Causes of Mould in Basement

Causes of Mould in Basement

March 6, 2020 , ,

Preventing Mould in the Basement

Wherever mould, organic feeding material, and oxygen is present mould will be too, making your basement a disaster. Even if your basement might seem dry, it may already be affected by mould and mildew because the fungi could be growing behind the walls or underneath furniture. Basement mould will be possible there if there has been any type of flooding or water damage. 

The basement mould problem is that some mould species can be highly toxic, making living in the basements unhealthy. This means that all those allergy symptoms that you might feel may actually be signs of may be signs of mould growth in your building.  

Basement mould is often a result of excess moisture, whether it comes from leaky foundations, condensation or daily routines such as drying clothes or cooking. It is very important to learn how to prevent mould from growing in the basement. Once you suspect light or dark spots are present you should call professional mould experts to test for mould. 

Causes of Mould Growth in the Basement

The main cause of mould in the basement is excess moisture, especially in a basement. Whether that moisture comes from inside or outside, it is very important to get the root of the problem and prevent any further complications such as mould. 

There are two main water sources in basements:

  • An outside moisture source such as groundwater, floods, rain.
  • An inside moisture source such as a high level of humidity and different activities such as drying clothes.

Since basements are the lowest parts of the home, gravity dictates that if the water is present, it will flow towards the lowest area to settle. Two of the most causes of water in basements are rain and floods. Flooding caused by heavy rivers or rains provides the right environment for mould to grow. A high level of humidity and condensation also creates the perfect condition for both mildew and mould to grow and spread in your basement. 

Once you are aware of the causes, you are ready to take the measures needed to prevent mould growth in the basement. Some steps may involve an initial investment to save your health and further damages.

Choose professionals

The right treatment for mould growth will depend on the surface it has populated. So before interact by yourself consult a professional. Mould always has been a very dangerous issue and should be taken seriously. IBX Services as an experienced company on mould remediation and not only will be able to help you. Feel free to call us 24/7 at +1-416-252-5959.

 

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Why Isn’t Recommended Using Bleach To Clean Mold?

Why Isn’t Recommended Using Bleach To Clean Mold?

February 20, 2020 , , ,

Mold is a very stressful topic that most homeowners don’t like to think about. If they have to discuss it, it is because they may have discovered mold in their home. Of course, mold can be both dangerous and costly too. Chances are if you have found it you are desperately trying to determine how to clean mold as soon as you can. Many times you ask yourself if you can do the remediation and if so, what type of chemicals or cleaners you should use. IBX Services will give you some answers to all your questions.

Is bleach recommended to clean mold or not?

To be honest all homeowners think about bleach as the first chemical of cleaning up a mold problem. Chlorine bleach is the most common bleach regarded as the answer for removing and halting mold growth as a result, is the first thing used when you clean mold contaminated area. But, while bleach may be effective in certain applications, it will not exonerate mold on a porous surface and can actually contribute negatively to certain mold problems.

  • Bleach can lose effectiveness over time

You have to know that chlorine bleach rapidly loses its effectiveness. You can prove this by leaving a glass of chlorinated water out on the counter for a few days, the chlorine will evaporate. So this easy process indicates that it will be hard to ascertain the true potency of your chlorine bleach solution as the chlorine can escape through the plastic. If you use a fairly old bleach, it may not be effective at all. An older bleach will only partially kill the surface mold and create a bigger mess than you already had.

  • Bleach can actually contribute to mold growth

You have to read the label in a bleach bottle, to understanding that it is only designated for non-porous surfaces. This means that chlorine bleach can only kill surface mold, but mold can grow deep roots within porous surfaces, such as wood and drywall, bleach will not assist you in exterminating mold. As a result, if you want to completely eliminate the mold from your home, bleach is definitely not the answer.

  • Bleach is toxic

Chlorine bleach produces fumes that pollute the air so it can become harmful to both humans and pets. It generates a by-product called dioxin, which is linked to cancer. Bleach builds up several pollutants in the environment and the last thing you want to do is create more toxic chemicals in your home – mold is toxic enough.

