Mold is a dangerous, invasive substance that can negatively affect your health and your home or business. Having mold in your home can lead to frustrating problems, including serious health issues, poor air quality, and even expensive damage to ceilings, walls, floors, and other structures in your home.

For mold testing and removal services in Ottawa and the surrounding cities and municipalities, look no further than the comprehensive services offered at Aucoins. We use an intensive mold remediation process to identify all the affected areas, and the type of mold involved, and determine the best way to eradicate it. It is important to have a professional determine the level of mold infestation, as mold exposure can affect you, your home, and anyone in recent contact with you.

What Causes Mold?

Mold is a naturally occurring process that helps to break down organic matter outdoors such as leaves, dead wood, and organisms. However, when it happens indoors, it can potentially be harmful, impact air quality, and cause unsightly stains or spots on walls, floors, and interior or exterior walls.

There are over 100,000 species found on the planet, and around 1,000 of those mold species are commonly found in Canada. Since mold requires moisture to grow and thrive and is usually caused by excessive moisture or water exposure, it can be prevalent during the wet winters of Ottawa.

Common causes of mold include:

• Water leaks

• Flooding

• High humidity

• Condensation

• Poor air quality or ventilation

• Wet or damp clothing piling up

In residential environments, several things can cause or contribute to the growth of mold. Everyday actions such as showering or cooking can increase the development of mold over time, so it is important to be mindful, increase air quality, and have access to high quality mold remediation services near you to help remove any stubborn mold that may be present in your home.

It is important to note that mold and mould are the same thing and present the different kinds of spelling used for the word. Depending on what resources you are looking at, you may see mold vs mould being used, but they have the same meaning and both refer to the fungus that can grow within your home.

Do I Need Professional Mold Cleaning Services

If you notice mold is present in your home, your first step is to look into proper mold removal options.

In minor cases, homeowners may be able to remove the mold when on their own with products such as mold spray. However, large patches of mold, specifically, any area that measures larger than three square meters, should be handled by a professional.

You should look into professional assistance for:

• Attic mold removal

• Basement mold removal

• Baseboard mold removal

• Concrete mold removal

• Foundation mold removal

• Black mold removal

• Insulation mold

Calling in a professional for mold cleanup in your home can help ensure that you get help with potentially complex issues, such as mold testing and inspection after flooding.

If you suspect there is an issue in your home, a mold inspection can be done in Ottawa by experts with real-world experience who service the surrounding areas, such as Kemptville, Carleton Place, Orleans, Kanata, Cornwall, Cumberland, Casselman, Brockville, Rockland, Dunrobin, Morrisburg, Alfred, Sharbot Lake, and Barrhaven.

What is Black Mold?

Source:
PSA Canada

Mold spores can produce substances called mycotoxins that are poisonous and can cause harm to animals and humans when they come into contact with it through skin, breathing, or consumption of mold. Mold comes in many colors, and one of the most infamous and toxic types of mold is known as black mold. Stachybotrys chartarum is the scientific term for a commonly found type of mold, and though it is often known as black mold, it can be found in various colors, such as green, brown, or gray. Removal of black mold can safely be done by a professional, as it releases mycotoxins and exposure to this mold can be very toxic. It’s also worth noting that other kinds of mold may be black and not S. chartarum.

Types of Molds

Mold v. Mildew

In addition to the most commonly known black mold, various other colors and types of mold can grow in your home. Mildew is also a type of mold, and often is used interchangeably, but generally can be easier to contain and treat than other kinds of mold fungus.

Source:
The Spruce / Joules Garcia

Oftentimes, when referring to the damp smell or presence of moisture in walls, surfaces, floors, and furniture, it is referred to as mildew. Mildew and mold are often found in areas where moisture is often present. However, while they can sometimes be used interchangeably, it is important to note that mold and mildew may present differently and some mold may be more toxic or difficult to eliminate than mildew.

Common Types of Household Mold

Mold can be categorized into three main types determined by the effects they can have on your health.

• Pathogenic molds can cause infection in humans and may lead to illness.

• Allergenic molds can cause allergy symptoms that can make humans very uncomfortable in larger quantities.

• Toxic molds may sometimes be confused with pathogenic, but are notably more dangerous to humans and can lead to significant health complications.

The best way to determine what kind of mold you have is to call in a professional. Otherwise, identifying mold in your home can be done by comparing colors, identifying factors, and other features to determine what type of mold and how serious it may be.

Alternaria

• Is dark green to brown in appearance and can have a hairy or velvety texture

• Often found in damp areas such as bathrooms and in homes that have water damage

• Allergenic mold

This mold is naturally found outdoors on vegetation and plants but can become airborne and find its way to moisture-heavy areas within your home.

