I’ve bought a grow op house…

A constant problem in Canada is the ‘grow op’ property, dwellings that housed marijuana grow operations, and despite enforcement and legislative tools, it continues to be a concern.  Grow ops usually start in vacant houses, often for some time and contrary to belief, are principally found in better neighbourhoods where the houses and neighbours are further apart.  However, the cultivation of marijuana indoors provides the perfect levels of heat and humidity for the growth of another harmful substance, mold.  If you are considering purchasing an ex ‘grow op’ house, it is essential that you get a grow op test carried out from an expert.

Mold that has grown in a grow op house is often toxic black mold, also known as Stachybotrys, and can seriously affect your health, and has to be removed before the property is deemed liveable.  Often the best way of detecting mold and toxins is an air test, and at Mold Busters, inspectors use sensitive equipment that can see beyond the visible eye.  Air testing can also help in detecting the source, identifying the mold species and how many spores are in the air.  Mold Busters will also use thermal imaging and infrared cameras that are able to find black mold in hidden areas of the house.

grow op mold removal in Mississauga needs to be carried out by professionals that have the right equipment, and includes the removal and disposal of infected materials.  The size of the operation to remove the mold depends on the size of the grow op.  In some cases, the mold could have potentially spread throughout the whole house.  The clean-up and disinfection of a property is a multi-step process; it can be costly and time consuming as it can also include the restoration of any structural damage, such as re-wiring, replacing of floorboards or the filling in of holes, but it is an absolute necessity before you can live healthily within it.

The clean-up involves the removal of all infected materials, structurally as well, and then the thorough cleaning, i.e. manual handwashing, and disinfecting of all surfaces.  Mold Busters will also use HEPA filters, which are high efficiency particulate air filters.  HEPA filters clean the particulates in the air before releasing them back into the atmosphere.   The area will then have to be left to be allowed to dry and the use of heaters can help this process.  Part of the inspection and remediation process is to find the source of the mold and once found, there may be repairs that are necessary in order to prevent any mold from returning.  Mold Busters will return at regular intervals to monitor the process and once it is deemed completely dry, equipment will be removed.  It is at this point, the restoration process can begin in making the house a home.