Envirotex Blog – Page 16

Consult an Asbestos Contractor Before Remodeling in Washington, D.C.

Many older homes are still standing in Washington, D.C. Some homeowners who like the charm of older homes are more apt to buy an older home and fix it up than buy a new home. These homeowners need to be aware then before any remodeling, and they should consult an asbestos contractor in Washington, D.C.

Older homes most likely have some forms of asbestos-containing materials. Building materials prior to 1970, such as roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, popcorn ceilings, pipe cement, joint compound, and siding, could all be at risk for asbestos. Consulting with an asbestos contractor will give you peace of mind.

If you do come across any materials that you think contain asbestos, leave these materials alone. As long as they are not disturbed and are in good condition, not damaged or showing any wear or tear, you should be fine. Keep an eye on these materials for any future damage.

Meanwhile, if, by some chance, you want to upgrade your Washington, D.C. home, definitely have an asbestos contractor come and look at your situation before tearing anything apart. Please, by all means, take these precautions with any materials you suspect contain asbestos:

Do not sand, drill, cut, or hammer into any asbestos-containing material.
Do not vacuum, dust, or sweep any asbestos dust.
Use a wet rag to get up any asbestos dust that may have been released and seal in a thick plastic bag.
Call in an asbestos contractor.

An asbestos contractor can test your Washington, D.C. home for asbestos materials and then map out a plan for asbestos remediation. Removing and ridding your home of any asbestos-containing materials will make your older home a much safer place for you and your family.

Asbestos contractors have the proper equipment needed to safely remove any asbestos from your home in Washington, D.C., and also have the proper means of disposing of the materials. These asbestos-containing materials have to be taken to special waste sites.

Disturbing any asbestos-containing products at your home in Washington, D.C. will release asbestos fibers into the air that you breathe, and this is extremely dangerous. To avoid putting your family at risk, call in a professional asbestos contractor such as Envirotex. They will be glad to help you with any environmental issues you have at your Washington, D.C. home.

Keeping Homes in Reston, VA Safe with Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos-containing materials in Reston, VA homes that are in good condition and completely intact are mostly considered safe. Still, these materials should also be monitored for any wearing or other damage that could happen. When these materials become damaged, they are at risk of releasing asbestos dust into the air that you breathe. It is then that you should prepare for asbestos abatement at your Reston, VA home. An asbestos abatement company will assess the situation and either perform encapsulation or complete removal of the asbestos materials.

Never take it upon yourself to handle any materials that you suspect contain asbestos. This can be extremely dangerous, especially when it is worn or damaged in any way. As a homeowner, you should be aware of wherever asbestos-containing materials most likely could be in your Reston, VA home. If you suspect any asbestos-containing materials, call in an asbestos abatement specialist to handle the situation.

If you are getting ready to remodel your home, which might include replacing old floor tile at your home in Reston, VA, play it safe and call the experts at Envirotex so they can come to your home, do a visual inspection and take samples to be analyzed. The last thing you want to do is tear these tiles up if they contain asbestos materials.

Asbestos abatement specialists should be called in to determine first if these materials contain asbestos and then map out the necessary actions that need to be taken to remove the asbestos from your Reston, VA home. A specialist may either recommend asbestos abatement, the complete removal of asbestos, or encapsulation, which is a means of treating the asbestos-containing materials with a special adhesive sealant surrounding or embedding the asbestos fibers so no spores can be released into the Reston, VA home.

Whatever your environmental concerns are at your home in Reston, VA, whether it is asbestos abatement, mold testing and remediation, or lead paint testing and remediation, the team at Envirotex is there to help. They will be happy to answer any of your questions and come to your home and look to see what needs to be done to make your home in Reston, VA an environmentally safe place for you and your family.

Handling the Removal of Asbestos Safely in Arlington, VA

The use of asbestos in the United States has fallen significantly; however, if your home was built prior to the 1970s, you could still possibly have some sort of asbestos materials in your Arlington, VA home. If this is the case, under most circumstances, you should have asbestos removal to rid it from your home in Arlington, VA.

Asbestos was used in many building materials and consumer goods in Arlington, VA because it was durable, fire-resistant, and cheap. Because of the adverse health risks that have been associated with asbestos, the U.S. government has now banned it in most situations. Unfortunately, most older homes have some type of asbestos lurking somewhere, and because you more than likely don’t know what to look for, it is best to call in the professionals from Envirotex Environment Services so they can inspect your home in Arlington, VA for these harmful materials.