Aspergillus

• Is usually greenish or black, but can appear in many colors as small dots or as “flecks”

• Found in wooden surfaces like walls

• Allergenic and Toxic mold

This is one of the most common indoor molds and grows alarmingly fast and has a tendency to infest air circulation systems and attack any open foods, fruits, or vegetation in your home.

Aureobasidium

• Can first appear cream or pink, but may turn brown or black as it ages. Tends to have a slimy texture

• Found in damp environments, like bathrooms or on wooden surfaces and walls or behind wallpaper and painted surfaces

• Allergenic mold

This is a common, stubborn household mold, as it tends to be sneaky and hard to find in your home.

Chaetomium

• Around white, gray, or brown in appearance with a fluffy cotton texture

• Usually appears in places where significant water damage has occurred

• Allergenic and Toxic mold

Chaetomium appears in areas where water damage has recently occurred, and can often be recognized by the strong, stale smell of mildew.

Cladosporium

• Can appear green to brown and is suede-like in texture

• May be found within your furniture, or other indoor fabrics such as drapes and carpets

Type of Mold: Allergenic

This mold thrives in hot and cold seasons, making it especially prevalent in Canadian homes.

Fusarium

• White, pink, or red in appearance, with a velvet to cotton-like texture

• Thrives on food, and compost and may be found within carpers, furniture, or wallpaper

• Allergenic and Toxic mold

Fusarium is also quick to spread within your home. Oftentimes, if found in one room, you are likely to find this mold in another part of your home.

Penicillium

• Blue to green in color with a velvety texture

• Generally develops where water damage or heavy moisture has been significant

• Allergenic mold

This mold may have a common-sounding name, but exposure to Penicillium can have adverse side effects on your health if left untreated within your home.

Stachybotrys (“Black Mold”)

• Dark green or black, texture can vary based on its state but usually is shiny or slimy

• Often found in high moisture areas like bathrooms and basements

• Toxic mold

This mold has already been mentioned, but as one of the most toxic and common molds found in households, it is extremely important to take care of it properly and with the right professional help.

Trichoderma

• Can be anywhere from white to green in color and have wooly patches

• Appears on damp surfaces and forms commonly on wallpaper, carpets, and interior fabrics

• Allergenic mold, though some strains can be toxic

This type of mold can cause significant damage to a residence made of wood, as it can quickly cause wood products to rot and fall apart.

Ulocladium

• Brown to black with a fluffy wooly texture

• Found in areas with high condensation, such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and on windows and mirrors

• Allergenic mold

This type of mold usually doesn’t travel alone, which means if you see this type of mold, there may be several other kinds within the home. It is sometimes mistaken for black mold.

Professional Mold Removal in Ottawa and the Surrounding Areas

Once mold has been discovered in the home, the next steps should be to take measures to get rid of it. If you suspect mold but aren’t quite sure whether it is mold or something else, or if you will need professional remediation, you can look into what type of mold testing is right for you to help you make the next steps. Mold removal and remediation services can help restore your home to a safe, healthy, clean-air environment.

Source:
The Spruce / Joules Garcia

Oftentimes, when referring to the damp smell or presence of moisture in walls, surfaces, floors, and furniture, it is referred to as mildew. Mildew and mold are often found in areas where moisture is often present. However, while they can sometimes be used interchangeably, it is important to note that mold and mildew may present differently and some mold may be more toxic or difficult to eliminate than mildew.

Common Types of Household Mold

Mold can be categorized into three main types determined by the effects they can have on your health.

• Pathogenic molds can cause infection in humans and may lead to illness.

• Allergenic molds can cause allergy symptoms that can make humans very uncomfortable in larger quantities.

• Toxic molds may sometimes be confused with pathogenic, but are notably more dangerous to humans and can lead to significant health complications.

The best way to determine what kind of mold you have is to call in a professional. Otherwise, identifying mold in your home can be done by comparing colors, identifying factors, and other features to determine what type of mold and how serious it may be.

Alternaria

• Is dark green to brown in appearance and can have a hairy or velvety texture

• Often found in damp areas such as bathrooms and in homes that have water damage

• Allergenic mold

This mold is naturally found outdoors on vegetation and plants but can become airborne and find its way to moisture-heavy areas within your home.

Aspergillus

• Is usually greenish or black, but can appear in many colors as small dots or as “flecks”

• Found in wooden surfaces like walls

• Allergenic and Toxic mold

This is one of the most common indoor molds and grows alarmingly fast and has a tendency to infest air circulation systems and attack any open foods, fruits, or vegetation in your home.

Aureobasidium

• Can first appear cream or pink, but may turn brown or black as it ages. Tends to have a slimy texture

• Found in damp environments, like bathrooms or on wooden surfaces and walls or behind wallpaper and painted surfaces

• Allergenic mold

This is a common, stubborn household mold, as it tends to be sneaky and hard to find in your home.