How to get rid of mold?

There are several considerations that need to be evaluated when determining whether you should clean up the mold yourself or hire a professional. Always do your research and choose wisely.

If you have noticed that is safe to clean mold by yourself, there are a variety of options available.

  • The most important step is to determine the cause of the moisture and make any necessary changes to assure that mold will not return and the area is properly ventilated.
  • You should also consider testing to determine what type of mold you are dealing with as that may help determine what type of chemical you may need to remediate it.

Choose professionals

The right treatment for mold growth will depend on the surface it has populated. So before interact by yourself consult a professional. Mold always has been a very dangerous issue and should be taken seriously. IBX Services as an experienced company on mold remediation and not only will be able to help you. Feel free to call us 24/7 at +1-416-252-5959.

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Mold Cleaning Methods From IBX Services

Mold Cleaning Methods From IBX Services

January 20, 2020 , ,

We know well that every home there are different mold infestations. They can grow quickly, so ensure getting rid of them before they attacked the home and your family. Here you will find come mold cleaning methods that IBX Services Team recommends for you.

The general explanation for mold is that they are some fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. They can affect in a negative way not only in your space but also in your family’s health. Mold can show up as black spots on siding or desks or can blacken the grout lines in the bath, or discolor the walls in your house. The other negative aspect is that can cause allergies like runny noses or irritating and injurious odors.

Mold Identification

In most of the cases, you can easily identify the mold. It begins as small black stains but it grows fast and can make large colonies and in this way, you can discern differences between dirty surfaces and molded ones.

But in cases that you can’t identify it, you can identify it with household bleach and an old sponge. You can put the sponge with the bleach and dab on the blackened space. After that, you have to wait for some seconds. If the surface changes the color and gets brighter there have mold or the opposite doesn’t change the color, there are only dirty areas.

You have to remember also that mold has some typical features. It prefers damp and dark places like damp crawlspaces, damp walls, or damp carpet. As a result, it has a specific smell. So you can identify it from its smell. For huge surfaces with mold, you will need a mold cleaning company, so feel free to contact IBX Services here.

Mold Cleaning Methods

If you have small areas that have mold, it can be easily removed. Use some ordinary household cleaning products and follow the steps below:

  • Firstly, ensure that before starting mold cleaning your space is full of fresh air.
  • Secondly, vacuum up any loose mold with a filtered vacuum cleaner. This helps to reduce the number of spores stirred up into the air during the cleaning.
  • Thirdly follow this report, of one cup of bleach use one gallon of water on non-porous surfaces.
  • In the end, it is optional if you would like to rinse the surface.

If you don’t rinse the surface after the cleaning, the ordinary household cleaner or bleach will inhibit mold growth in the future. And also helps to get rid of small mold colonies.

Tips about mold prevention:

  • Check dampness if you would like to prevent mold growth. Control all your dark areas like attics, damp crawlspaces, and basement.
  • Remember that if the ventilation is not good, the water could not vaporize and make the place perfect for mold growth.
  • The other important detail is to use paint with mildewcide.

For more specific cleaning, IBX Services will help you! Give us a call at +1-416-252-5959 or send us an e-mail at [email protected].

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How To Deal With Condensation Damp Problems

How To Deal With Condensation Damp Problems

January 7, 2020 , , , ,

During the colder months, condensation damp problems are very stressful. They are caused as a result of excess moisture. You have to know that if you left the condensation damp problems untreated can cause mold and different health problems.

IBX Services have some recommendation on how to remove condensation damp problems:

A simple explanation of condensation is that it happens when hot, moist air hits cold, dry air. In this way, it forms some water droplets on cold surfaces, like windows or walls. It commonly happens in areas like the kitchen or bath as a result of bathing or cooking. By knowing the problem you can solve or prevent it easier. Luckily are a lot of methods that help you to remove condensation damp problems during winter months. Remember that condensation also happen during spring and summer months as a result of cooler nights.  Here are two simple methods to prevent it:

  • The first method is to open the window, in this way you remove all the warm air and replace it with cold air. After that, you have to heat it again the air.
  • The second method is to use ventilation to prevent condensation.

