental store.

After water removal, we recommend to dry out the affected area with fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Also recommended to open doors and windows to help maximize air circulation.

Don’t forget, water removal is just the primary step. But in several cases, simply drying techniques are not enough when removing water after a flood. The approach you take to water damage restoration is depending on the types of rooms and belongings affected.

CLEAN UP YOUR FLOODED BASEMENT

After the water removal, it’s time to clean up your flooded basement. Things like carpets, walls, and floor coverings are porous which means a basic cleaning will not suffice and more extensive disinfection, deodorizing, and flood restoration are required. You know that surface cleaning only removes visible contamination. For this reason, all surfaces affected by water damage must be thoroughly cleaned. After that, you can disinfect and deodorize all the areas in order to properly eliminate mold, bacteria, fungi, and other viruses.

Everything that came into contact with the floodwater must be cleaned. You don’t need to purchase anything special. A diluted bleach solution can work for this as well. For large areas, you can use a garden spray pump or a similar tool. Let everything air dry.

DISINFECT THE FLOODED BASEMENT AREA

Several homeowners are tempted to quickly move past the flood damage and jump straight into rebuilding. But they have to know that rushing through the flood cleanup process before everything fully dries usually leads to problems. Though time-consuming, it is imperative that you disinfect every surface in order to prevent mold and mildew. It can take as long as two weeks or more for unseen moisture to fully evaporate.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the water floodwater restoration process, call a professional water cleanup service like Renovco, to begin the water cleanup and drying process with professional-grade drying and dehumidifying equipment.

WAYS TO PREVENT A FLOODED BASEMENT

Flooding is not only costly to homeowners but can also cause significant damage to your home’s construction- not to mention the potentially unhealthy environment water damage can cause. Our professional team at Renovco offers you simple tips to help you to stay flood-free and avoid a potential plumbing emergency. Follow these helpful steps to prevent a flooded basement:

  • SUMP PUMP MAINTENANCE

Your home’s sump pump is the essential component in the event of a flooded basement situation. Sump pumps are often located in basements and crawlspaces. This critical piece of equipment pumps water away from your basement and into nearby storm drains.

  • GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

The exterior of the house is just as important when taking preventative steps to avoid a flooded basement. The gutters and downspouts outside the house direct rainwater and melting the snow away from the foundation of your home and basement. Keeping your gutters clean and clear of leaves and debris will ensure that there is nothing blocking the water flow.

CALL PROFESSIONALS

For more helpful tips on house flooded basement prevention or restoration contact our Renovco Professional Team. We are experienced at getting your property back to normal as quickly as possible. We also are available when you need service most.

So, feel free to call us at 613-727-7070.

 

mold cleanup Ottawa

Mold Cleanup Ottawa | How Dangerous Is Mold?

Whenever water-related disasters strike your home, your primary concern after the event is to expel the flood from your property. You know that when you keep the afflicted area submerged in water, it may cause numerous damages like brittle floorboards and walls, and weaken the constitution of certain items like your furniture and furnishings. Once you have dealt with the problem, however, it is easy to return to your daily routine like nothing ever happened. Sadly, most owners do not realize that, on some occasions, especially when the damage inflicted on your property was great, secondary water damages start to emerge right under their noses. The most common problem is mold. For this, you need a mold cleanup Ottawa company to take care of everything in your home.

Mold Cleanup Ottawa – What Is Mold?

The chance of mold appearing in your home is significantly higher, whenever a flood occurs inside your property. because if the floodwater was not expelled properly or professionally, it is possible that excess moisture will still be present in your home, which can become perfect places for mold to manifest.

Mold is a kind of microorganism that loves to grow in dark, humid, and damp places. Now, although it does not pose any threat because of its size or color, mold, however, can damage the structure of your home and can be detrimental to one’s health.

When you see mold either on your walls, ceilings, or floors, it is a sign that this part of your home’s design is damaged or weak. The best way to remedy this problem is to immediately have it replaced or repaired before it collapses so that no one living in the property will get injured in the future.

When it comes to your health, mold cleanup Ottawa can be difficult to deal with, especially when you are dealing with black molds.

What Is Black Mold?

There are three types of molds: allergenic (non-life threatening), pathogenic molds (attacks the immune system and can grow in your lungs), and toxic molds (the most dangerous and under which black mold is classified).

Almost all molds spread their spores via air travel, but what makes the spores of black mold different from the others is the presence of mycotoxin, and it is this toxin that creates numerous alarming health symptoms which include:

  • Mental impairment
  • Breathing problems
  • Damage to internal organs
  • Death

Molds can be tough to deal with. This group of fungi — all several thousand different species of them — have been around in the world for millions of years, so they’ve really become an integral part of all ecosystems. In nature, they are important agents in the decomposition of organic matter. Without organisms like molds, the biodegradation of natural materials like dead plants and animals will not be possible.

However, molds become a problem for people when they grow on things like food and agricultural products. In the case of water-damaged properties, mold can also grow on other objects made of natural materials. These include books, cotton upholstery, wallpaper, wooden architectural elements, and so on. For these reasons and not only mold cleanup Ottawa is essential.

The Most Commonly Known Health Concerns That Molds Cause

  • Allergic reactions and sensitivity to susceptible individuals

Molds can irritate the eyes, throat, and skin, and inhaling them can cause wheezing, coughing, and runny nose. Some people can experience a life-threatening anaphylactic allergic reaction from ingesting or inhaling mold spores.

  • A range of respiratory problems

When exposed to molds, people with asthma can experience asthma symptoms like coughing, tightness of the chest, and shortness of breath. Children, in particular, are susceptible to developing respiratory illnesses due to exposure to molds.

