Envirotex Blog – Page 22

What is Black Mold in Alexandria, VA and How Do You Get Rid of It?

Any mold in Alexandria, VA homes could bring health issues for family members, especially Stachybotrys. Those Alexandria, VA family members with lung problems, compromised immune systems or just allergies to mold are more susceptible to health problems around mold. No type of mold is healthy in a home.

Stachybotrys chartarum, otherwise known as black mold is not actually black in color but rather a greenish-black color. There are over 100,000 types of mold, many of which are black and can be found in homes in Alexandria, VA. However, unless the mold is Stachybotrys, it is not “black” mold and might not even be toxic.

The black mold itself, in Alexandria, VA homes, is not what you would call poisonous. Some molds are “toxigenic” which means that they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins). Usually, mold only releases spores when it is disturbed in some way. Sometimes all it takes is the breeze of a closing door or the vibration of a hammer at your Alexandria, VA home. Also, black mold does not release mycotoxins all the time, and just because the spores are released, doesn’t mean the toxins do.

To properly remove black mold from homes in Alexandria, VA requires a lot of expensive equipment and expertise, so it is best to leave the job to the professionals. Any area under 3 feet by 3 feet that has been infected by mold, the EPA says a non-professional can do the job. Anything more than that can be a health risk, and if you do not know what you are doing, you can contaminate other parts of your home in Alexandria, VA.

How Professionals Perform Black Mold Removal

The infected area must be sealed off from the rest of the house.
A negative pressure environment to ensure black mold is not carried to other parts of the house.
A HEPA vacuum is used to remove any visible growth.
Any materials that cannot be disinfected and cleaned such as drywall and carpet are removed.
Infected materials are properly bagged and disposed of.
Infected areas are treated and allowed to dry.

Anytime you are dealing with black mold, the source of the moisture that is causing black mold growth at your Alexandria, VA home will need to be repaired.

Best Practices for Mold Removal in Manassas, VA

The EPA says a do-it-yourselfer can handle mold removal for a mold infected area that is less than 3 feet by 3 feet from homes in Manassas, VA. More than that, a professional mold removal crew should be hired, or you can run the risk of affecting your health and that of your family’s and contaminating other parts of your Manassas, VA home.

Even if you see mold, it is still a good practice to have professional mold testing done. A visual inspection will first be performed. The Manassas, VA professional team at Envirotex uses Thermal Imaging to rapidly detect mold sources that flourish mold growth. Once these water damaged areas are detected and whichever structural issues contributed to your mold infestation can be evaluated, a work plan for mold removal can be put in place for your Manassas, VA home.

Mold Removal Practice

Contain the infected area from the rest of the home in Manassas, VA

Quarantining the area is one of the most important practices in mold removal. This protects mold spores from spreading to other areas of Manassas, VA homes. Plastic wrap is taped around all vents and doorways leading into the affected area. A HEPA vacuum is used to suck up loose mold spores from dust before removing any affected materials.

Negative Pressure during Mold Removal

Mold removal professionals use expensive blowers and ductwork or a fan blowing out a window to create negative pressure by pulling air from the room and out of the house.

Removing Infected Materials and Disinfecting

Any materials contaminated with mold needs to be bagged, sealed and removed from the Manassas, VA home and properly disposed of at proper dumping sites for hazardous materials.

Cleanup

Allow the infected area to dry.
Drywall or carpet may need to be replaced as well as painting damaged areas.

Sometimes mold can’t be seen, referred to as Hidden Mold. Many times family member start to have health issues which could be a warning sign that there is mold growth in your home in Manassas, VA or you might smell a musty odor.

Anytime you buy a new home or have other signs of possible mold growth; you should always have a mold inspection for the safety of your family. Call the experts at Envirotex for any environmental issues you might have at your home in Manassas, VA including mold removal, mold testing, asbestos removal, and asbestos testing.

Potential Conditions That Call For Mold Inspections in Northern VA

Indoor mold growth doesn’t just grow on building materials by itself it requires moisture. Sources of moisture in Northern VA homes are usually because of one of these conditions—

Leaky plumbing, leaky roof, poorly sealed leaking windows, backup drains, and water that runs off from showers and bathtubs.
Damp concrete slabs.
Condensation from humidifiers, vaporizers, inadequate ventilation, faulty windows, and high humidity.