Condensation Damp Problems in the house

Of course, condensation is a big problem in homes. It is caused by excess water vapor in the air, by poor insulation, by lack of ventilation or inadequate heating. But when we talk about bath condensation means a headache. Every homeowner hates that but it’s a fact. After you take a bath, water droplets form on the window, walls, and mirror or everywhere in cold areas of the bathroom.

Bath mirrors can quickly steam up and become covered in condensation. But if you want to prevent condensation lather your mirror up with shaving cream and wipe clean with a towel. Another method is to use vinegar with water.

Condensation damp problems are “called” a ‘winter problem’. As a result of cooler in the winter, the air inside houses is warm and the possibility of condensation is higher. In this way, it forms water droplets that settle on colder surfaces, such as walls, mirrors, glass or window frames. Furthermore, during winter months we are likely to open windows and doors in an effort to keep homes warm, but in this way, we give the opportunity that moisture and the condensational air stay inside.

To prevent condensation from forming on cold surfaces you have to ensure that your house is heated evenly. Try to keep the thermostat at the same temperature inside the house.

Keep in mind these ways to treat condensation on walls:

  • Try to open doors and windows regularly way as often as you can.
  • Check your vents or air bricks one time per week to ensure that they are clear.
  • On sunny days and not only try to dry your clothes outside.
  • Use extractor fans in places where have moisture like kitchen and bath.

Choose IBX Services Team

We have many years of experience so you can feel free to call us for any professional help will you need. For more information call us at +1-416-252-5959 or send us an email at [email protected].

 

 

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Prevent Mold Growth From Your Closets

Prevent Mold Growth From Your Closets

December 31, 2019 , , ,

Of course, if you find mold spots on your clothes will be frustrating. This means that you have to take all of your clothes out of the closet, wash them, dry them, and put them away again. But in these cases, you have to find the root of the problem. Check if your clothes were wet or if the wood of the closet damps in some way. So in this way, you can prevent mold growth.

The best steps to prevent mold growth in closets and wardrobes:

  • The primary step is to make sure that your clothes are totally dry before putting them in the closet. Sometimes, the homeowners make mistakes of putting damp clothes in closets. You have to know that dampness is usually the result of mold – warm, moist air from damp clothing meets with cold internal surfaces like the ceiling or walls of the closet, then once the air cools, the water collects on cold surfaces and causes patches of mold to grow. In this way, the clothes begin to smell damp and musty.
  • The second step is to check if the airflow through the closet it’s correct. The most common causes of mold growth are damp and dark conditions. Closets and wardrobes are the favorite places for mold spores to reproduce and spread. Inside the wardrobes, it’s dark so you have to take care and prevent mold growth. As possible as you can, open all the doors and windows to allow fresh air to flow through the house and, in turn, the wardrobe. Don’t forget that the fresh air helps to naturally dry out excess moisture in clothing, closets, and wardrobes, no matter the cause.
  • Usually, you have to use a dehumidifier to keep clothing, walls, and ceilings dry. It also helps to keep clothing and closets free from mold. Dehumidifiers eliminate moisture in the air to a much safer 50%. If the level of moisture can be maintained, mold will become inactive and emit mold spores far less. It is essential to know that dehumidifiers aren’t a cure-all for mold. They help to prevent mold growth but not to remove it.
  • The last step is to leave the light on at times. This reduces moisture from the air. This method will help rid the closet of moisture. Remember, the light heat rises, so ensure the bulb is a decent distance away from your clothing to avoid potential house-fires.

However, if mold is spreading throughout your home, get in touch with the team from IBX. Our fast, efficient service will kill-off mold spores in your home, closets, and wardrobes while making your home a safe, healthy living environment. Feel free to call us at +1-416-252-5959.

