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.

Below are the top 5 items our team recommends you consider prior to hiring a mold inspection and or remediation contractor:

1. Mold removal contractors that do not have adequate insurance, who miss-classify their WSIB coverage and who use day labourers as remediation technicians.  
2. Contractors with no verifiable experience in Construction, Construction Deficiency Identification and Construction Deficiency Rectification.
3. Contractors that sell fogging and encapsulation services as solutions to mould removal problems.
4. Contractors that have to subcontract the majority of their work.  If your contractor has to subcontract dry ice blasting, equipment, insulation removal etc., you are better off retaining a firm that offers turnkey solutions.
5. Contractors that cannot commit to start and completion dates.

Michael, Ishlove, Technical Manager.

Water Damage, Mold and House Insurance  (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Fighting Mold — The Homeowners’ Guide (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Should You Test the Air in Your Home for Mold? (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

The Condominum Owners’ Guide to Mold  (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

The Tenant’s Guide to Mold (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Moisture and Air – Problems and Remedies ( Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Black Mold Exposure Film Trailer  [Video]

San Diego Toxic Mold Story: Sick Schools [Video]

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency New Residential Mold Guide

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, March 2001

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Molds in the Environment

Questions and Answers on Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds

California Research Bureau Reports Molds, Toxic Molds, and IAQ

California Department of Health Services – Indoor Air Program
Indoor Air Quality Info Sheet Mold in My Home: What Do I Do?

Minnesota Department of Health – Mold in Homes

Eliminate Molds, Excessive Moisture and Other Biological Pollutants

According to a recent Health Canada publication:

• Not all mold is obvious to detect, so it is important to check for the presence of mould anywhere that is damp, especially where water damage has occurred.
• Inspect for visible signs of mold or areas with excessive moisture.  Look for stains or discoloration of floors, walls, window panes, fabrics and carpets or a musty “earthy” odour.  If necessary contact our office for help.

Mold Problem?

Mold problems can arise due to a variety of factors and can occur in a variety of locations.

Mold Problem?

If you suspect you have a mold problem contact our office without delay.  A technician can be reached at 416.622.0456, 888.295.6653, 613.800.1180 or via email at info@mould-solutions.com.