Chaetomium

• Around white, gray, or brown in appearance with a fluffy cotton texture

• Usually appears in places where significant water damage has occurred

• Allergenic and Toxic mold

Chaetomium appears in areas where water damage has recently occurred, and can often be recognized by the strong, stale smell of mildew.

Cladosporium

• Can appear green to brown and is suede-like in texture

• May be found within your furniture, or other indoor fabrics such as drapes and carpets

Type of Mold: Allergenic

This mold thrives in hot and cold seasons, making it especially prevalent in Canadian homes.

Fusarium

• White, pink, or red in appearance, with a velvet to cotton-like texture

• Thrives on food, and compost and may be found within carpers, furniture, or wallpaper

• Allergenic and Toxic mold

Fusarium is also quick to spread within your home. Oftentimes, if found in one room, you are likely to find this mold in another part of your home.

Penicillium

• Blue to green in color with a velvety texture

• Generally develops where water damage or heavy moisture has been significant

• Allergenic mold

This mold may have a common-sounding name, but exposure to Penicillium can have adverse side effects on your health if left untreated within your home.

Stachybotrys (“Black Mold”)

• Dark green or black, texture can vary based on its state but usually is shiny or slimy

• Often found in high moisture areas like bathrooms and basements

• Toxic mold

This mold has already been mentioned, but as one of the most toxic and common molds found in households, it is extremely important to take care of it properly and with the right professional help.

Trichoderma

• Can be anywhere from white to green in color and have wooly patches

• Appears on damp surfaces and forms commonly on wallpaper, carpets, and interior fabrics

• Allergenic mold, though some strains can be toxic

This type of mold can cause significant damage to a residence made of wood, as it can quickly cause wood products to rot and fall apart.

Ulocladium

• Brown to black with a fluffy wooly texture

• Found in areas with high condensation, such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and on windows and mirrors

• Allergenic mold

This type of mold usually doesn’t travel alone, which means if you see this type of mold, there may be several other kinds within the home. It is sometimes mistaken for black mold.

Professional Mold Removal in Ottawa and the Surrounding Areas

Once mold has been discovered in the home, the next steps should be to take measures to get rid of it. If you suspect mold but aren’t quite sure whether it is mold or something else, or if you will need professional remediation, you can look into what type of mold testing is right for you to help you make the next steps. Mold removal and remediation services can help restore your home to a safe, healthy, clean-air environment.Professional mold remediation is a much more extensive process that requires high-level skills and tools to clean, disinfect, remove, and eliminate it from coming back. Remediation services will identify and remove any contaminated material and mold that was found to ensure that it doesn’t find its way into other areas of the home after removal.

Protect Your Home with Mold Cleanup Services

When you have a small amount of mold or mildew on surfaces, or walls, mold removal with spray and mold removal products can help to address the problem. Removing mold on a small scale can be done properly by homeowners, but it is extremely important to use protective equipment to reduce exposure to any potentially toxic mold or spreading mold spores via skin or clothes.

If you come across large or multiple contaminated areas, such as mold in the attic, mold on baseboards, or insulation mold within the walls, you may need to call in a professional to help address the mold and provide removal services that eliminate it at the source and prevent mold regrowth from occurring. You may also need professional help to remove black mold in your home.

When left untreated, mold can spread throughout the surfaces and interior of your home, causing structural damage and posing serious health risks. Mold releases spores as it spreads, which can be present in the air, on your clothes, and throughout your home. Exposure to mold can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs

• Excessive coughing

• Wheezing and shortness of breath

• Mucus and phlegm build-up

• Allergic reactions

• Worsening asthma symptoms

Other symptoms like fatigue, headaches, eye irritation, fever, or other issues can also be signs of mold toxicity. If you are suddenly experiencing health symptoms that may increase when exposed to certain areas of your home or have started randomly without another explanation, you might consider a mold inspection on your Ontario home.

Residential Mold Removal in Ottawa

If you find mold in your residence, it may be time to call in the professionals. Regardless of the type of mold, it can often be difficult to completely eradicate and instill strong ways to prevent mold from coming back.

If you live in Ottawa, Kemptville, Carleton Place, Orleans, Kanata, Cornwall, Cumberland, Casselman, Brockville, Rockland, Dunrobin, Morrisburg, Alfred, Sharbot Lake, or Barrhaven, you can turn to the mold testing services at experts at Simon Air Quality. With a focus on identifying the mold and providing high-quality mold removal and remediation services, our team can help eradicate mold issues and provide tips and solutions to help prevent it from developing further in your home.

To learn more about mold testing and removal services near you or to ask about improving the overall air quality in your home, contact us today or use the messenger service at the bottom of the page.

Click Here to Call us at: 613-325-5341