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Bathroom Mold – IBX Services Team

Bathroom Mold – IBX Services Team

December 6, 2019 , , , , ,

When we talk for mold problems, bathroom mold is the first thing pass on the mind. It is the most common phenomenon and appears for some different reasons. If you are thinking to hire a professional company, we recommend that before understanding what you can safely clean or remove on your own, and when you require a professional mold removal company.

Surface Bathroom Mold

In most situations, surface mold can be cleaned without the help of a mold removal professional team and without affecting your indoor air quality. Surface mold is often found where there is poor ventilation causing high-humidity. When the steam from a hot shower becomes trapped, the moisture combined with organic materials (wood/body oils/soap/dirt) creates the perfect environment for bathroom mold to grow. But if your bath surface is structurally sound the surface mold can be scrubbed and disinfected with a strong household cleaner (vinegar, bleach or baking soda).

The solution to bathroom mold removal is to get rid of the mold, but also get rid of the cause of the mold so it does not come back. IBX Services Team has some tips to avoid the return of surface mold in your bathroom:

  • Don’t forget to check the bathroom fan if is functioning as intended and leave it running for 30-60 minutes after a shower.
  • Always open a window to allow steam (moisture) to escape after a shower.
  • Secure the shower curtain to avoid any overspray during showers.
  • Dry all condensation and pooled water at once
  • Thoroughly clean all surfaces regularly, including grout and behind the toilet.
  • Replace caulking when it begins to discolor and can no longer be cleaned.

Call a bathroom mold removal company and not only, like IBX Services, if you experience the following issues:

  • Soft, wet material in the bathroom
  • Sink leak behind the countertop/vanity
  • Grout/Tiles/caulking cracked allowing water to leak behind the shower wall
  • Toilet leak
  • Discoloration of baseboards and drywall (that returns despite following the tips provided)
  • Flooring lifted or bubbling

If you are ever unsure that you need a Mold Inspection or Indoor Air Quality Test, give IBX Services a call at +1-416-252-5959.

 

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Water Damage | What Causes And Its Effects

Water Damage | What Causes And Its Effects

December 3, 2019 , , , , ,

Water damage includes any sort of destruction or loss caused by excessive water intrusion. It can be instantaneous, fast and destructive such as flooding or maybe slow such as damaging surfaces by water spots, rotting of wood, rusting of iron, the growth of molds and delaminating of some surfaces. You have to know that destruction and damage become more serious if the water is contaminated, unsanitary and delay in restoration services.

What causes water damage?

There are thousands of causes of water damage. It occurs when a large amount of water accumulates in the area where it should not in a normal situation. Floods, melting of snow and heavy rain are the reasons for sudden and catastrophic water damage. The excessive water in any area can lead to further damages including accumulation of water in basement areas, destruction of homes and offices.

Effects

If the water damage is not frequently and properly treated, the effects of it could be serious and threatening to health. The immediate water damage includes soaking of furniture, electric appliances, and other items. If not quickly treated and restored, long term and damaging effects will be obvious. It can cause corrosion of steel and iron and rot of wood and furniture.

Some of the severe and extremely damaging effects are:

After any water damage, it takes only one to two days for molds to grow and spread on items that contain moisture or wet. It can embed in the fine mesh of carpets, rugs, clothing and even walls. The molds are highly toxic entities causing harmful and toxic effects on health and many breathing and allergic conditions to sensitive persons.

  • Damaged electrical appliances and wiring

Whatever the reason and severity of water damage, you must turn off the electrical appliances and power source to avoid the explosion. If the wiring is damaged during water damage, the risk of electric shock and explosion will be higher. There must be a need for rewiring and installing new appliances if necessary to get back to a normal routine. This type of damage can leave you devoid of house utilities for a longer time. Even a small leakage of water in the basement can lead to destructive damage to your house appliances.

How To Deal With Flooded and Water Damage

To avoid long term effects, it is important to hire a professional team for complete restoration of flooded basement damage. If the home or office withstands water damage, it must be clean immediately without any delay to save your furniture, rugs, carpets and other belongings from soaking up in unsanitary water. Timely clean up will also prevent you from pathogenic and harmful molds.