Mold inspections by a professional should be done if you are experiencing any of these conditions at your Northern VA home. Even if you are already aware that you have mold growth, mold inspections can pinpoint the exact location of all mold within your home in Northern VA that could be hidden behind walls or under carpet and other places as well. Another reason you want a mold inspection is to find the water problem that is causing the mold to grow in the first place.

If you have had any moisture problems at your Northern VA home, no doubt you are experiencing some form of mold growth and should definitely invest in a mold inspection for your home. Maybe you have seen water stains or discoloration on floors, ceilings or walls at your home. Most likely, mold is growing behind these materials, and a mold inspection will determine the type of damage you are looking to repair at your Northern VA home.

Another moisture sign is peeling, bubbling or cracking in your paint or wallpaper. You might notice your walls are bowed or warped which could be caused by moisture. They could possibly be damp when you touch them.

Having mold inspections for homes in Northern VA when homeowners experience even the slightest inclination that they might have mold is an investment in the home they can’t afford not to make. Mold damage can destroy parts of your home where major reconstruction will need to be done to get rid of all the damage.

Take precautions now and call the team at Envirotex to come and perform a mold inspection at your Northern VA home. They have the necessary equipment and take the safety measures to properly take samples and evaluate the situation and give you a plan you should follow for mold remediation.

When you Might Require Asbestos Remediation in Washington, D.C.

Asbestos fibers have been used in products including roofing materials, floor tiles, and vehicle brakes because of its ability to resist heat and corrosion. It is the cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis. Some older homes in Washington, D.C. still contain asbestos materials.

If you are someone in Washington, D.C. who has an older home and are planning a remodeling project or notice deteriorating materials inside your home, you should contact Envirotex, an environmental company who specializes in asbestos remediation services.

Generally, if you have asbestos-containing materials, they are not dangerous if they are in good condition and you do not disturb them. However, if these materials seem to be deteriorating or are damaged, it may involve asbestos remediation at your home in Washington, D.C.

If these asbestos-containing materials are damaged and break apart, it will release harmful fibers into the air. Also if you are thinking about any major construction or renovation projects, it is highly recommended to have materials tested for asbestos and plan on the necessary asbestos remediation for your Washington, D.C. home.

Many building materials manufactured before the 1970s and used into the 1980s contain asbestos. Common places that you might find asbestos containing materials that might require asbestos remediation in your older home in Washington, D.C. include—

Asbestos blankets or asbestos paper tape might be insulating steam pipes, boilers or furnace ducts in older homes and businesses in Washington, D.C. If these become damaged or need to be removed, asbestos remediation is suggested.
Floor tiles, vinyl sheeting, and floor tile adhesive that are in your home in Washington, D.C. might contain asbestos. When these are removed, and the floor is then scraped, asbestos fibers are released into the air. Professional asbestos remediation and floor tile removal will prevent a hazardous situation during your remodeling project, making it safer for your family members.
Patching and joint compounds in walls and ceilings and textured paints used for popcorn ceilings are still found in many older homes in the Washington, D.C. district. Many of these contain asbestos and require asbestos remediation.

Any asbestos-containing materials should be handled by professionals such as Envirotex, a local environmental company who is equipped to handle these types of environmental issues.

Why Homeowners Should Have Mold Inspections in Fairfax, VA

After any persistent water damage in your Fairfax, VA home, you might come across mold growth. Common molds may cause sickness with some people who have a sensitivity to “mycotoxins” which are the chemicals produced by certain molds. Some molds are worse than others and even toxic such as “black mold” better known as Stachybotrys. Mold inspections can help determine the type of mold in your home in Fairfax, VA and then a plan for remediation should be done to protect your family and your home from further damage.

Why You Should Have a Mold Inspection—

You smell mold but visually do not see it anywhere within your home in Fairfax, VA. During a mold inspection, the inspector will sample for hidden mold sources, for example, ceiling and wall cavities.
If you are interested in buying a home in Fairfax, VA, you will want a mold inspection done to determine any pre-existing mold conditions. Mold remediation can be costly, and if mold growth is found during a mold inspection, you will then need to consider the additional cost before you close the deal on the house.
If you are thinking about selling a home in Fairfax, VA where mold was previously detected, you may legally be required to disclose this information. Even if you had professional remediation, you should always have a mold inspection done again to document that your home was examined and is now free of mold. Having the documentation that your Fairfax, VA home was independently and professionally inspected can be the “proof” you need to make a potential buyer more at ease with purchasing the home.

