GeoFocus prides itself on providing continuing education to its technicians at no cost to our employees.  Unlike other firms we ensure that our technicians are continually up to date on industry trends and techniques.  The Mould Remediation industry is an ever changing industry.  With new products, techniques, information and awareness being brought to the attention of the public almost the importance of continuing education is a definite must for the continued success of our technicians and our projects.

How is an IICRC Certified Firm – Certified?

To receive IICRC Certification a firm must meet the requirements to be an IICRC Certified Firm; this includes but is not limited to the following:

1.   Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

2.   On all jobs, have a technician who has been formally trained and who has passed all required tests.

3.   Maintain a continuing education program to keep our technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

4.   Maintain liability insurance to protect you in the event of an accident.

5.   Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

Call our IICRC Certified Firm and speak with our IICRC Certified Technicians today!

GeoFocus Mould Solutions is an industry trusted leader for providing mould inspection (mold investigation) and mould remediation (mould removal) services in the Greater Toronto Area, the Greater Ottawa area and throughout the entire province of Ontario. Providing Council-certified microbial investigations, mould detection, mould testing, mould remediation and mold removal, we have experience in providing our services to home owners, commercial property owners, real-estate agents, landlords, lawyers, property managers, architects, insurance companies, engineers, and businesses.  Should you have a Mold and or Indoor Air Quality issues. Call us.  Our technicians can be reached 7 days a week in the Greater Toronto Area at 416.622.0456, in the Greater Ottawa Area at 613.800.1180 and throghout the province of Ontario at 888.295.6653.

GeoFocus provides dry ice blasting solutions for any budget.  With a large team of experienced, trained and insured technicians, including but not limited to: IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians,  IICRC Water Restoration Technicians, IICRC Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians and ACAC: Council-certified Microbial Investigators GeoFocus teams up the  widest selection of dry ice blasting technicians to dry ice blasting machines and nozzles available anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, the Greater Ottawa Area as well as most other cities throughout the province of Ontario.  Whatever your project, GeoFocus can help you find the right solution.

Why Utilize Dry Ice Blasting For Mold Removal?

Why is dry ice blasting a great tool and process for the removal and remediation of mold?  Because the only way to ensure 100% mold spore removal from wood and or other similar surfaces is through dry ice blasting.

Call GeoFocus for a Dry Ice Blasting quotation.

GeoFocus Mould Solutions is an industry trusted leader for providing mould inspection (mold investigation) and mould remediation (mould removal) services in the Greater Toronto Area, the Greater Ottawa area and throughout the entire province of Ontario. Providing Council-certified microbial investigations, mould detection, mould testing, mould remediation and mold removal, we have experience in providing our services to home owners, commercial property owners, real-estate agents, landlords, lawyers, property managers, architects, insurance companies, engineers, and businesses.  Should you have a Mold and or Indoor Air Quality issues. Call us.  Our technicians can be reached 7 days a week in the Greater Toronto Area at 416.622.0456, in the Greater Ottawa Area at 613.800.1180 and throghout the province of Ontario at 888.295.6653.

GeoFocus reccomends that anyone involved in a mould inspection or mould remediation project should review

Mould Guidelines – Canadian Construction Association

Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mold. 

Indoor Air Quality Association

National Association of Mold Professionals

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification

International Facility Management Association

Restoration Industry Association

You can Rely on GeoFocus to be your Mould Information Resource.

GeoFocus Mould Solutions is an industry trusted leader for providing mould inspection (mold investigation) and mould remediation (mould removal) services in the Greater Toronto Area, the Greater Ottawa area and throughout the entire province of Ontario. Providing Council-certified microbial investigations, mould detection, mould testing, mould remediation and mold removal, we have experience in providing our services to home owners, commercial property owners, real-estate agents, landlords, lawyers, property managers, architects, insurance companies, engineers, and businesses.  Should you have a Mold and or Indoor Air Quality issues. Call us.  Our technicians can be reached 7 days a week in the Greater Toronto Area at 416.622.0456, in the Greater Ottawa Area at 613.800.1180 and throghout the province of Ontario at 888.295.6653.

