How do you hire the best professional for the job? Different companies advertise mold removal services, but this doesn’t guarantee quality work.

If you need mold removal, here are two questions to ask before hiring a cleanup company.

1. Can you guarantee the complete removal of mold?

A competent and reliable mold removal company knows how to completely eliminate all mold spores. If not properly removed, your mold problem can return and spread throughout your house. Only work with companies who can guarantee the complete removal of mold.

2. Do you have references?

Contacting references is the best way to know whether a company provides quality service. A good mold removal company will not hesitate to provide references. In fact, some are prepared for this question. If the mold removal company will not provide references, assume that they have something to hide.

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If you develop allergy symptoms or notice dark circular marks on your walls, this can indicate a mold problem. Don’t immediately panic. In some cases, the problem may be mildew, which is easier to clean and remove. However, you shouldn’t delay a mold inspection. Mold spreads quickly, and every day or week that you ignore the problem, the more it’ll cost to repair the damage.

Do you suspect a mold problem? Call a professional mold removal company. Walkthroughs and quotes are complimentary. A professional will inspect different areas of your house, as well as provide suggestions for fixing damage and preventing future issues.

For more information on mold removal in Toronto, visit www.mould-solutions.com.

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Trees releasing the most pollen right now are birch, mulberry and elm. Expect oak to follow shortly.

Symptoms of allergies are: itchy, red eyes; sneezing; running noses and coughing and wheezing. Fatigue can also be associated with pollen sensitivity.

If you have allergy symptoms year-round — or if they get worse in damp weather — you may be allergic to mold. While people with pollen allergies tend to have seasonal symptoms, mold allergies can flare all year long. Indoor mold can be a problem in winter months, because mold will grow in your house where there is enough moisture.

Tips to fight allergies:

*If symptoms are significant enough, see a medical provider.

*Take showers in the afternoon or evening after being outside to get pollen off your hair and face.

*Keep windows closed, so that when winds blow, pollens will not enter the home.

*Saline, eye drops and nasal rinses can be effective.

*Take over-the-counter treatments, which are getting better.

*Wear glasses and a hat to help block pollen from getting on the face.

*If you have year-round symptoms, have your home checked for mold and do mold removal if necessary.

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Determining the type of mold in your home, and whether the mold is toxic requires a professional. This is not a job to tackle on your own. A Toronto mold removal specialist has the expertise and skills to correct this issue and stop the spread of mold. Several conditions contribute to mold, such as a water leak or too much humidity in the house. A mold removal company can pinpoint areas with mold and recommend a plan to clean up the mold.

If you need a professional to inspect your house, call today for a free consultation. Mold isn’t a little problem. Get help at the first sign of mold and avoid costly damage.

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Controlling mold in the home is all about controlling moisture. Here are three tips to keep your home moisture-free.

1. Use bathroom vents. If you have vents in your bathroom, use them after each shower to reduce humidity and moisture. Vents help transfer air outside your home and reduce the risk of mold.

2. Lay plastic in your crawlspace. If your house sits on a crawlspace, lay plastic over the dirt. This move keeps moisture out of your home and helps decrease the chances of a mold problem.

3. Test your humidity level. Too much humidity can bring on mold issues. Keep your humidity level at 30% to 60%. Use your air condition in the summer and a dehumidifier to control excess moisture.

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Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this scenario altogether. Take steps to make your home mold-resistant and avoid costly damage.

1. Replace your roof. Most homes require a new roof every 15 to 20 years. Putting off a new roof benefits your wallet, but this decision can have long-term financial consequences. A leaky roof is a breeding ground for mold. Mold can start in this area and quickly spread to other areas of your home.

2. Check the humidity level. Too much humidity is your worst enemy. This is excess moisture in the air, and if your levels are high, mold can grow. The level in your home should be no more than 50%. Bring in a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.

3. Keep surfaces dry. If your basement, bathroom or kitchen floods, or if you have a leak in between your walls, fix these problems immediately. Dry your walls after a shower, and check under sinks for sitting water.

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Here are three important inspections to consider when buying a home.

1. Home inspection. This inspection checks the foundation, the electrical system, the roof and the overall structure of the home. Buying a home means that you inherit all issues with the house. An inspection can reveal problems with the house, and once these problems are disclosed, you can decide to proceed or cancel the offer.

2. Pest inspection. A routine home inspection may not check for insects and other pests. However, you can setup your own pest inspection. This checks the property for signs of rodents and infestations.

3. Mold inspection. Mold is a costly and potentially damaging problem. A thorough mold inspection can disclose what lives between the walls. In the event of mold, you can request mold removal by the current owner. If the owner cannot fix the problem, you can either correct the issue yourself, or find another home.

If you are considering buy a home and suspect mould contact our toll free mold hotline at 888.295.MOLD.  Our technicians offer free unbiased advice.  If required we can mobilize a team to assist with mold inspections, mold removal and restoration work.

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Black mold, or sometimes referred to as “toxic black mold” is frequently associated with water-damaged building materials. Toxic black mold is greenish-black and is usually slimy but if the area dries out, it can appear powdery. Depending on the length of exposure or amount inhaled, symptoms can include chronic fatigue or headaches, fever, irritation to the eyes, sneezing, rashes, and chronic coughing.

White mold, or sclerotinia, is most commonly seen on food or plants. It has a white, raised powdery look to it. When it does form in your home, however, it can be harder to detect than black mold because it tends to blend in with the materials it grows on. Some of the health symptoms that white colored mold can cause include eye irritations, dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, respiratory infections, headaches and depression.

If you have discovered black or white mold in your home or business contact GeoFocus Mould Solutions today.  We provide Ontario with professional mold removal and inspection services.  With office located in the Toronto and Ottawa areas we can assist with projects of all sizes throughout the province.

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But while breaking a lease is wrong and you’ll likely be responsible for back rent payments, certain situations justify this move. Your landlord is obligated to provide safe, livable conditions. And if he doesn’t or cannot, this may justify early termination of your lease agreement.

If you discover mold in your apartment, alert your landlord immediately. He owns the property, thus he is liable for mold removal. It is important to keep a record of conversations and letters between you and your landlord. This can serve to your advantage if your landlord doesn’t clean up the mold, yet enforces the rental lease.

Mold is potentially dangerous to your health, and it can trigger a variety of conditions, such as chronic coughing, asthma, body rashes and wheezing. Mold removal can alleviate these problems, but if your landlord refuses to act, your health may deteriorate.

Notify your landlord of plans to move out of the apartment. Maintain a copy of your lease agreement and take pictures of mold inside the apartment. If the landlord threatens a lawsuit, this evidence can help you win the case.

If you are concerned with mould in your rental apartment or condominium please call us.  The technicians at GeoFocus Mould Solutions can assist with all of your mold removal and mold inspection needs.  We service Toronto, Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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If you find mold in attic, the first thing to do is call your insurance company. Unfortunately, many homeowner insurance policies do not cover mold damage. But on the off chance that your policy does cover mold damage, the insurance company will pay a percentage of the repair cost.

Next, get multiple quotes from companies that specialize in mold removal. This is a costly job, and estimates can vary from company to company. Getting multiple quotes ensures that you receive a fair price on the repair.

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