What to Do If Clearance Testing Detects Mold
Posted in Mold Removal, on May 29, 2025
Clearance testing is a step in confirming whether mold removal in Ottawa has been successfully completed. It assesses whether indoor air quality has returned to safe, acceptable levels by measuring mold spore counts. This test is especially important and relevant following events like water damage in Ottawa, where hidden moisture can cause persistent mold growth. If you're undergoing mold removal in Ottawa with Canada's Restoration Services, you can opt for clearance testing after remediation to ensure you feel confident that your home, business, or property is free of mold infestations. For reliable mold removal services and water damage restoration, book an inspection with our experienced specialists in Ottawa and the surrounding areas at Canada's Restoration Services.
Here is what you should know about clearance testing and what you can do if mold is detected.
How Mold Levels Are Measured During Clearance Testing
Clearance testing often involves air sampling, which compares indoor air to outdoor air to determine whether mold levels inside a home fall within acceptable limits. Since mold is naturally present in the environment, a home doesn't need to be completely mold-free; it simply needs to have spore levels that are consistent with, or lower than, those outside.
Air samples are taken from different rooms and at least one outdoor location and then analyzed in a lab. Surface testing may also be used in certain areas. The type and concentration of spores, especially harmful species of mold like Stachybotrys or Chaetomium, are evaluated.
One important factor is that outdoor mold levels can vary depending on weather, season, and vegetation, and these fluctuations can affect clearance test results. For example, during damp or windy days, outdoor mold counts may spike. If those spores enter the home during testing (via ventilation or an open window), it might suggest the home's mold levels are elevated, even if the source has been removed.
Why Clearance Testing May Not Pass
A failed clearance test doesn't necessarily indicate unsuccessful mold removal in Ottawa. Several factors influence the results of clearance testing and should be interpreted and considered by an experienced professional.
Here are the most common reasons tests may come back with elevated results:
- Residual or Missed Contamination: Sometimes, mold may still be present in areas that were not fully treated, such as inside wall cavities, behind baseboards, or under flooring. This is especially common in homes recovering from water damage in Ottawa, where moisture can linger unnoticed. At Canada's Restoration Services, we specialize in flood cleanup and water damage restoration in addition to mold removal in Toronto, giving us the ability to navigate water damage-related infestations with expertise and skill.
- Cross-Contamination: If containment barriers weren't set up correctly during remediation, mold spores could have spread to clean areas. Walking between zones without proper gear or using shared air ducts can also contribute to recontamination. Our experts at Canada's Restoration Services are always fully equipped with the appropriate protective equipment, from gloves to respiratory protection.
- Ventilation and Air Movement: Poor airflow or the use of incorrect filtration methods can leave mold spores suspended in the air during testing. Without adequate HEPA filtration and air exchange, spores might not have been entirely removed.
- Outdoor Mold Levels: Outdoor mold levels significantly influence indoor air comparisons. If the exterior sample shows a high mold count, your indoor results may appear abnormally elevated, even when mold remediation is effective. Professionals experienced in mold removal in Ottawa can better help you interpret test data carefully and in context.
At Canada's Restoration Services, our specialists will ensure your property is free of unwanted mold. If your mold removal provider was not able to pass the clearance testing, feel free to contact our team for more insight.
Signs You May Still Have Mold in Your Property
Even after remediation, there are several signs that mold may still be present in your home or commercial building, such as a persistent musty or damp odor, especially in areas like basements, bathrooms, or around air vents. If you or your family experience ongoing allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or sinus congestion that improve when you leave the house, mold could still be affecting your indoor air quality. Visible mold patches that reappear after cleaning suggest that the underlying issue was not fully resolved and that the mold is continuing to grow. Water stains on ceilings or walls, soft drywall, and areas that feel damp to the touch are also indicators that moisture is lingering in your home and potentially supporting mold growth. If any of these signs are present, it's a good idea to schedule a follow-up inspection or clearance test to confirm whether mold is still an issue.
Why Work with a Company That Guarantees Passed Clearance Testing
Choosing a company like Canada's Restoration Service that guarantees clearance testing is passed adds a level of accountability and confidence to your remediation. This is especially important in complex projects like post-flood water damage in Ottawa situations. Our teams understand that you need peace of mind, expert insights, and highest-level work standards, and that's what we continue to deliver. To ensure your mold removal in Ottawa is completed effectively from the start, trust the experienced IICRC-certified specialists at Canada's Restoration Services.