GeoFocus continues to lead the Ontario market in Attic Mold Abatement projects.  We have worked on a variety of attic types from single family home, semi detached homes, town homes, condo-town homes and more.

Have you found mold in your attic?

Effective attic mold remediation involves two components: (1) removal of the attic mold and (2) addressing spores in the air and on surfaces within the attic.

Removal of attic mold used to require removal of the affected roof decking.   One of the best alternatives to whole roof replacement is an abrasive cleaning method called dry ice blasting.  This method is not only less labor intensive than sanding or scrubbing, it is more effective because the dry ice freezes the surface of the moldy substrate.  Dry ice blasting also facilitates cleaning of crevices and hard to reach areas.  As with all mold remediation, appropriate containment measures, personal protection, and engineering controls must be employed.

Attic Mold Removal

Attic mold can hold up the sale of a home.

Homeowners don’t usually notice it until it’s pointed out by a building inspector. And they don’t call an inspector until they’re getting ready to sell or buy a home. This leads to costly delays.

In 90% of moldy attics, the sheathing (boards or plywood covering the roof framing) will be black (possibly with the infamous ‘black mold‘). If you can see attic mold then removal is necessary.

Eliminate the causes, eliminate the mold.

The major source of mold in attics is improper ventilation:

• Soffits (overhangs) aren’t ventilated or they’re blocked by insulation.
• No gable vents (at the inverted “v” of the roof).
• No ridge vent (going the length of the roof at the top).
• A bathroom’s exhaust venting into the attic. Moisture escaping the bathroom hits the sheathing, and cold air outside creates condensation inside, creating mold-optimal conditions.

The other major cause is water, such as from:

• Leaks in the roof
• Chimneys with improper flashing (material used to prevent leakage).

These issues, coupled with other mold-friendly conditions, creates attic mold problems and must be corrected.

GeoFocus Provides:

• Free Consultations
• Attic mold inspection and reports
• Mold remediation and removal / abatement
• Mold treatment to prevent future mold and mildew growth
• Written transferable warranties on all jobs

The Attic Mold Removal Process: Phase I (Abatement)

First, the ventilation and water issues must be addressed. There’s no sense in removing the mold until you remove the conditions that let it grow. When you eliminate the cause, only then can you eliminate the mildew and mold.  In some cases the ventilation and water issues cannot be addressed until the attic mold has been remediated.

The attic mold removal and abatement process includes correcting any ventilation defects, and removing and replacing insulation. It is not usually necessary to replace sheathing.

Attic Remediation Process: Phase II (Removal)

We use a multi-step process for attic mold treatment that includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Contain any materials not
   receiving treatment with 6 mil. poly plastic .
2. HEPA vac all surfaces
   recieving treatment.
3. Remove Insulation.
4. Dry Ice Blast all areas of visible mold growth.
5. Apply an antimicrobial product throughout (preventing mold from regrowing).
6. Supply negative air (for all
   jobs) to keep any contamination from spreading.

All our mold remediation products are environmentally friendly, and very green!

In this project the GeoFocus team was retained to provide mold removal services at a Pharmaceutical Warehouse within the Greater Toronto Area.  Containment was built to a height of 30 feet and to a width of 40 feet and was kept under negative air pressure for the duration of the project.

In this project the GeoFocus team was retained to provide mold removal services at a Skating Rink / Hockey Arena within the Greater Toronto Area.  Mould was limited to the rink bench areas.  Containment was custom built around the benches of the rink and was kept under negative air pressure for the duration of the project.  The mold removal project was monitored and cleared by Pinchin.

In this project the GeoFocus team was retained to perform mold remediation within the basement of a fairly new residential property.  Containment was built around the HVAC equipment and was kept under negative air pressure to mitigate the possibility of cross contamination.

As with all of our projects the GeoFocus team takes appropraite measures to ensure the protection of our clients properties throughout the duration of each and every mold removal / mold abatement project.  From covering floors, stairs, railings, furniture and lighting our team wants to ensure that your property and possessions are protected at all times.