IBX Services as professional water damage restoration services offer complete cleanup of the property and removal of all the damaged items. We use some steps adopted by the team to complete the restoration process.

  • Inspection
  • Water removal
  • Drying
  • Cleaning
  • Restoration

IBX Services is always ready to help you. Feel free to call us at +1-416-252-5959!

 

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Mold Allergies? Choose Professionals!

Mold Allergies? Choose Professionals!

November 18, 2019 , , , ,

Mold allergies can make you feel miserable. Mold will grow in moist areas and can trigger reactions depending on the type and length of time you are exposed. It lives indoors and outdoors, but most often indoor mold lurking in your home or business can cause potential health problems.

Mold thrives in damp and warm environments. Mold can be found in places such as shower stalls, under kitchen sinks, behind refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines. Damp basements, leaky roofs, cracked house siding. Mold can also grow on window frames, baseboards, carpets or even the carpet underlay. Anywhere there is moisture, there is potential for mold.

Normally the first sign of a mold issue is the odor. You will detect a “musty” odor. Some types of mold are known as “mildew”. If you have a mold allergy and inhale mold spores, you will likely experience allergic symptoms.

Here is a list of some common mold allergies symptoms:

  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Runny Nose
  • Itchy Throat or inside of Ears
  • Watery & Itchy Eyes
  • Rash
  • Trouble Breathing
  • Coughing
  • Stuffy Nose
  • Sinus Infection
  • Swollen Eyelids
  • Hives
  • Wheezing
  • Fatigue

Increased mold exposure can make your symptoms worse. The key is to control moisture, to prevent mold from growing or spreading in your home or business.

IBX Services offers mold removal and remediation clean up for your home or business throughout the GTA. If you see signs of mold damage in your basement, crawlspace, drywall or anywhere else in your home or business, you need to ensure you respond with proper care for you, your family or co-workers’ health. If not taken care of properly by mold removal and remediation specialist, more harm than good can be caused.

Mold containment is paramount. Should mold spores become airborne, they can get into the HVAC system and spread to other parts of the building. Proper containment is vital in preventing the spread of contaminants, as well as, exposure. Once containment is set up, and moisture source has been taken care of, the removal process can begin.

What Does Mold Need to Grow?

Mold needs four things in order to grow:

• Food – organic materials such as paper, wood, plants, etc.
• Moisture – Mold always needs a source of water to thrive.
• Temperature – optimal temperature for mold is between 60-80F (15.5-27C).
• Oxygen – Mould needs oxygen in order to thrive and grow

You have to understand that you can’t “kill” mold. Mold spores will only go dormant if it doesn’t have the right nutrients (food, water, warmth, and oxygen). The best way to prevent mold growth is to remove one or more of the four nutrients and keep all surfaces clean, dry and plenty of ventilation.

At IBX Services we are held to the IICRC S520 Standards for Mould Remediation. We follow these standards for our clients and the team’s safety. With a very qualified team and the last technology equipment, we know how to help you and how to prevent mold allergies. Don’t think twice to call us at 416-252-5959!

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Water In Home Air Ducts? How To Remove It?

Water In Home Air Ducts? How To Remove It?

November 12, 2019 , , , , ,

Moisture or water in home air ducts can seem harmless at first; however, if ignored it could lead to serious problems like mold or mildew growth. Moisture in your ductwork can also indicate underlying problems that need to be addressed.

There are several common reasons for water in home air ducts. Moisture is a sign of low duct temperature. For this reason, during the heating season, unused air-conditioning ducts located in unheated rooms can collect moisture. Moisture or the water can also collect in the summer if cool air passes through a duct in a room that isn’t air-conditioned. Excess humidity in the attic or crawl space can also encourage condensation on the inside and outside of ductwork.

How to Prevent Moisture or Water in Home Air Ducts

1) Eliminate underlying issues.

