Envirotex Blog – Page 13

Mold Remediation Process for Homes in Northern, VA

Once excessive moisture accumulates inside your Northern, VA home, mold growth often occurs, which can trigger many different health issues, especially those with asthma. Anytime you see or suspect mold within your home in Northern, VA, call the team at Envirotex for mold remediation. Put back the clean air into your home by a team of professionals.

The first step in mold remediation will be an assessment of your situation to see the extent of your mold problem; sometimes, mold can be hidden, such as in air ducts and behind the walls. An identification of the source of the moisture inside your home will also be made. The source will also need to be fixed; otherwise, the mold will only come back in the future.

The next process of your mold remediation will include containing the area where the mold resides so that removing any moldy building materials will not lead to mold spores released and spreading to other parts of your home in Northern, VA.

During mold remediation, the professional team will be equipped with protective gear, including disposable coveralls, goggles, respirators, and shoe coverings. Any occupants of the Northern, VA home will be asked to leave during the mold remediation process for their safety.

Depending on where the mold is located as to what necessary cleaning supplies will be used. Each situation is different for different homes in Northern, VA.

Dust suppression by wet misting and wet vacuuming may be used.

Non–porous surfaces will be properly cleaned and dried so that further mold growth will not return.

Porous materials with signs of mold should be appropriately discarded in heavy–duty plastic bags and removed from the property in Northern, VA, and taken to the proper landfill.

HEPA (high–efficiency particulate air filter) vacuums are used for the final cleanup once the materials are completely dry, and all contaminated materials have been removed.

Once the mold remediation has been completed, a mold inspection should be done to ensure the remediation was done correctly.

If you ever need mold remediation for your home in Northern, VA, or have other environmental needs, call the team at Envirotex Environmental Services.

When Should Mold Testing Be Considered in Burke, VA?

As a homeowner in Burke, VA you may be wondering if that awful smell is coming from mold inside your home. You may not notice visible signs of mold or may only see a small area, so at this time, you should consider mold testing for your Burke, VA home. A mold test can reveal if you have elevated mold and exactly where it is located. Sometimes it is hidden behind your walls or under your floors. Professional mold testing uses special equipment to see where all mold is located.

Sometimes you may have a plumbing leak or other water issues and are suspicious about the elevated mold that might exist in the air or behind your walls. This should alarm you to have professional mold testing done so that it doesn’t continue to grow inside your home in Burke, VA.

There are certain health concerns with mold growth. If one of the members of your family continues to have symptoms of coughing, sneezing, or headaches, and your doctor is having a hard time pinpointing why these symptoms continue, you might consider having mold testing done to outweigh your suspicions.

Anytime you sell your Burke, VA home, if you suspect any mold because of nasty odors, you should have mold testing done, so it doesn’t come back on you later. Some homeowners in Burke, VA are just curious about the air quality in their homes. Having an air quality test would give you your answers about the environment in your home, whether it is safe or could be improved.

In as much as there are over the counter mold testing kits, they are not recommended because they only test what you can actually see. When you have professional mold testing, the technician will come into your Burke, VA home and do a visual inspection in places you might not think to look. Surface and air samples are then taken and sent off to an independent lab for analysis.

Once the report comes back, a plan to rid your home of any mold should be put into place. The team at Envirotex Environmental Services can map out a plan for mold removal. They can explain in detail the plan and how they can get your home back to being a safer and more comfortable home for you and your family in Burke, VA.

When Should Mold Inspections Be Performed in Fairfax, VA?

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you will make in your lifetime. The last thing you want to find is mold growth after you have moved in. Make sure you know what you are investing in before you make the move into a new home in Fairfax, VA. Although a mold inspection for buying a home in Fairfax, VA might not be required, a good home inspector should be able to pinpoint any areas of concern.

It is a wise move to invest in a mold inspection during any real estate transaction. Nothing could be more devastating than once you move in, you start noticing musty smells. These smells usually come from the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room—places where water and steam are always prevalent. Be sure when touring a new home in Fairfax, VA, which you are considering purchasing, that you take extra time to look under the sink and behind appliances for any signs of leaks or visual mold damage.

A professional mold inspection will determine if there are high levels of mold spores inside the Fairfax, VA home. This could significantly change the terms of the real estate transaction or even end it altogether.

If you already own your home and are noticing musty smells, you should invest in mold inspections. Mold can be detrimental to members of your household. Many health issues can arise from mold inside your home in Fairfax, VA.

