In a nutshell, winter indoor air is often even more toxic than summer indoor air because there is typically less ventilation from opening windows or doors; very low humidity, which lowers the body's ability to cope with indoor toxins; and more use of appliances that contribute their own toxic by-products into the air. Here is a list of the most commonly cited indoor airborne toxins, courtesy of the Canadian Lung Association : Fumes and gases from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces Tobacco smoke, fumes, by-products Household cleaning products, air fresheners, and scents, including candles and          perfumes Carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides from gas appliances Formaldehyde from pressed wood furnishings and carpeting Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from use of indoor pesticides, home improvement products, and craft glues Radon seeping up from cracks in foundation and walls Mould and mildew growth in damp areas such as ba...

Water can cause extensive damage inside of your house. Everything can be ruined by it within hours of water affecting it. Additionally, it may prevent you from staying in your house for at least a couple of days, if not more, while you might have water damage restoration done. Fortunately, you will find measures you can take to decrease the odds of your home sustaining flooding damage in the first place. 1) Fix Leaks In Your Plumbing System The reality is that it doesn’t take much for a little flow of water to become a huge one, although a small pipe leak may not be a massive cause for concern for most homeowners. Leaky plumbing pipes facilitate mold development and can, over time, do water damage inside of your property which will cause rising expenses to repair. You will likely need to have mold removal done should you allow a plumbing pipe to leak continuously, and in a worst-case scenario, you can find yourself with a huge mess to clean up if your plumbing pipe explodes and...

Home is where people spend the majority of their time. Most people occupy their residences for up to 16 hours each day, making a safe environment a priority. When spring mould latches onto indoor surfaces, the surroundings become a breeding ground for all sorts of illnesses that affect breathing. Springtime is an opportune time for moulds to flourish. The last of winter’s snows melt away, and the spring showers add plenty of moisture to the environment. Since mould feeds on both oxygen and moisture-rich spaces, the dampness inside a home makes it a haven for spring mould growth. Thousands of mould varieties grow in the typical Canadian home. Five of the most common indoor molds are Cladosporium (triggers asthmatic symptoms), Penicillium (causes allergies and asthma), Alternaria (causes allergies), Aspergillus (can provoke lung infections) and Stachybotrys (can cause severe breathing complications). Mould spores are microscopic and therefore can be inhaled easily. The health co...

Water leaks in a property need to be fixed as soon as possible, otherwise mould will start growing and turn the property into a fungi nightmare. When property owners deal with a mould problem they might think that a dehumidifier could get rid of the mould. But are dehumidifiers efficient at removing mould? Let's discuss! What is a dehumidifier? Dehumidifiers are portable devices that pull moisture from the air, decreasing the dampness in a room. Ideally, the home should have a relative humidity between 30 and 40%. This improves comfort and decreases health risks. A hygrometer can be used to monitor the humidity in a home. Does a dehumidifier remove mould? Removing ALL mould spores from a home is nearly impossible. Mould stays “dormant” in the air or on surfaces even if there’s no excess moisture to help it grow. If the humidity in a room increases, mould will start growing in patches on walls, clothes, and more. Thus, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mould, but they do help pre...

The holiday season couldn’t be complete without holiday lights, but they should be used with caution. Holiday lights pose a risk of fire and other accidents if not used safely.  Here are some key holiday lights safety tips every homeowner should following "decking the halls". Christmas Lights Only Christmas tree lights that are rated for indoor use and tested for safety should be used. The lights must have the label of an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). Electric lights should never be put on metallic Christmas trees to avoid the risk of electric shock. Each set of lights should be checked for worn or broken cords, broken or cracked sockets, and loose bulb connections. Damaged lights must be replaced. No more than three standard-size sets of lights should be connected into an extension cord. Instead of overloading electrical outlets or extension cords, lights should be plugged into different circuits around the...