Where Asbestos is Most Likely Found in Arlington, VA Homes

• Roofing shingles and siding
• Sheetrock
• Textured popcorn ceilings and ceiling tiles
• Vinyl flooring tiles
• Plaster
• Concrete
• Caulking
• Electrical breakers
• And much, much more

Handling asbestos-containing materials in Alexandria, VA homes can be extremely dangerous, more so when the materials are worn or damaged in any way. Asbestos removal should be done by professionals who know what to look for and have the specialized equipment to do the job correctly and safely so that when you reenter your home after the job is complete, you and your family will come home to a safe environment.

The asbestos removal process at your home in Alexandria, VA will start with turning off HVAC units and sealing the vents to prevent any asbestos fibers from circulating. The work area will be sealed off. HEPA filter vacuums and wet method cleanups will be used to clean the workspace. Technicians should wear special coveralls, shoe coverings, gloves, and respiratory masks during the asbestos removal.

After the asbestos removal, all asbestos-containing materials will be removed from the Arlington, VA home, clearly marked, and in leak-tight containers and taken to a dump site for hazardous materials.

If you have any questions or safety concerns about asbestos in your home, give the team at Envirotex a call. They will be glad to come to your home in Alexandria, VA and discuss your asbestos removal needs with you and your family.

Why Would Homeowners in Fairfax, VA Need Mold Inspections?

During mold inspections at homes in Fairfax, VA, the person doing the inspection is looking for mold growth in the home. This person should be a qualified mold inspector who has had the proper training and experience under his belt with mold inspections.

Mold inspections are looking for evidence of current or previous mold growth. Previous mold growth may indicate a recurring water leak that was never fixed properly.

People within a Fairfax, VA household may have allergic reactions or become sensitized to mold when mold growth is present in the home. Some mold may not be out in the open where you can see it. It could be hidden behind your walls or under your carpet, crawlspaces and basements, or your attic. If left unattended, this mold growth can lead to excessive wood rot and other structural issues. Mold growth can also cause health issues for family members and is extremely harmful to those who have asthma or other respiratory problems.

Having mold inspections ensure homeowners that they either are mold free or have a mold issue which should be dealt with as soon as possible. Typically speaking, if you have mold, you will begin to smell a musty odor in your home where the mold is prevalent.

During mold inspections, the mold inspector will be looking for a moisture source that is needed for mold to grow. Without a moisture source, you have no mold. Unless the moisture source is found within your Fairfax, VA home, even removing the damaged moldy materials will only illuminate it until the moisture source causes the mold to take hold again inside your Fairfax, VA home.

There are several common reasons to have mold inspections for your home in Fairfax, VA which include—

Family members who have an allergic reaction such as sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes when they are in a particular area of the Fairfax, VA home.
Once mold remediation is complete, another mold inspection should be done to verify the moisture source has been fixed, and no residual mold growth was left after the mold remediation.
Whenever you plan to rent or purchase a new home, mold inspections assure you that there are no existing moisture or mold issues in the building. Also, if you are selling your home, it is advised to have a mold inspection as your written evidence that there were no issues at the time the new homeowners took occupancy.

Mold inspections are a great way to have peace of mind that you are providing your family with the best air quality and that the structure of your home is sound and stable and free of moisture issues.

What is Involved During Mold Inspections for Northern, VA Homes?

A mold inspection consists of a mold inspector coming into your Northern, VA home and doing a visual inspection for mold growth, air sampling, surface sampling, checking for water leaks, and checking your air conditioning for mold. The size of your Northern, VA home will determine how long mold inspections will take. Samples that are collected will be sent to a third-party, independent lab for analysis. The mold inspector will then give you a report based on the lab results.

During the mold inspection, the focus will be on the presence of mold growth and water damage on building materials and personal belongings within the home in Northern, VA.

When should you have a mold inspection for homes in Northern, VA?

Before buying any home in Northern, VA, it is best to have a mold inspection to be assured there are no mold issues. Also, if you are selling your home, it ensures the buyers that your home is mold free with the documentation to protect yourself if anything would happen in the future once the new homeowner takes ownership of the home in Northern, VA.
If your home smells musty, a mold inspection will tell you what is causing the smell and where it is coming from.
If any family members are having allergy-like symptoms, this could be from mold growth. It is highly recommended that you have the air quality in your home tested.

What Mold Inspections Involve—

The exterior of your home is inspected for any moisture intrusion.
Samples may be taken and sent to an independent lab for analysis.
A moisture meter may be used to identify the amount of moisture content in building materials.
Thermal Imaging Camera may be used to detect if there is a temperature differential behind your ceilings and walls that might indicate leaks at your Northern, VA home.
Attics and basements may be inspected for leaks or any condensation.
Your HVAC system might be checked for mold because when your system is running, it can cause particles in the air.