Once mold inspections are done, and if the results are positive, you will need to hire a company such as Envirotex Environmental Services to bring in their crew and rid your home of all related mold. From the mold inspection report, they will be able to go in and remove all mold-infested materials and safely discard them. Once the mold removal has been completed at your Fairfax, VA home, any necessary repairs should be done, such as drywall that was torn away or flooring that was removed.

Whatever issues you have going on in the home that is causing the mold damage, such as roof leaks, or plumbing leaks, no exhaust for bathrooms or kitchens should be handled as soon as possible, or the mold will only return.

Call the team at Envirotex for all your mold inspection or removal needs. They will be glad to come to your home in Fairfax, VA and map out a plan to make your home a much safer and comfortable environment for you and your family.

When Should Mold Companies Be Called for Homes in Gainesville, VA?

Everyone is exposed to mold spores every day. These mold spores are in the air both inside and outside your home in Gainesville, VA. Although most of the time there is no reason for alarme, you might be asking yourself . . . when should you be concerned? When will mold companies need to be called for homes in Gainesville, VA?

If you smell a musty odor, but you cannot find any mold or moisture issues at your Gainesville, VA home.
If you see so much mold that you can’t remedy the issue without difficulty.
If you can see structural problems caused by moisture.
If anyone in your Gainesville, VA home has respiratory conditions such as allergies or asthma, have a weakened immune system caused by HIV, organ transplant, or chemotherapy. These individuals are highly susceptible. Young children and the elderly are more vulnerable to mold-related health problems as well.

When looking to hire mold companies, start by asking neighbors in Gainesville, VA if they have ever used a mold company. Also, friends and co-workers are other good sources to ask.

Once you have decided on a few different mold companies in Gainesville, VA, inquire about their experience, training, and accreditation. Do they have professional licenses or certifications? Do they use accredited labs and testing equipment for mold testing?

Have each of the mold companies in Gainesville, VA give you a quote and be sure the estimates from each company are for the same exact work. Never accept a quote over the phone.

Ask for references and be sure to call and make sure each was satisfied with the work and if their price remained the same as they were initially quoted. Did the mold company show up on time? Did they clean up afterward and haul all materials safely away? Would they hire the same mold company again if ever needed? Did the mold company make suggestions about the underlying issues of what is causing the mold and how to fix the problems?

Call Envirotex for all your environmental issues. Envirotex Environmental Service is a mold company that services the Gainesville, VA area. They specialize in Mold Remediation, Asbestos Abatement, and Lead-Paint Removal.

How to Find Reputable Mold Companies in Haymarket, VA

Homes in Haymarket, VA sometimes may have water damage that can go undetected for long periods of time, leading to a severe mold infestation in which case you will need to find a reputable mold company. When hiring a mold company to come to your home in Haymarket, VA be sure and discuss the following—

Mold companies should understand the potential hazards of mold and how essential proper mold remediation is for homes in Haymarket, VA with mold growth.
Mold companies should advise you that before and after mold removal, testing should be done to see if the mold remediation was done correctly. Testing should be performed by another outside source and not the mold company doing the mold removal as this could present a conflict of interest.
Some mold companies document their work with digital photos, especially any work related to the removal of building materials. These should be available to the Haymarket, VA homeowner.
The mold company you hire should be able to explain to you their complete plan to remove the mold and what needs to be done to rid the cause of mold growth.
Mold removal technicians must wear protective gear. They should be outfitted with respirators, safety glasses, and proper hazmat suits along with disposable shoe covers. Foot traffic is a significant cause of cross-contamination.
Proper containment of the mold infected area. Family members will be asked to stay off the premises in Haymarket, VA until the job is completed.
The mold company is responsible for bagging and properly disposing of waste material. These materials should never be left on the premises at homes in Haymarket, VA.
During the remediation process, the mold company will use air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums. This equipment should be freshly wrapped before entering your home. If not, it could make your situation worse because of contamination from a previous job.

Make sure you understand completely the plan of your mold remediation from your mold company. The team at Envirotex Environment Services will be glad to help you with any mold related issues you might have at your home in Haymarket, VA.

Professional Step by Step Mold Removal Process in Manassas, VA

Are you noticing visible mold inside your home in Manassas, VA? Imagine what could be hiding behind your walls, under your flooring, and in your attic. You should hire a professional for mold removal at your Manassas, VA home, to make sure it is completely removed, especially the mold you might not be seeing with the naked eye.

