MOULD TESTING FOR VANCOUVER, SURREY & SURROUNDING CITIES
Mould thrives in damp, moisture-rich environments and can lead to significant health issues and structural deterioration within your property. To avoid these problems, it is highly advisable to undergo professional mould testing and inspections. BC Hazmat Inspections, serving Vancouver, Surrey and throughout GVRD, is your trusted source for reliable mould testing services for residential and commercial spaces. We prioritize mitigating health risks associated with mould growth through effective remediation.
Our inspectors possess AHERA certification, and our in-house lab is staffed with NIOSH-certified technicians. This ensures swift analysis of mould particles and air samples, providing timely information about potential risks to you and your loved ones.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND MOULD
Mould encompasses a vast category of microorganisms, boasting over 1.5 million distinct species. These mould spores are constantly present outdoors and within buildings, owing to their minuscule size and ease of dissemination via wind, floods, insects, animals, and human movement. Indoors, mould tends to thrive in areas characterized by high humidity levels, ample moisture, suitable temperatures, and a conducive substrate. Common indoor locations where mould is found include bathrooms, attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Mould can establish colonies on a broad spectrum of building and construction materials, including:
To avoid mould growth in these places, mitigating moisture problems is very important. Be sure your space is properly ventilated and note potential places mould can grow, such as leaks near windows, plumbing leaks and wet spots on carpeting, walls, or ceilings.
WHAT CAUSES MOULD TO BUILD UP INSIDE YOUR COMMERCIAL SPACE?
Mould can grow anywhere under the right conditions. Temperature, dampness and oxygen are the main factors in its growth and spread. The most common places you can find it are bathrooms, kitchens, basements, cabinets, and near pipes or ducting areas. Some common causes of mould inside your business space are listed below:
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Persistent humidity: If your enterprise is near large water bodies creating excess moisture in the air, or your property is not properly ventilated, you might find mould growing on walls, ceilings, dark closets, under the kitchen sink, etc.
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Leaky pipes: A small or large leak from behind your geyser, piping in your roof or under the sink cupboards can contribute to mould build-up due to excess dampness.
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Leaking roof: A partially or completely damaged roof due to regular wear and tear or adverse weather conditions can lead to quick mould build-up on walls and ceiling boards.
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A build-up of condensation: Due to fluctuating temperatures in the winter, most businesses might experience a build-up of condensation on cold surfaces, including metal piping, concrete surfaces, floor tiles and even brick walls. This condensation results in the proliferation of mould growth.
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Poor ventilation: A poorly ventilated property is a magnet for mould spores and growth.
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Damp clothing: Mould requires less than 24 hours to grow. Wet clothes lying around your room can create the possibility of mould build-up.
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Property flooding: Your organization takes days or weeks to completely dry after flooding, making an apt environment for mould growth.
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Damp basement: Basements are poorly ventilated and receive more water exposure than other parts of your building, contributing to mould proliferation.
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Lack of routine maintenance: Neglecting routine inspections and maintenance can lead to undetected water issues that foster mould growth.
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Improperly sealed windows and doors: Gaps or improper sealing around windows and doors can allow moisture to enter and accumulate, contributing to mould growth.
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Blocked or inadequate gutters and downspouts: When gutters and downspouts are clogged or improperly installed, rainwater may not be directed away from the property, potentially leading to water seepage and mould issues.
contact us if you want a free mould inspection, analysis and removal from your space. We’re happy to help!
WHY MOULD TESTING IS NECESSARY
Mould releases airborne spores as it grows that, if they are inhaled, can affect your health. People with allergies, weak immune systems and asthma are especially at risk because mould can cause:
If you do not have allergies or a weak immune system, mould exposure can still affect you. There are many symptoms associated with mould inhalation, including:
Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
Along with the health risks, mould can lead to unpleasant odours as it grows and damages your enterprise. If you’ve noticed high moisture levels in certain areas of your property or a musty smell when you go to your basement, you must call the professionals for mould testing.
PROFESSIONAL MOULD INSPECTION
BC Hazmat Inspections provides comprehensive mould testing in Greater Vancouver. After you call, our team will arrive at your home or place of business to perform a visual inspection. This thorough inspection of every area will allow us to locate the mould, determine the extent of growth and identify the causes of the growth.
Our mould contamination and inspection is inclusive of a thorough examination of your place, including:
1.) Visual inspection: Walk-through visual inspection of the interiors and exteriors of your enterprise and noting the observations that include checking your air conditioning system, identifying any visible mould growth, signs of moisture, any characteristic odour, increased relative humidity and signs of water intrusion.
2.) Moisture check: This is required to check the building materials' dampness and identify the potential areas where moisture can be found.
3.) Air sampling: Measuring the standard air quality inside the property, i.e., checking the temperature, relative humidity, and airborne particles presence.
4.) Surface sampling: Collection of surface mould samples by various methods such as swabbing, tape lifting, or other methods for determining the amount and type of mould.
5.) Bulk sampling: Collection of large pieces from your area that might contain moulds.
6.) Sending for lab analysis: After careful inspection and collection of mould from different parts of your commercial space, it will be sent to the lab for analysis.
MOULD ANALYSIS
Our AHERA-certified inspectors will take air and/or mould samples to our lab, where an analysis will take place to determine the impact of mould growth on your indoor environment. Results can vary depending upon the concentration and nature of the mould, as spores don’t spread uniformly across surfaces and can vary over time. After carefully examining the moulds and spores collected, documentation of the extent of moisture and proliferation will be prepared. Once the types of mould spores are identified, our team will present solutions to mitigate the problems while ensuring your family or employees are safe. Additionally, our team offers remediation surveillance to guard against the re-emergence of moulds in your business and will offer mould control and removal services.
CONTACT US FOR MOULD TESTING IN SURREY AND VANCOUVER
If your asthmatic son is having trouble breathing indoors or there’s a musty smell in your bathroom that lingers even after you air the room out, you likely have a mould problem. A professional needs mould testing to determine the extent, cause, and type of mould you have.
Contact BC Hazmat Inspections today for complete mould testing and hazmat reports. Located in Surrey, we serve the surrounding areas, including Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, and Langley.