Once the mold inspection is complete, and if it is determined you have mold issues, a plan should be mapped out for you to have mold remediation. Call the team at Envirotex for their help with any mold issues you have within your Northern, VA home.

What to Do When you Find House Mold at your Northern, VA Home

House mold is a type of fungus whose sprouts form tiny spores and float about in the air. Unfortunately, these spores choose to make their home in moist places within your Northern, VA home causing house mold growth in those areas.

Another common type of house mold found in Northern, VA homes that generally sits on the surface of damp walls and shower grouting and doors is mildew. This looks like tiny black spots and can usually be cleaned with a brush and mold killer.

Other house molds in Northern, VA can be more damaging from increased infestation within the home and do quite a bit of damage. Damp walls, carpets, and other flooring can be a breeding ground for house molds. Once this happens, you should call in a professional environment company such as the team at Envirotex.

Letting professionals deal with any house mold issues you have reassures you that once they come and remove the mold from your home, test for air quality, and advise you of any moisture problems that you need to address, you should be good to go after that. Not taking care of moisture problems such as leaks, no ventilation, or cracks in your foundation can guarantee that any mold removal will only last for a limited time, and the house mold will eventually come back.

House mold in Northern, VA homes can be dangerous for your family. Many health issues come from house mold. Breathing in mold spores that are in the air can make any person in your family who has respiratory problems that much worse. People who have asthma who are around damp basements are bound to have more asthma attacks than living in a well-ventilated, dry home.

Some house mold is not detectable by the human eye because it starts to grow in behind walls. Typically, you will notice a musty smell in your basement, attic, or bathroom at your home in Northern, VA. This is a sure sign that you have a mold problem, and you need to address it as soon as possible. Never put it off because it doesn’t take house mold long to grow throughout your home, causing a lot of damage and not to mention a lot of health issues for your family members.

When in doubt, call the team at Envirotex Environment Services for any mold concerns you have at your Northern, VA home.

Helpful Information About Black Mold for Homes in Alexandria, VA

Homes in Alexandria, VA will most likely see black mold in areas of the house that are mainly warm, humid, and damp. Homes with basements or crawlspaces that could have leaks or other moisture sources are more susceptible to toxic black mold growth. Other common areas where you might find mold are showers, around heating and cooling appliances, carpets, and ventilation ducts.

Toxic black mold is dark black, whereas other types of molds can be green or gray in color.

Black mold in Alexandria, VA homes can be hazardous to one’s health. Depending on the period of time and the number of mold spores that are inhaled, someone who has been subjected to mold can have the following systems—

Headaches
Chronic fatigue
Fever
Irritation to the eyes
Sneezing
Rashes
Chronic coughing
Mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and mouth
Itchy skin
Nausea
Vomiting
Bleeding of the nose and in the lungs

To guard against black mold growth at your home in Alexandria, VA always have proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where there is constant condensation from showers, doing laundry, and cooking. Inspect your home regularly for any signs of black mold growth.

Whenever you find black mold growth at your home in Alexandria, VA, you should call in a professional such as the team at Envirotex Environment Services to remove the mold from your home. Professionals have special equipment which can detect mold that could be lurking behind your walls or under your flooring. They can also inform you about where your moisture source that is causing the mold is so that it can be dealt with, if not, the black mold will likely grow back in time at your Alexandria, VA home.

Preventing and controlling black mold growth at your Alexandria, VA home is the best defense against health risks to your family and the damage it can cause to your home. When faced with an infestation of black mold, always call in the professionals. If you have any questions, call the team at Envirotex. They will be glad to help.

The Course of Mold Inspections for Homes in Leesburg, VA

Generally speaking, mold inspections are done by professionals who come into your home in Leesburg, VA to look for mold growth. Some important things to keep in mind about mold inspections.

Mold inspections need to be done by a qualified mold inspector such as the ones at Envirotex who have the experience along with the proper training.
The inspector will be looking for a moisture source that is causing mold growth during the mold inspection at your Leesburg, VA home. Water is essential for mold to grow. No water issues, no mold issues. A mold inspection will tell you where your source of moisture is coming from, so this issue is addressed. If not, even once you clean the mold, it will only come back.
Special equipment will be used so that the inspector can determine if you have any mold growth underneath the carpet or behind the walls. This protects your Leesburg, VA home from any significant structural damage that oftentimes is caused by excessive mold growth.

Common Reasons Why Leesburg, VA Homeowners Need Mold Inspections?

If you plan to rent or purchase a new home, a mold inspection will confirm whether or not there is an existing moisture or mold problem.
To verify that moisture has stopped and no residual mold growth is still lurking inside your Leesburg, VA home from a previous known water or mold problem.
Home inspections should be done when any family member has an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes, or a runny nose when they are in a particular area of the home in Leesburg, VA.

