Water and home damage

Fix that mould problem for good

More than just a nuisance, mould can grow in damp or wet areas that result from everyday activities like cooking or showering, and can cause health concerns. If you're trying to prevent or deal with mould, check out this handy guide for great tips and advice.

Understand the health risks. Mould can contribute to poor indoor air quality and health problems, including eye, nose, and throat irritation; coughing and mucous build-up; wheezing and shortness of breath; worsening of asthma symptoms; and other allergic reactions.

How to detect it. Mould can hide inside walls or above ceiling tiles and grow on wood, paper, fabrics, drywall and insulation. Inspect your home for visible signs of mould or areas with too much moisture. Look for dampness, stains or discolouration on floors, walls, window panes, fabrics, and carpets. Notice if you smell a musty, “earthy” odour.

Prevent it. Look for damp spots and repair water leaks as soon as you notice them. Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering and let them run for a few minutes after you're done. Make sure your clothes dryer, stove, kitchen and bathroom fans all vent to the outdoors. Seal tubs and sinks, throw out basement clutter and regularly clean and disinfect anything that holds water.

Work on your environment. Keep your home well-ventilated by opening windows in dry weather or using fans as needed. Reduce humidity — ideal levels are about 50% in summer and 30% in colder weather. You can also use a dehumidifier or air conditioner.

DIY a solution. You can generally clean small and moderate areas of mould by yourself. Wear safety glasses or goggles, a disposable dust mask and rubber gloves. Isolate the area by taping plastic sheeting to the walls and ceiling to prevent the spread of dust and mould particles. Clean the mould by using water and dish detergent (there's no need to use bleach), and vacuum the area with a HEPA vacuum cleaner before and after cleaning. When cleaning mould, people with asthma, allergies or other sensitivities to mould should not be in the home.

When to call in a pro. Consider hiring a professional if there's a large amount, or if the mould keeps coming back after you clean it. You can find more information online at Canada.ca/health. Did you know that water is the leading cause of home damage in most provinces? Just this past May, communities across the country had to cope with flooding as heavy rainfalls hit various regions over many days.

What can you do to protect your home? Here, Marc Barbeau, property claims manager with Intact Insurance shares his top four tips:

1. Water-resistant décor. The next time you're renovating your home, explore installing cement board instead of drywall in your basement. It's typically used in showers and tubs and is less likely to absorb water. Cement boards are extremely moisture resistant and dry quickly when wet.

For base moulding, consider a formed, paintable plastic material instead of wood. This way, even if water gets in, your home may be able to withstand excess water and mould damage.

2. Install backflow valves and sump pumps. A sump pump may help keep your basement safe and dry by collecting and disposing the water from your home. Already have a sump pump? Think about adding battery backup for times where the power is out.

When there's a heavy rainstorm, it may become too much for the sewers to handle, and waste can back up through floor drains, toilets and sinks. A backwater valve is a one-way valve that is installed on the main drain of your home. In the event of a backup, the valve closes to stop sewage from coming in.

3. Consider overland flood insurance. It's estimated that only 10 to 15 per cent of Canadians have insurance for overland flooding. New insurance products can help cover this. For example, enhanced water damage packages consists of up to four components: sewer back-up, water and sewer lines, overland water and ground water. It's best that you talk to a broker to ensure you're getting the coverage you need.

4. Keep valuable items on higher floors. Store sentimental and valuable items on the upper floors of your home, away from the basement as many of these items may never be replaced if your basement floods.