Mold removal for homes in Manassas, VA is a step by step process that involves the use of specialized equipment and special cleaning agents. The overall process normally follows these common steps—

Containment—The first step to any mold removal process is the contain the work area at the home in Manassas, VA. This will prevent cross-contamination of mold spores to areas of the house that are not infected.
HEPA air scrubbing—The air is cleaned using HEPA air scrubbing machines which capture 99.97% of airborne and microscopic mold spores. This prevents mold spores from circulating into other rooms.
Removing mold-infested materials—These materials are carefully removed so as not to stir up additional mold spores. Materials are safely bagged and taken to the landfill.
HEPA vacuum—The contaminated areas are vacuumed using vacuums with HEPA filters, which capture up to 99.7 of mold spores as they pass through these filters.
Cleaning—Special cleaning agents are used to clean contaminated areas to kill mold growth.

Mold removal should be left to the professionals such as the team at Envirotex Environmental Services. They have special equipment designed primarily to find hidden mold and to use during the mold removal process that is safe and effective.

During the mold removal process at your home in Manassas, VA, all family members will be asked to vacate the home until the process has been completed. This is to keep your family from breathing any mold spores, which can cause future health issues.

Mold is not something that you should ignore for any length of time. The sooner you remove the mold from your Manassas, VA home, the safer it will be for family members. As much as mold removal is necessary for a healthy home, finding the cause of what is causing the mold needs to be addressed, or the problem will return to your home in Manassas, VA.

What Is Involved in Asbestos Testing for Homes in McLean, VA?

Asbestos testing for your home in McLean, VA involves the process of taking samples of different building materials within your home and then sending them off to an independent lab, which in return will provide a report. An asbestos testing might involve several different locations throughout the McLean, VA home including –

Roofing materials
Ceiling insulation
Wall insulation
Flooring
Electrical and plumbing coverings
Exterior siding
Popcorn ceilings
Drywall joint compound

Asbestos-containing materials are usually found in McLean, VA homes that are built before the 1980s. It is essential if you suspect any asbestos materials within your home that you call in a professional such as Envirotex Environmental Services and have asbestos testing performed. The risk to your family can be detrimental to their health. Whenever asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, asbestos fibers release into the air and can be extremely harmful when inhaled into the lungs.

It is never recommended that you take samples yourself. Please leave this to the professionals. A professional knows what to look for because he is well trained in asbestos testing. Asbestos testing professionals wear protective clothing during the testing procedure for their own protection. Your family will be asked to leave the premises and not return until the testing has been completed. The professional will shut down any heating or air conditioning systems, which will minimize the spread of any asbestos fibers that might be released during the asbestos testing at your McLean, VA home.

The materials to be tested at your McLean, VA home are wet down with a fine mist of water to reduce the release of asbestos fibers into the air. The samples are placed into sealed containers and sent to a lab for analysis. Once the report comes back and depending on the results, the asbestos technician will explain to you the next step of the process to rid your McLean, VA home of any asbestos, if indeed the materials tested positive for asbestos.

If you have asbestos-containing materials that are in good shape and you don’t plan on disturbing those materials, you should be fine just to leave things as they are. On the other note, if you plan on doing any renovations on your home in McLean, VA, you need to have a professional remove the asbestos materials from your home; otherwise, you put your family in danger.

Call the team at Envirotex for all your asbestos-related issues.

Why Asbestos Testing Might Be Necessary for Older Buildings in Ashburn, VA

When you take on any building renovations or demolition in Ashburn, VA, the first step is to have a thorough and properly asbestos testing performed. If you start a project, and then the workers encounter any asbestos-containing materials, you may have to have a certified asbestos abatement contractor remove any asbestos before any renovations or demolitions can be done. It is best to have asbestos testing first to avoid any criminal or civil penalties for disturbing asbestos-containing materials without a permit and following removal procedures.

Asbestos has been used in building construction because of its stability, strength, resisted corrosion, improved heat and chemical resistance, and provided acoustical insulation. Between the 1950s and 1970s, plaster, floor tiles, thermal pipe insulation, fireproofing, joint compounds, spray-on coatings, acoustic insulation, roofing shingles, duct tape, putties and caulking, adhesives and more contained asbestos. So more than likely, depending on the age of the building, some form of asbestos-containing materials could be lurking inside, and it will take asbestos testing at your building in Ashburn, VA to locate said materials.