If you are experiencing any mold growth in your home, leave it alone and call in the professionals at Envirotex Environmental Services as soon as possible. Mold can cause havoc to your family member’s health, and that is definitely something you want to avoid. Trying to remove unidentified mold can be extremely dangerous. Professional mold inspections can determine the type of mold growth that is lurking inside your home and advise you on the best way to rid your home of any mold.

Precautions That Should Be Taken Before Asbestos Testing in Leesburg, VA

Homes in Leesburg, VA built before 1980 may contain asbestos in older flooring tiles, ceiling tiles, siding, roofing shingles, flashing, pipe cement, joint compound used on seams of sheetrock, and insulation around boilers, ducts, sheeting, pipes, and fireplaces. Even some newer homes in Leesburg, VA may also contain asbestos. Homes may contain vermiculite attic insulation which is contaminated with asbestos. The only sure way to know for sure if your home has asbestos-related materials is to have asbestos testing for your Leesburg, VA home.

A visual inspection with the naked eye will not identify asbestos. If you believe you might have asbestos in your Leesburg, VA home, enlist a professional asbestos testing company such as Envirotex who can safely and accurately determine the presence of any asbestos-containing materials.
Even once you have asbestos testing, it does not mean you need to go ripping out any asbestos materials in your home. In some cases, asbestos can be left alone as long as you are not planning on disturbing the related materials and the materials are not deteriorating. Any asbestos-related materials should always be monitored for signs of deterioration and damage.

Asbestos testing by a certified environmental company will determine what options you have for removing the asbestos from your home in Leesburg, VA. Any asbestos should be removed by a professional asbestos removal company. Encapsulants are materials applied in liquid form to provide a seal against the releasing of any asbestos fibers and may be used in specific areas where there is no damage to the asbestos materials. However, the only permanent solution to ridding asbestos from the home is asbestos removal.

To ensure your family member’s safety, your asbestos testing professional should be able to guide you in the best direction so that no asbestos spores are floating around the home.
In the meantime, if you suspect asbestos materials, some precautions to take until asbestos testing is done include—

Leave undamaged suspected asbestos-containing materials alone.
Keep children away from any areas in the Leesburg, VA home where you suspect asbestos-containing materials.
Never saw, sand, scrape or drill holes in any suspected asbestos-containing materials.
Never dust, vacuum, or sweep any debris that might contain asbestos.
If you suspect you have asbestos flooring, avoid using abrasive pads or brushes or power strippers to remove old wax.

To ease your mind, call the experts at Envirotex today if you suspect any asbestos-containing materials at your Leesburg, VA home.

Building Materials and Asbestos Removal in Leesburg, VA

If you have an older home in Leesburg, VA, you may be wondering if asbestos is lurking somewhere in your house and when asbestos removal is necessary. Asbestos was used frequently in homes constructed between the 1940s and 1970s. These building materials include—

HVAC duct insulation
Plaster
Ceiling tiles
Caulking
Vinyl tile floors
Roofing shingles and siding
Blown-in attic insulation
Basement boilers and pipes

Building materials in your home in Leesburg, VA which contain asbestos-related materials are not all dangerous. If you leave it alone and not disturb it, you should be fine. It is a hazard when homeowners who are not aware of what materials are in their homes that contain asbestos and they go to remodel their home and start tearing materials out, and asbestos spores are released into the air. This can be extremely dangerous for members of your family. To prevent the release of asbestos spores, never sand, hammer, drill, or disturb and asbestos-related materials.

Whenever in doubt, you should always call in a professional such as the team at Envirotex Environment Services. They can test for asbestos materials at your Leesburg, VA home and give you a plan for any asbestos removal that needs to be addressed.

Asbestos removal should always be left to the professionals regardless of how much or where the asbestos is located in the Leesburg, VA home. A professional asbestos removal company knows what to look for and has the proper tools to conduct asbestos removal, which will include HEPA vacuum and respirators, which keep your home in Leesburg, VA safe.

Asbestos-related materials can be extremely dangerous, especially for those Leesburg, VA homeowners who are unaware of what to look for and where. It is best to have your home tested for asbestos and then make a plan for asbestos removal.

Unfortunately, you can’t see asbestos, only professionals who have years of experience can determine if the materials contain asbestos, and they have the proper equipment to test for asbestos.

If you suspect asbestos in your home in Leesburg, VA, call the team at Envirotex Environment Services and let them help put your mind at ease. They are certified, licensed, and insured with years of experience and are equipped to handle safe asbestos removal and any other environmental issues you may have at your Leesburg, VA home.