GeoFocus will never be among the low-ball mold removal bids you may receive from other contractors; nor, do we want to.  The GeoFocus team, through its experienced staff, state of the art equipment and industry leading insurance coverage delivers value, accountability and results to its Clients through each and every removal project.

What sets GeoFocus apart from the competition?

1. For the protection of our Clients GeoFocus maintains a comprehensions insurance policy.  Click Here For Proof of Our Insurance.
2. For the protection of our Clients GeoFocus is WSIB current and compliant. Call our office today to obtain a WSIB clearance certificate.
3. GeoFocus is a Clean Trust Certified firm.
4. GeoFocus employs Clean Trust Certified technicians.
5. GeoFocus employs an ACAC: Council-certified Microbial Investigator.

If you are looking for Contractor that Specializes in Mold Removal call us today.  We service the Greater Toronto, Greater Ottawa and most other major areas/cities in the province of Ontario.  We can be reached at 416.622.0456 or toll free at 888.295.6653.

So what’s the difference?  The different terms are based on either experience or inexperience.  How can it be based on both?  Well they are either used correctly or incorrectly.  For example mould abatement is the physical removal of contaminated materials whereas mold remediation would refer to the removal of contaminated materials and the investigation and rectification of the issues that caused the mold in the first place.  Experience contractors will use the terms correctly.  Inexperienced contractors will use the terms as buzz words to promote their sales and marketing efforts.

Should you have any questions regarding Mould Abatement, Mold Remediation, Mould Cleaning, Mold Removal – call us.  Our technicians and office staff are available to you 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have.  We can be reached at 888.295.6653 or at 416.622.0456.

Information regarding mould removal can also be read at: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/momo/momo_005.cfm.

Our office is often contacted to discuss Black Mold Removal.  Toronto has become a hot-bed from remediation contractors utilizing unscrupulous techniques to sell underqualified and underinsured services.  What does GeoFocus reccomend consumers look for in a mold removal contractor:

• Ensure they are fully insured, carrying General Liability, Pollution Liability and Proffesional Liability Insurance.
• Ensure their technicians are qualified, experienced, trained and most importantly certified.
• Ensure that their technicians follow current industry standards and protocol.

Health Canada recommends removing any mould found in your home and fixing the underlying moisture problem that allowed it to grow in the first place because there is no safe amount of mould.

GeoFocus technicians are available 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.  In Toronto call us at 416.622.0456.

What should you do when you require a mold removal contractor?  Call GeoFocus.  You can speak directly to a certified mold removal technician for free.  To speak with one of our certified technicians call us at 416.622.0456 or at 888.295.6653.

What should you look for in a mold removal contractor?

Cost is important, but so is honesty, integrity and dependability. “Inexperienced, under-insured and non-certified mold removal contractors are among the top consumer complaints our office receives, we have been asked to take over numerous mold removal projects due to consumer disappointment in contractors they had previously retained” says Laura Altobelli (GeoFocus Mould Solutions’ Client Services Manager).

Our office recommends that all potential clients obtain proof of Liability Insurance, proof of Pollution Insurance, proof of Professional Liability insurance and proof of Employee Certifications prior to inviting any contractor to bid on mold removal.  Toronto and Ottawa have an abundance of mold remediation contractors; however, they have very view that protect their clients with industry leading insurance coverage, certified technicians, state of the art mold removal equipment, and full time supervisory staff.

Why GeoFocus for Mold Removal?

GeoFocus technicians will always take the time to discuss, explain and document our mold removal services.  Each and every mold removal project presents different circumstances and challenges – GeoFocus technicians understand this and work with each and every client individually to ensure their mold removal needs are completely met.

GeoFocus technicians follow industry guidelines in its mold removal procedures such as:

• IICRC S520, Standard and Reference Guide for Mold Remediation
• Canadian Construction Associations CCA 82-Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industrty
• Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists)
• IICRC S500, Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration)
• Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (EPA)

GeoFocus technicians are also supervised by an ACAC: Council-certified Microbial Investigator.

What does a mold removal project consist of?