  • Fungal infections

People can also develop mycosis and other kinds of fungal infections. Individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly in danger.

  • Fungal toxicity

Mycotoxicosis can cause both acute and chronic health effects in people who inhale and ingest mold or come into contact with them through the skin. Aside from pulmonary effects and allergies, toxicity from mold exposure can lead to other health problems like those involving the central nervous system and the immune system.

Mold Cleanup Ottawa Partner

Molds can seriously affect your health. There should be no question about that. It is important that water damage in your property is dealt with immediately to prevent the growth and spread of the fungal spores.

It is possible to remove mold through do-it-yourself methods, only when the amount of mold in your home is still controllable. However, if the mold has already occupied a significant percentage of your home, it is best to call in the professionals, so that they can perform a method called: mold cleanup Ottawa, immediately.

Renovco can help you properly sort out your mold infestation problem in the quickest manner possible. Please call us now 613-727-7070 to talk to one of our representatives.

 

asbestos still present

Is Asbestos Still Present? – Renovco Team

If your home was built before 1990, there is a potential that it could contain asbestos. As long as you are not planning to renovate or demolish the home, it offers no risks. However, if you have plans in place to renovate or demolish your pre-1990 home, a number of steps must be complied with to avoid issues with its inhalation of both yourself and the workers at your job site.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fiber that was frequently used in homes between the 1950s and the 1990s. When the fibers are disturbed and it is released into the air, inhalation can cause serious health concerns to anyone in the vicinity.

Asbestos is dangerous to inhale because it can not be dissolved by the body – once it is trapped in the body, it can not be expelled. Asbestos exposure can cause a number of issues in the lungs and surrounding membranes, such as pleuritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asbestosis. Secondary diseases that can be related to asbestos exposure include lung cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma.

When Asbestos it Dangerous? 

Its fibers contained within solid matrix-like drywall of floor covering are only dangerous when they are disturbed and allowed to pass into the air. For example, an asbestos-containing piece of drywall will not release its fibers when left alone and does not pose a risk to inhabitants. However, should the wall be damaged, sanded, drilled, cut, or torn down, this could disturb the asbestos, causing the release of fibers into the air. These can then be inhaled, causing potential damage. There are many more dangerous forms of asbestos-containing materials that pose a greater risk for exposure including boiler and pipe insulation as well as sprayed it for thermal, fire, and acoustical protection. These materials can easily release fibers due to building vibration or air movement causing fibers to become airborne.

Precautions before Renovations or Demolitions

Take the following precautions before going ahead with renovations or demolition:

  •  Contact a consultant first like Renovco
  • Have a hazardous materials survey completed
  • If asbestos is found, have a qualified asbestos removal contractor on site to remove the asbestos

If it is found on your property, a number of steps will need to be followed to ensure safety for everyone at the job site. Your consultant can help you to outline specific procedures for your project.

Is it still being used in Canada?

Years ago Canada was a major exporter of asbestos, and there were numerous mines that produced it. With the new regulations, this thing stopped. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a lot of asbestos hiding in both old and new buildings across the country. This means that any demolition or repair work must be done by a professional team that’s well-trained in the handling of such a dangerous product. Renovco is the company you can trust to clean and decontaminate any building that may contain this carcinogen. We have years of experience cleaning up hazmat materials and can ensure that it’s done in the safest and most environmentally conscious way. Don’t think twice to call us at 613-727-7070.

Asbestos Remediation Inside a Building

Until the 1980s asbestos was a popular material for thermal insulation and suppressing fire. Since then, the construction industry avoided using asbestos materials in buildings because of its history of causing cancer and other illnesses. After that period time, measures have been taken for the asbestos remediation.

Nowadays, homeowners with asbestos have to find a way to deal with asbestos-containing materials while also ensuring the health and safety of building occupants. Renovco as an asbestos remediation company will help you with some ideas and tips related to asbestos.

Best Practice to Manage Asbestos

In general, if the asbestos in your building is intact and sealed with no risk of exposure, then it’s not dangerous. It only becomes a problem when the asbestos fibers have a way to get airborne and reach building occupants. When that happens, people will breathe in the asbestos fibers into their lungs — then it’s a severe health hazard.

However, every commercial property and residential property must go through a Designated Substance Survey. Our professionals will determine if your building has any asbestos. They will also document if the asbestos is intact or sealed way, or if there’s exposure through damage to your drywall, ceilings, tiles, etc.

If we find asbestos, will tell and help you to implement an asbestos management program.

Asbestos Remediation Management Program (ARMP)

The main goal of an ARMP is to keep your building free of asbestos exposure through a series of legally mandated steps. Our team also will provide written notification to all building occupants and contractors of the presence of asbestos. After that, we will train employees who are handling asbestos or working in an area with asbestos on how to properly handle the substance.

Removal of Asbestos

In the case of asbestos exposure, we re-seal the damaged structures (e.g., drywall or broken tiles) or make asbestos remediation entirely. In general, if you have a small or manageable amount of asbestos, we should remove it.

Preventative Steps

You’re likelier to come across asbestos in older buildings. In such situations, your best bet is to maintain your building and keep the asbestos-containing areas in good condition.

But in certain types of buildings, such as industrial ones with heavy machinery and vehicles, maintenance isn’t easy. You could come across frequent damage, in which case, will be better off removing the asbestos entirely. But, you have to call professionals because it’s dangerous to do the interaction by yourself.

Asbestos Remediation: Is it Necessary?

By remediation or abating the asbestos, you’re eliminating the risk of asbestos exposure permanently. So it is very important to contact a professional company, that can help you in the asbestos remediation.

Call us today at 613-727-7070 to eliminate your house asbestos problems. We are always ready to help you!