Summer is highly anticipated in Southern Ontario. With the warm, often scorching weather, people throughout the city are enjoying open windows, vacations, and more time out of the house. However, with heavy rainfall and increased humidity levels, many residential and commercial property owners find themselves grappling with the aftermath of water damage, leaving many people in need of mold removal in Ottawa.
Understanding how the triggers and consequences related to mold change in the summer can help you infestation-proof your property, starting with water damage restoration in Ottawa.
What Causes Mold Outbreaks in the Summer?
In general, mold outbreaks will emerge in environments that are poorly ventilated and humid. The combination of moisture from water damage and heat from summer weather make attics and flooded basements a prime target for infestations. As the temperature rises outdoors, indoor spaces that have recently experienced leaks or floods become more susceptible to mold colonization. Once mold spores settle on a building material like wood, drywall gypsum, or even insulation that serves as a food source, replication and expansion continue rapidly.
Mold & Water Damage in Ottawa
In Ottawa, indoor floods and leaks that require professional attention can be the result of leaks, appliance issues, and burst pipes. But in the summer, where wet weather is prevalent throughout the city, heavy rainfall is a leading trigger of flooding, with July being the wettest month of the year. If flooding and water damage weren’t big enough of a problem, wet weather in the summer heat also increases the likelihood of mold growth. Together water damage and mold infestations contribute to structural damage and contamination of indoor air quality.
How to Prevent Summertime Mold Outbreaks
When it comes to flooded basement cleanup and mold removal services in Ottawa, time is of the essence. The longer water and moisture persist, the greater the risk of mold growth and the more extensive the damage becomes. It’s crucial to act quickly and contact a reputable restoration company to mitigate the situation before it worsens. Experts employ techniques such as air filtration and specialized cleaning agents to eliminate mold spores and prevent future growth. By enlisting the help of professionals, you can be confident that the job will be done efficiently and effectively, restoring your basement to a safe and healthy condition.
Health Effects of Mold Outbreaks
During the summer months, the health effects of mold can be particularly concerning. Increased humidity and moisture levels mean conditions that are more favourable for mold growth, especially in areas such as basements, attics and bathrooms. Exposure to mold spores and the mycotoxins they release through the air can lead to various health issues, especially for those with respiratory problems, allergies, or weakened immune systems. Symptoms of mold exposure may include nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, skin irritation, and even asthma attacks.
If your property is the subject of a weather-induced flood, expert water damage cleanup from Canada’s Restoration Services, an IICRC-certified restoration company in Ottawa, will help you minimize the threat of secondary damage and protect the condition of your property. Following flooded basement cleanup, our teams will conduct comprehensive mold inspections to detect water-induced mold.
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