Asbestos testing should always be done by an environment company such as Envirotex. These professionals know exactly what to look for during an asbestos testing. If asbestos is located, then they can advise you on the proper procedures in removing, storing, transporting, and disposing of materials from your property in Ashburn, VA.

Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause a lot of health problems, which is why you need to leave any asbestos testing or removal to the experts. Buildings in Ashburn, VA that contain asbestos materials are not necessarily unsafe. It becomes unsafe when these materials containing asbestos are disturbed, like during a renovation or a demolition. Sometimes these materials get old and start to frey, and by all means, these materials need to be removed in a safe, proper fashion.

If you are living in an older home or run a business out of an older building in Ashburn, VA, it is imperative that you have asbestos testing before starting any project that requires tearing out certain materials from your home or business. Call the team at Envirotex for all your environmental issues for your property in Ashburn, VA.

Mold Companies in Northern, VA and What to Expect

Have you found mold growing at your home in Northern, VA? You might not realize it, but mold is a common condition that is found in many Northern, VA homes. Summers can be quite humid in Northern, VA, and with humidity comes moisture where mold is likely to grow.

The best way to handle mold is to call a mold company. They are the experts and should be able to explain the steps involved in dealing with your mold issues. If they can’t explain in layman’s terms and try to confuse you, tell them thanks, but no thanks. Or better yet, call the team at Envirotex Environmental Service, a local mold company that will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

Here are a few things that you should be able to expect when you hire a mold company—

The professional team should wear proper safety gear when handling mold at your home in Northern, VA. They should be equipped with a high filtration face mask, neoprene or vinyl gloves, a full disposable protective suit, and shoe covers.
The professional mold team should seal off the work area with plastic sheeting. This is to keep the mold spores from floating throughout the rest of the home.
Professional equipment such as HEPA air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, and commercial-strength dehumidifiers may be used.
After physically removing all the mold particles from the Northern, VA home, the air should be cleaned of any airborne mold spores. This is done with HEPA air scrubbers and air exchange replacing the moldy air with clean, fresh air.
A special chemical is then used to clean any remaining mold and stains that weren’t physically removed.
Sometimes a professional mold technician may use a sealer or encapsulant, which makes the treated area resistant to water damage and mold growth. This also helps control the odor.

Mold companies have the experience and proper tools so that all the mold in your home is located. Once located, mold companies can lay out a plan to rid your home of all mold growth.

Hidden Signs of Mold in Home in Alexandria, VA

Your body could be telling you there is mold in your Alexandria, VA home. Mold, which produces mycotoxins, is toxic and can be quite poisonous. Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the more alarming varieties of mold and is normally found where moisture has been present for a long time, such as in a basement. This can trigger health problems, including headaches, trouble breathing, diarrhea, and many more issues.

All types of mold in homes in Alexandria, VA should be treated as a potential for health risks and needs to be removed. Some of these signs include—

Weird Chimney Smells—Having a chimney sweep not only removes dangerous creosote buildup, but it can also clean out toxic mold. Moisture may accumulate in the porous bricks and mortar of your chimney at your home in Alexandria, VA. If you have rusty chimney caps or flashing that needs to be repaired, this can allow rain and snow to seep inside and create an environment for mold to grow. Your chimney cap and the flashing will need to be repaired and the chimney sweep to prevent mold in home.

Watery and Stinging Eyes—Some people can have allergic reactions to mold including coughing, itchy, watery eyes, and nasal congestion when there is mold in homes. You may notice these signs when in specific areas of your home. To check to see if its mold in homes, go to an allergy specialist, and they can do a blood or skin test to confirm allergies.

Tingling Skin—People who are allergic to mycotoxins will usually experience a tingling, itching, or burning sensation when they come in contact with mold in homes. The body reacts by releasing histamines, and the result may be itchy, dry, scaly skin, possibly even hives. If this condition continues, see an allergy specialist and locate mold in home and have it professionally removed.

Asthma Acting Up—When mold spores find their way into the lungs, it triggers asthma symptoms. If your asthma symtoms seem to get worse, it may be from mold in home at your Alexandria, VA residence. Mold in homes in Alexandria, VA can cause more severe conditions such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, which is a dramatic allergic and inflammatory reaction that leads to severe coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath.

Whenever you notice any difference in a family members health or you notice any signs of mold in home at your Alexandria, VA residence, call the team at Envirotex. They can help you with all your environmental issues at your Alexandria, VA home.