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The windows
Mold on windows
(Example demonstrates the water infiltration through the window)
The situation shows that there was an infiltration of water through the window of the owner building since several traces of water infiltration were found on the framing. Infiltration stains are often shown to be darker than the materials it’s affecting. We can see a yellowish color appear on the frame since it was white. Surface mold was found on the premises and we noticed that the condo’s rooms were very humid near the windows during heavy rains.
Here’s what MoldXperts experts found. Since there was a sign of water infiltration, we decided to open the lowest point of the window to see if the infiltration had affected the wall below the window. We found several problems, not only were the wall completely affected, but the mold was found at a very large number. Since a heater was located below the window, it prevented the owner from seeing the mushrooms grow on the wall. So we proceeded to install a containment zone to investigate the problem at its largest area and find the source of the problem. Since the damage was located near the window, it was to determine if the water came from an infiltration outside in a crack in the brick, or maybe it lacked insulation or maybe the window was simply defective.
(Exemple of containment of the area)
(Exemple of containment of the area)
A containment zone must be installed during the work in order to prevent the spores to circulate. Since the window is located in the master bedroom it is important to protect the client’s personal belongings and also his health. By containing the place we can imprison the spores in this room which makes cleaning afterwards easier and adequate.
(Example of one of the windows affect by water infiltration)
We can identify visual mold in these examples. We have a water infiltration on the left corner of the frame, which means that the problem was hidden and affected the support of the window over the years. We can see the visual mold on the plaster board and the mildew in the joint of the planks.
(Example of one of the windows affect by water infiltration)
We can identify that the floor heater blocked access to the problem. By removing it we discovered a large number of black mold which is very bad for the health. We see that the infiltration damaged a part of the floor and the support of the window. The plaster wall had to be removed as the materials were contaminated. The insulation had to be replaced same as the window support that were not treatable.
(Example of one of the windows affect by water infiltration)
We can identify visual mold in these examples. We have a water infiltration from the right corner of the frame, which means that the problem was hidden and affected the support of the window over the years. We can see the visual mold on the plaster board and the mildew in the joint of the planks. The mold was also hiding behind the heater which caused problems to the health of the owner since the problem was not visible.
(Example of one of the windows affect by the lack of insulation)
We can identify visual mold in these examples. We see a stain of water coming from along the frame, which means that the problem was hidden and affected the window support over the years. We can see the visual mold on the plaster board and the mildew in the joint of the planks. Lack of insulation can affect a closed area as it creates condensation in the wall. It is difficult to see the problem since it is created inside the wall. We usually see the problem too late to react.
(Example of one of the windows affect by the lack of insulation)
We can identify visual mold in these examples. We see a stain of water coming from along the top frame, which means that the problem was hidden and affected the window support over the years. We can see the visual mold on the plaster board and the mildew in the joint of the planks. Lack of insulation can affect a closed area as it creates condensation in the wall. It is difficult to see the problem since it is created inside the wall. We usually see the problem too late to react.
(Example demonstrates infiltration from the outside)
In the photos above, we can identify where the infiltrations managed to affect the rooms inside. If the cracks in the brick and cement would have been repaired in a certain place, we could have avoided several infiltrations in this building.
After the treatments we can see that the stains on the wood are gone. If the client follows the recommendations, the stains should not reappear since the infiltrations and lack of insulation will be repaired. We managed to recover some window support with the treatments of our product against mold.
MoldXperts advises all customers to notify the landlord or building manager if spots like these one come out to prevent a situation from being created. The water infiltrations must be adjusted as quickly as possible to avoid affecting the other floor of the property. If you see black or yellow spots near the window it is here when we advise you to investigate the problem and make several tests.
