Discovering mold in your home can be a source of legitimate concern. These microorganisms, while naturally present in our environment, can pose a serious risk to health and the structural integrity of your home when they proliferate indoors. According to Health Canada, prolonged exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and worsen asthma, particularly in sensitive individuals.
With over 50 years of expertise in construction and decontamination work, the team at Construction J.G. Lessard & Sons guides you in identifying situations requiring the intervention of a certified professional.
Understanding Mold: A Public Health Issue
Conditions That Promote Mold Growth
Mold develops in humid environments where the humidity rate exceeds 60%. Several factors can create these favorable conditions:
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- Water infiltration through roofing, foundations, or windows
- Water leaks from plumbing, household appliances, or heating systems
- Excessive condensation in poorly ventilated rooms
- Water damage not treated quickly after a disaster
The bathroom represents one of the highest risk areas due to constant humidity generated by showers and baths. Without adequate ventilation, mold spores naturally present in the air find an ideal environment to multiply.
When these problems occur and are not corrected quickly, they create ideal conditions for mold development and jeopardize the healthiness of your home.
Symptoms of Mold in House
According to the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ), the types of mold most frequently encountered in Quebec homes include:
- Aspergillus: often green or black in color, common on humid drywall
- Penicillium: generally blue or green, present on organic materials
- Stachybotrys (toxic black mold): particularly dangerous, requires immediate professional intervention
- Cladosporium: often found on fabrics and wood surfaces
These molds differ in appearance and danger level, but they all share the ability to harm your comfort, health, and property integrity if not eliminated quickly.
Identifying Signs of Mold in Your Home
Visual and Olfactory Signs
The first signs of mold to watch for include:
- Visible mold traces in the form of colored stains (black, green, white, orange)
- Persistent musty odor, particularly in basements and bathrooms
- Discoloration or warping of materials (wallpaper, paint, wood)
- Presence of efflorescence (white deposits) on masonry walls
These signs, even subtle at first, should be taken seriously as they often reveal the presence of a more extensive and deeper problem than it appears.
Revealing Health Symptoms
Health Canada identifies several symptoms that may indicate mold exposure:
- Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
- Persistent cough and breathing difficulties
- Increased allergic reactions
- Frequent headaches
- Unexplained fatigue
When these symptoms appear repeatedly in several occupants of the same house, it may be a sign of more significant contamination requiring rapid assessment.
When Professional Intervention Becomes Necessary
Area and Location: The Decisive Criteria
While cleaning contaminated small surfaces (less than 1 square meter) can sometimes be done by the homeowner, several situations absolutely require the intervention of certified experts:
Large Contaminated Surface
- More than 3 square meters: professional intervention mandatory according to Health Canada guidelines
- Presence of mold in ventilation systems
- Contamination of structural materials (framing, insulation)
In these cases, attempting to clean yourself carries risks and generally does not address the problem at its source, making professional intervention indispensable.
Critical Location
- Mold problems in schools, daycares, or healthcare facilities
- Contamination near electrical systems
- Mold proliferation in crawl spaces or between walls
These sensitive or hard-to-reach locations require specialized expertise to avoid additional dangers to health or safety.
Toxic Mold: High Risk
The presence of most common molds like Stachybotrys (black mold) requires immediate professional mold decontamination. These species produce mycotoxins that are particularly dangerous to health.
Construction J.G. Lessard's Decontamination Expertise
Certified Professional Protocol
Our specialized decontamination team rigorously follows protocols established by CNESST and Health Canada:
- Initial Assessment: complete inspection and identification of moisture sources
- Containment: isolation of contaminated area to prevent spread
- Decontamination: safe elimination of contaminated materials
- Sanitization: cleaning and disinfection of recoverable surfaces
- Drying: professional drying and humidity control
- Verification: post-decontamination air quality testing
This professional protocol ensures complete care, from problem detection to final restoration of your living space.
Specialized Equipment
Our interventions use state-of-the-art equipment:
- Negative pressure ventilation systems to contain mold spores
- Industrial dehumidifiers to eliminate excess moisture
- Certified personal protective equipment
- Air quality testing and analysis equipment
Thanks to this equipment, our experts guarantee effective, safe decontamination that meets the strictest standards.
Mold Prevention: Best Practices
Humidity Control
Mold prevention primarily relies on humidity control:
- Maintain relative humidity between 30% and 50%
- Ensure adequate ventilation, particularly in bathrooms
- Quickly repair any water infiltration or leak
- Use exhaust fans during activities that generate humidity
Adopting these daily habits not only prevents mold appearance but also protects your home's durability.
Regular Inspection
Periodic inspection of your home allows early detection of mold problems:
- Monthly verification of risk areas (basement, bathroom, attic)
- Monitoring the condition of waterproof seals
- Surveillance for signs of water infiltration
Regular and attentive maintenance saves you many unpleasant surprises and significantly reduces contamination risks.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Consequences of Inaction
Postponing treatment of a mold problem can have serious consequences:
- Accelerated deterioration of construction materials
- Spread of contamination to other areas
- Increased costs of decontamination
- Increased risks to occupants' health
In other words, the longer you wait, the more the problem grows, and the more costly and complex it becomes to resolve. According to a study by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), 31% of Canadian homes show signs of moisture problems that can lead to mold growth.
Our Decontamination Achievements
Construction J.G. Lessard & Sons has successfully treated numerous cases of mold contamination in the Montreal region. Our achievements demonstrate our expertise in various situations:
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- Residential decontamination after water damage
- Mold treatment in commercial buildings
- Air sanitization post-decontamination
- Complete renovation after disaster
These projects demonstrate our expertise and the trust both individuals and businesses in the Montreal region place in us.
Choosing the Right Professional
Essential Certifications
When choosing a decontamination contractor, verify:
- Valid RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) license
- CNESST certification in decontamination
- Civil and professional liability insurance
- Continuing education on decontamination protocols
These criteria ensure the company is qualified to intervene safely and in compliance with current regulations.
The Construction J.G. Lessard Advantage
Our family business, with over 50 years of expertise, offers:
- 24/7 emergency intervention
- Multidisciplinary team: decontamination, construction, renovation
- Partnership with insurers to facilitate your procedures
- Post-intervention follow-up and prevention advice
- Free and transparent estimates
By choosing J.G. Lessard, you benefit from customized support, proven expertise, and peace of mind at every step of the process, from initial emergency to post-work follow-up.
Your Health Comes First
The presence of mold in your home should never be taken lightly. As soon as the first signs appear, professional assessment is necessary to determine the extent of the problem and the appropriate intervention strategy.
At Construction J.G. Lessard & Sons, we understand the urgency that mold problems represent for your family. Our approach combines technical expertise, specialized equipment, and strict adherence to safety protocols to guarantee you a healthy environment.
Don't wait for the situation to worsen. Contact our experts today for a free assessment of your situation. Your health and that of your loved ones deserve the intervention of certified professionals.