Mold Detection

If you’re in the process of researching about mold, then you have probably smelled it already, or seen it in your home or place of work.  If you can smell a musty odour, and can’t see anything, there may still be pockets of hidden mold.  In any of these scenarios, some kind of water leak, condensation, or humidity has been creating an ideal environment for mold to grow.  Investigating the mold, whether hidden or not, can be difficult, and requires caution, because disturbing mold can release spores and make an existing problem even worse.  Health Canada lists mold as the most common indoor air pollutant, and a potential health hazard with links to increased risk of various respiratory ailments.  We all have our own sensitivity to mold, and we all react differently when exposed, but the basic health side effects are common:  eye irritation; sinus irritability; and breathing problems.

Mould Hound specializes in the field of mold detection, and employs accredited inspectors to detect and test indoor mold.  After the detection phase, a comprehensive testing procedure ensues, and we then provide the results that will confirm the status and extent of the problem.  To finalize the procedure, we recommend a course of action for resolving the problem.  In Canada, both Health Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation encourage mold detection to be undertaken by accredited air quality investigators.  The pros at Mould Hound are experienced with mold:  they understand the unique qualities, and they have an expertise with growth patterns and spore dispersal.  They use high-precision instruments and the latest technologies, and unlike other companies, do not rely solely on basic, visual detection methods.

Mold has a tendency to flourish in damp environments.  If there’s been a recent water leak, or high levels of indoor humidity, or uncontrolled sources of condensation, that moisture envelope is ideal for mold growth.  In more severe cases, you might see the distinctive growth pattern of the mold, or smell the unique odour - but in some cases you might not see any kind of growth, or smell anything out of the ordinary.  You may just be suspicious, because of the health symptoms that are of concern.  At this stage, mold detectionby the professionals is highly advised.  In the world of mold, its possible to have a “minor” problem, and it’s also possible to do the clean up on your own, perhaps with some kind of domestic cleaning product.  But most of the time, and because mold can be so complicated, it should not be considered a DIY project.  In fact, a reputable company like Mould Hound will make sure to identify if the problem is “minor”, and advise you accordingly.  However, they will also advise if the situation requires a more sophisticated level of detection and additional testing.

As a service to the consumer, Health Canada has documented common-sense guidelines for mold, while suggesting that ALL kinds of mold, regardless of toxicity, can pose a potential risk to human health – and therefore, it should be removed.  The agency contends that there is no "safe level” of indoor mold, and further recommends that detection, and testing, should be carried out by experts.  Mould Hound has those mold detectionexperts on staff, and uses the proper tools and equipment to undertake thorough inspection, detection, and testing – it’s a full service approach that ensures that the job is done right the first time.  Mould Hound’sstep-by-step procedure includes collecting mold and spores samples; determining which lab tests will be required; and deciding where the sample testing will take place.  The test results are so accurate and precise, that they can actually be used in court as material evidence.  Finally, with test results evaluated and interpreted, Mould Hound prepares a case report - with a general overview and summary; a description of how severe the situation is; and the location and extent of the mold growth.

When it comes to mold detection, the professionals atMould Hound have established a reputation for competency and thoroughness – am all-inclusive approach that today’s clients expect and demand.  Yes, there are some companies in the industry who offer very low prices and even combination package deals - but like anything else you get what you pay for.  When your personal health is concerned, it’s not a good time to look for bargains and go cheap – it’s time to do the best job possible, and do it right the first time.  And the best possible job means using accredited contractors, who use state-of-the art equipment, and whose focus is on high quality inspection, detection, assessment and testing.

Mold detectionis much more than just finding the source of a problem.  Mould Hound wants clients to be as well informed as possible, with a sound understanding of their mold issue, and a good sense of the problem at hand.  In this way, clients can make better decisions about handling the clean-up process and undertaking next steps.  Mould Hound case reports are designed to be easy-to-understand, with the facts and figures to support the findings.  Reports also include specific recommendations for the remediation process – that’s the procedure for removing the mold, stopping the spread, and otherwise repairing the damage.  Once again, this is not a time to cut corners – this is a time to take preventive measures so that mold does not recur.

As a matter of policy, Mould Hound does not get directly involved in remediation, although we can stay involved on a consulting basis – its an approach that keeps the company completely independent from the contractor who will provides the actual remediation service.  It also allows us to stay 100% objective, and to remain unbiased when making remediation proposals to our clients.  Most importantly, we want to make certain that the mold problem is addressed and fully resolved - and we want to make sure there is no recurrence.  We can do it from start to finish:  with the professional experts; the necessary instruments and tools; and with proven methods and procedures.