When water and moisture accumulate inside a building, or leak into built assemblies, there is a strong possibility of mold and rot developing. Both can be hazardous to occupants and workers.

MOLD
What causes mold?

Mold may grow when there is moisture present on surfaces and in cavities - carpet, drywall, wood, food, dust accumulation or furniture. The fungus that we call 'mold' travels through the air in tiny spores and thrives in moist conditions where there are dust materials.

What does mold look like?

Depending on the type of mold and the surface material it grows on, mold can be black, green, white, orange and other colours. Mold can look like fine webs, stains, slime or fuzzy build up. You may also be able to smell mold by its musty odour.

How is mold removed?

Removing mold may be done in a number of ways, depending on how extensive it is. In the most severe cases, materials may need to be removed completely and disposed of. Consult with experts on mold remediation.

ROT

Building materials that are constantly exposed to moisture, especially wood products, may deteriorate to the point of rotting. This condition may affect the structural integrity of a building.

What does rot look like?

Rotting materials may show signs of staining or mold, or may be spongy or flaking apart.

What should be done with rotting materials?

In dealing with rot:

• The root cause of the moisture accumulation must be determined and fixed properly.
• All of the bad material must be removed.
• The area must be completely dried before replacement parts are installed.