EcoBec 2000
17952 Chemin Sainte Marie H9J2L5 Kirkland, QC, Canada

A very short video depicting a residential air quality inspection and test that led to the evaluation of a visually clean finished basement only to discover a disaster in the Unknown Issue

Spring ushers in longer days of sunlight and warmer weather and it’s also good time to check the condition of a home or commercial property. Performing some preventive maintenance tasks now can help to ensure a property is in good condition to provide a safe, healthy and comfortable place for the months ahead. Preparing a property for the spring and the upcoming hot summer temperatures could also help prevent costly repairs and increase the building’s energy efficiency. Equal...ly important, some of these tasks could help prevent indoor environmental issues associated with mold and moisture, indoor allergens and other health and safety concerns. Recommendations for preparing a property for the spring season include the following: Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors and change out the batteries. Change filters for the HVAC system and consider having the air conditioner checked by a qualified professional. Also inspect the air ducts for the buildup of dust and debris. Clean outdoor air conditioning components and clear vegetation from around the area. Remove leaves and obstructions from gutters and downspouts and ensure water is draining away from the building. Also check for any damage from past ice dams. Check the siding for any damage or areas that moisture could enter. Check for any damage to the chimney, vents and roof and be sure any skylights are properly sealed. Check windows and doors for drafts and be sure they are properly sealed. Inspect and replace any worn weather stripping. Consider having the clothes dryer vent professionally cleaned and inspect the washing machine water supply hoses. Also draining some types of water heaters can help remove sediment that may have built up. Check indoor and outdoor faucets for any leaks. Trim trees that could cause damage to the property with broken limbs. Repair cracks in concrete, stucco or asphalt. These are just a few things to check and do to help ensure a healthy indoor environment and a property that is ready for the spring season and the summer temperatures to come.

Preventing Mold During The Winter Months In Canada, the wet season is the winter months unlike Florida where the rainy months are the summer months. But any season that is wet and rainy is more prone to mold growth. Prevention is the key to keeping your homes and buildings healthy. RJF Environmental Consulting Services, Inc. has put together a few tips that are efficient and realistic for our friends up North. Prevent mold from infesting your home during the cold rainy seaso...Continue reading

Mold Exposure Is Even WORSE Than We Thought April 15, 2015 Molddish Indoor mold growth and air quality concerns can be serious. Even though there are no federal EPA regulations for mold, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites indoor exposure to mold as a cause for many health problems including asthma, sinusitis and allergic reactions. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory t...ract symptoms, cough and wheeze in otherwise healthy people. Today, more and more medical evidence is also now pointing to links between mold and the development of asthma. Individuals with compromised immune systems are even more at-risk for infection from molds. Mold is often referred to as a hidden danger because it’s often unseen. According to the EPA, molds can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. This means that you’re likely to grow mold any place that creates a moist environment, such as around leaky roofs, windows, pipes, HVAC evaporation, behind drywall or any in which there’s been flooding. Anyone who has picked up and old musty book also knows that mold grows well on paper products as well as on ceiling tiles, wood products, carpet, insulation and even fabric and upholstery. If you’ve had or suspect any type of water leak or spill, timing is of the essence as mold can grow as quickly as 24-72 hours after building materials become saturated. Moisture control is the key to mold control. Remediation includes both the identification and correction of the conditions that permit mold growth, as well as the steps to safely and effectively remove mold damaged materials. Mold comes in thousands of variations and forms, each with a different level of potential harm to the human body. If you think you may have a mold problem at your property, call a certified mold abatement contractor right away to schedule an inspection and protect the health and safety of building occupants.

Why Mold is a Problem During Winter Several factors lead to increased concerns about mold during the winter months. For one thing, moisture conditions indoors can lead to the growth of molds and mildews. While it's true that forced heating systems make indoor air drier overall during the winter months, certain areas of the home may experience intensified levels of humidity because of a lack of ventilation. Bathrooms and kitchens are particularly susceptible to this problem. S...teamy showers in small bathrooms spell trouble, as does the accumulation of steam from washing dishes and cooking in the kitchen. Because of cold weather, windows aren't usually open, and condensation collects on indoor surfaces such as cold walls or windows and their frames, often creating ideal conditions for mold growth. In addition, outdoor exposure is also common during early winter months when piles of leaves collect and absorb moisture. Cold, damp air promotes mold growth in many additional outdoor locations during this time of year as well. Mold thrives in dead vegetation, and is not killed by winter frosts. In fact, many molds can become dormant during the winter only to grow on plants killed by the cold when springtime arrives - making mold a year-round allergy trigger. Any disturbance to an outdoor mold source, such as can occur when raking leaves or tending to a compost pile, disperses mold spores through the air, exposing individuals to varying levels of mold inhalation. How to Identify Mold Problems Obviously, if you notice visible mold or mildew growing in a certain area of your home, it is clear that you have a mold problem. You will need to identify the source of the moisture and remedy the problem at the source. For instance, if you discover mold growing under your bathroom sink, look to see if there are leaky pipes that may be dripping water and repair them. However, though you may not notice mold growth in certain area, this does not mean that mold isn't present or that it won't grow if you don't take action. Indications such as condensation forming on window panes or peeling paint on window sills suggest moisture buildup that makes the area susceptible to mold growth. Water stains likewise indicate a moisture problem and a potential hotspot for mold growth. Any area where water sits or steam collects, such as in shower stalls or bathtub rims, (particularly the area around toiletry bottles and the like) is also a place to keep an eye on. To read more about getting rid of mold and mildew go to www.ecobec.ca Excerpt from ASPEN ENVIRONMENTAL 2014