Even though we’ve had it pretty so far this fall, old man winter is coming. And it’s almost time to close up the cottage and say “goodbye” until next spring. Check these 10 steps off your list to prepare to leave your home-away-from-home for the season: Inspect your septic tank. If your cottage has a septic tank, be careful to follow the manufacturer’s guide book. If your system is due for an inspection, call in a professional to make sure it’s functioning properly before you close up to avoid any problems in the spring. Keep the sump pump, pumping. If your cottage has a sump pump, make sure it stays in good working order all winter long, or you could experience flooding when the snow starts to melt. Drain your pipes, turn off your water supply and drain your pipes. Drain all water containers to prevent them from freezing or bursting. Clean your gutters. Clogged up gutters can cause water to back up under your shingles, leading to a leaky roof. Clean out your gutters so ra...

  GUS Expands Into Saskatchewan as Inspect It All Posted on Monday, October 22, 2018 http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/gus-expands-into-saskatchewan-as-inspect-it-all-services-j oins- network-1068983.htm Established restoration network adds location in Regina. Markham, ON -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/22/2018 --René-Charles Landry, President of GUS ( www.gus.ca ), is pleased to announce a successful partnership between GUS and Inspect It All Services ( www.inspectitall.ca ) of Regina, further expanding GUS's growing portfolio of full-service  restoration companies in the west. Inspect It All is the first company in Saskatchewan to partner  with GUS as the damage restoration network continues its rapid nationwide expansion. Founded in 2015, Inspect It All Services is a family owned, multifaceted business that has quickly  become an important part of the Regina community. Initially focusing on providing home inspections  and mold inspections t...

Winter can be especially harsh on a house's roof, and it’s almost never a good idea to simply wait for spring before addressing the issues that the presence of snow and ice on your roof can cause. Five of the main winter roof damage problems t hat homeowners should be aware of are listed below, along with some advice on how to best manage them. 1. Ice Dam Formation When warm air rises from your heated living spaces, it warms the shingles of your roof and the snow that covers it. This leads to snow melting and dripping down to the colder edges of the roof where it refreezes as ice. Once the ice grows thick enough, it backs up further snow-melt behind it, causing water to seep under the shingles, and eventually into your home through leakage points. Leaks are made the more likely when backed up water freezes and thaws, working its way into nooks and crannies and expanding them. The number one way to prevent an ice dam is by insulating and ventilating your attic, bu...

Have you ever seen black mold in your home? Were you concerned that it was the “ Toxic Black Mold” that we have been hearing about in the news? These are common questions that people are asking, and desperately looking to find the answers.  It has been well documented that mold spores are common indoors and outside. Mold requires moisture, an organic food source, timing, and the right temperature to thrive. Any type of mold infestation can be devastating when it invades our homes, so why is this particular Black Mold so hazardous… yet intriguing? Here Are 10 Facts About Stachybotrys Mold That You Need to Know 1. The “Toxic Black Mold” People Are Most Concerned About Is Called Stachybotrys Chartarum or Stachybotrys Atra. For the purposes of this article I have interchanged the names Stachybotrys, Black Mold and Stachy to mean the same thing. Yes, exposure to this specific type has been linked to several health issues, such as headaches, vomiting, nausea, fatigue...

Junior Construction Manager Inspect it All Services is a locally owned and operated business. We specialize in Disaster clean up, property restoration, construction, air quality testing and residential & commercial building inspections. We are a family owned business that is expanding and growing rapidly. We are looking for a reliable and experienced trades person for rebuild and construction work. We want that person to be a part of our family and the right fit is important to us. We want someone that is skilled in multiple trades. We want you to be able to frame, insulate, drywall & tape and paint as well as be a skilled in carpentry work. This job will require a variety of skills and a hardworking attitude. Applicants must meet ALL the following requirements: Minimum 5 years experience in construction and or property restoration and mitigation (An asset but not required would be trades and IICRC certificates) Strong work ethic / self starter Abil...