Case Study: Attic Mould Removal in Townhouse Complex

Technique Used: Dry Ice Blasting, HEPAvac & Encapsulant

Location: GTA Region

Service: Mould Remediation

Mould can be a serious problem in any home, causing health issues and damaging the structure of the building. Wickens Dry Ice Blasting was contracted by a housing authority to remove mould in a series of units in a townhouse complex. Wickens was trusted to complete the project, as our professional services ensure the effective removal of mould and protect it from returning.

The Situation

A townhouse complex in the GTA had suffered mould damage in several of the roofs and needed to be repaired. A general roofing contractor was contracted to make repairs, and Wickens was contracted to complete mould remediation on multiple units.

The townhouse complex we were contracted to work on had around 70 units that were currently in use. It was preferred that our work did not remove people from their homes, so we had to find a way to complete the removal while keeping residents safe.

The attic areas of the homes had been impacted by mould due to exposure to moisture and repeated wet-dry cycles. The roofs and attic areas of the townhouses had been impacted and needed to be repaired.

The entire team was given a project deadline of the beginning of October and the project was started in August.

The Solution

The Wickens team first began by determining the best approach to mould remediation. It was decided that the approach would be to remove the roofs of the townhouses to allow us the greatest access to the rafters and joists that had been contaminated with mould.  We then determined that it was safe to proceed without forcing people to move out of their homes. We created containments to protect the living quarters downstairs and keep residents safe.

Wickens brought in a team of six technicians to complete the project and worked with the roofing contractors to complete the removals effectively. The roofing contractor first came in to remove the roof and insulation, and our team then followed to blast and treat the units.

Our remediation technicians used dry ice blasting to remove the mould. As mould generally sits close to the surface of wood, our team blasted a fraction of an inch of the wood surface until clean timber was exposed. We then went in with a HEPA vacuum system and removed the particles, which were then double-wrapped and shipped to a landfill.

To ensure the remediation was successful, a “tape lift” was performed on the exposed wood. The tape is applied to random locations and then placed under a microscope to count the remaining spores. This ensures the concentration of mould is lower than expected in the ambient atmosphere and that the remediation has been completed successfully.

After the mould was removed and tested, we treated it with an anti-microbial wipe and coated it with a clear encapsulant.

The Results

Our team was able to remove the mould and ensure that it would not return by using a clear encapsulant. Immediately following remediation, the roofs were replaced by the roofing contractors to avoid contamination from inclement weather. Thanks to the cooperation of all teams, the project was completed on time and on budget.

Residents were pleased that they were able to stay in their homes, and the housing authority was happy the project was completed on time.

Wickens Dry Ice Blasting tackles the toughest jobs across Ontario, offering fire restoration, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and more. If you’re interested in mould removal or other restoration services, contact us today to see how we can help. We’ll work with you to come up with an optimal plan to ensure the longevity of your property while cleaning effectively.