ASSESSMENT: A qualified indoor environmental professional will assess the area and provide recommendations for remediation.

CONTAINMENT: Certified technicians will prepare containment under negative air pressure to mitigate cross contamination between “clean” and “contaminated” areas.

REMOVAL: Certified technicians will physically remove  moldy drywall, paper and boxes, etc., and dispose of them accordingly.  Items that cannot be removed will be treated in accordance with industry standards and guidelines.

CLEANING:   Our certified mold removal technicians specialize in the use of a variety of cleaning methods to effectively and efficiently remove mold from contaminated surfaces:

• HEPA vacuuming
• Wiping and scrubbing
• Dry Ice Blasting
• Encapsulation methods after all cleaning and removal is complete (and if appropriate for the application)

Lavar Blake came to do the quote and he was the most pleasant of all of the other companies that came to do the quote. He is a very nice guy, very professional and to the point. He wasn’t upselling on our fears in anyway. We had a new-born baby in the house and the other companies seemed to be using that to make the problem seem bigger than it was. Lavar was fair, and re-assuring.

The job was done exactly as Lavar had explained. They set up the containment area, negative pressure systems, hepa air filter in and outside of the containment area, the whole shebang… They made sure to have me inspect the containment area before they began, and they kept me in the loop throughout the process.

They removed the drywall on 3 walls of our basement bathroom as well as the bathroom vanity and disposed everything. They also sanded down a sauna (which they didn’t charge for). They left the hepa filter running for 24 hours after the job was complete. They cleaned up after themselves and didn’t cause any mess.

I was hesitant to go with Geofocus at first because I was taking a leap of faith not seeing any reviews online, but If I am unfortunate enough to have another mold problem, I won’t hesitate to call Geofocus. I hope this review helps others to choose them too.

Extracted from: http://homestars.com/reviews/69079?company_id=2773658

Why is mould increasingly affecting our new homes, new condominiums, new buildings?

Insufficient detailing, vague specifications, lax general field reviews, inadequate supervision, lack of coordination, poorly selected materials – the list can go on and on.  While some of the aforementioned terms may have little meaning to you they may soon enough.  From newly constructed multi-storey condominiums to brand name hotels – are mould issues on the rise?

They may be – but why?  Construction techniques are becoming more technologically advanced.  Construction professionals are increasingly receiving more advanced training.    Owners and Developers are increasing their spending on third party inspection firms to minimize construction deficiencies.  Aren’t they?

In a recent discussion with Jennifer Azzopardi, B.A.S, M.Arch, a Building Consultant from GeoFocus 2000 Construction Services (GeoFocus) and Roger Altobelli, President of GeoFocus.  Roger stated that “in our last two major projects GeoFocus assisted two Owner / Developer’s by taking over the site activities of a $19,000,000.00 condominium complex and an $18,000,000.00 brand name hotel both of which were hampered by mould problems.”

Jennifer added that “GeoFocus performed a review and recovery process to monitor our clients’ project, identify possible intervention activities, identify and rectify a multitude of deficiencies and to replace the existing Construction Management and Site Supervision staff. While both projects were successfully completed it was not without complication.  Both projects were hampered with mould issues related to improper trade coordination, insufficient supervision, and poorly selected building materials.”

Roger concluded the discussion by stating that “all of the mould issues were very much preventable.  In one case drywall was installed without the building being weather tight.  In another case grading and drainage was incorrectly set leading to multiple water intrusion issues.  All deficiencies led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair.”

The deficiencies don’t stop with the two projects listed above.  In recent months visiting projects on behalf of potential clients, colleagues and associates Roger and Jennifer have viewed inadequately installed spandrel panels, failing window assemblies, building envelope failures and incorrectly installed faux balconies.  All the deficiencies listed above resulted in mould.  All the deficiencies listed above were found in condominiums.  All the deficiencies listed above were associated with new construction.

Insufficient detailing, vague specifications, lax general field reviews, inadequate supervision, lack of coordination, poorly selected materials.  While some of the aforementioned terms may have had little meaning to you – they now do.  They are just some of the reasons why is mould increasingly affecting our new structures.