Look for any sources of moisture that could be causing the problem. Do you see any water-pipe leaks or leaks in the roof? Do you have a humidifier that is turned up too high? Is the clothes-dryer vent free-flowing and leak-free? Is your furnace venting system free of leaks? Or are the bathroom vents and cook range vents leaking?

A leak in one of these systems could be causing the problem, and without addressing it directly, you’ll only be able to accomplish temporary solutions. A hygrometer will give you a good idea of the humidity levels in the house and tell you if they’re abnormal.

2) Use a dehumidifier.

After you determine these systems are working well, run a dehumidifier in the area where your air ducts are collecting water. This will reduce moisture in the air and prevent condensation in the ductwork.

3) Seal off unused A/C ducts.

If you still have moisture in your air ducts, seal off unused A/C air ducts, and supply and return vents in the winter. Don’t just close the dampers – they are not airtight. Cut foam-board insulation into a plug that is the size of the vent, or tape the duct closed with plastic sheeting. Just don’t forget to remove the blockage in the spring.

4) Insulate.

Insulating the air ducts will prevent them from cooling off and condensing the air inside. You can do this with standard duct insulation. In cold weather, homeowners can also circulate warm air through unused ductwork to prevent condensation.

Another option is to insulate the space where the ductwork is located. If you have an uninsulated attic, adding insulation will help prevent condensation from forming on cold ductwork.

Ducts Are Fuzzy

Hopefully, you discovered the moisture or water in home air ducts before it was too late. If not, you may be at risk of mold or mildew in your air ducts. IBX Services air duct cleaning services and duct inspections give homeowners peace of mind and healthy indoor air quality. Just give us a call at +1-416-252-5959 or schedule an appointment at [email protected].

 

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Attic Mold Removal | Choose IBX Services

Attic Mold Removal | Choose IBX Services

November 7, 2019 , , ,

Could you have mold in your attic? Are you suspect because of physical symptoms that can feel like annoying allergies such as itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, sore throat and even nosebleeds, headaches and fatigue. If you’ve had any of these symptoms without knowing the cause, you could have mold in your attic or in some other out-of-sight area. All that you need is an attic mold removal company.

IBX Services recommends reading the steps below to learn the way how to keep your family safe.

Why Is There Mold in My Attic?

Mold anywhere in-home or especially in your attic, is often due to the presence of excess moisture. Mold thrives in warm, humid areas. When conditions are ideal, mold spread immediately.

Floods or water damage in the attic, which also leads to mold, can usually be attributed to some key causes:

  1. Improperly  installed roof exhaust vents
  2. A leaky roof
  3. Condensation that can be collected beneath the plywood roof sheathing
  4. Damage from ice dams
  5. A warm, moist attic

How to do attic mold removal?

If you have been discovered or suspend mold growth or roof leak, act fast and protect your home. Do the steps below to begin attic mold removal.

  • Call an attic mold removal company such as IBX Services

Your local IBX Services technician will inspect your attic (and the rest of your home, if you wish) using advanced technology to locate and confirm the existence of mold. As IICRC-certified mold restoration experts, we can then remove, clean or encapsulate any mold-damaged areas of the attic.

  • Choose Full-Service Reconstruction

Our reconstruction experts will remediate structural damage to the roof once it is determined that the mold issue is caused by a structural issue, such as a leaky roof or improperly installed exhaust vents.

What About DIY Attic Mold Removal?

Touching or inhaling mold spores can cause health problems, including respiratory distress and neurological issues. When carpenters and contractors encounter mold, they stop work until a professional like IBX Services can safely remediate the mold.

Ensure to avoid cleaning or attempting to disinfect mold-affected areas with bleach or household chemicals as this may leave you or members of your family vulnerable to illness.

Choose IBX Services for Attic Mold Removal

Keep your family safe with professional water/fire damage mitigation and mold removal services. Our experts take all the necessary precautions to remediate your home.

Our team stands 24/7 to assist you with any emergency. You can call us at +1-416-252-5959!

 

 

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