Mold inspections should always be done if you notice any of the following—

Mold or musty smells after a rainfall or in high humidity
Discolored or stained walls and ceilings
Water leaks
Windows that are leaking
Materials that have been exposed to moisture for over 48 hours

A professional mold inspector will test different areas in your Fairfax, VA home for mold including walls, floors, ceiling, attics, rugs, basements, wall cavities and the air. If excessive mold has been identified during the mold inspection, you will need to call a company such as Envirotex for remediation to completely get rid of all molds at your home in Fairfax, VA. After the mold remediation is complete, make sure to have your home reinspected to make sure the remediation was a success.

Is Asbestos Siding on Homes in Front Royal, VA Dangerous?

Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers that are mixed with Portland cement. Because of its brittleness, asbestos siding is prone to crack and break when nailed. When you nail into asbestos siding on your home in Front Royal, VA, it can release asbestos fibers into the air and the ground. Breathing these fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.

Asbestos cement was developed first in 1905 by the John-Manville company which became the premier manufacturer of cement-asbestos materials. This type of material was used in areas in Front Royal, VA where fire or extreme heat needed to be contained such as chimneys, dormer windows, shingles, skylights, nail holes in the roof, and for protecting posts, walls, beams, and ceilings. The benefits of manufacturing asbestos siding included—

Highly fire resistant
Resistant to termite damage and rot
Easy to clean, but be aware that power washing asbestos siding can easily crack the shingles.
Easily paintable because it does not soak up paint like wood and clapboard.

If your asbestos siding on your home in Front Royal, VA is in good condition and you do not want to replace, it is not dangerous. Once you start sawing, ripping or tearing it off the side of your house is when you run into risks to your health. Asbestos siding does not have to be removed just because it contains asbestos.

Asbestos siding is normally found on houses in Front Royal, VA that were built between 1905 to 1960’s. A lot of these homes still exist today. The benefit of asbestos siding is that it is fireproof, just the shingles themselves, not the underlying structure of the house.

There is also a product that is similar called fiber-cement siding. This is different from cement-asbestos siding in that it contains no asbestos. If in doubt of which type you have on your home in Front Royal, VA, call a company such as Envirotex that deals with asbestos and have them come and test your home for asbestos-containing materials. Only then will you be positively sure of the type of siding you have on your home in Front Royal, VA.

If you are considering residing your Front Royal, VA house with vinyl siding, you will first have to have an asbestos abatement company such as Envirotex to remove the old asbestos siding first. A company like Envirotex will have the proper equipment and a professional team that is experienced in asbestos removal.

When is Asbestos Siding Dangerous in Winchester, VA?

Commonly used in homes and buildings in Winchester, VA from the 1920s until the 1980s, asbestos siding can still be found on many older homes. A naturally occurring mineral, asbestos was added to cement that was then pressed into siding shingles which came in a variety of textures and sizes. This resulted in a durable product that was fire-resistant and absorbed paint well. It was cheap to make and resistant to the elements. Upkeep was easy and cost very little because it was easy to clean and paint adhered to it.

The EPA banned the use of asbestos in the U.S. in 1989 for new building materials. Homes that were built before that time in Winchester, VA most likely contain asbestos in some form.

Is Asbestos Siding Dangerous?

As long as asbestos siding stays intact, it poses no real harm. If the asbestos siding is broken up, asbestos fibers are released into the air which is extremely dangerous. Mesothelioma and other cancers, asbestosis and other lung diseases are a grave danger with continued exposure to these fibers from asbestos-containing materials.

If you have asbestos siding on your Winchester, VA home, it is best to call an environment company such as Envirotex who is experienced and certified to handle asbestos materials. You should always test first because there are other products out there that look similar but contain no asbestos.

A trained and accredited asbestos professional will take samples for analysis. These professionals know what to look for at homes in Winchester, VA and because of the health risks involved, this should never be done by homeowners. If not done correctly, there is a risk of fibers being released into the air where family members could be affected.

When Should Asbestos Siding Be Removed?

No asbestos-containing materials are welcoming news for any homeowner, but asbestos siding is actually one of the easier ones.

There are products on the market that offer a wide range of new shingle siding that matches the curved and scalloped contour of many older asbestos siding shingles that are on homes in Winchester, VA. If your asbestos siding is mostly in good condition, you can replace these broken or cracked pieces.

Another option would be to encapsulate the asbestos siding and install new vinyl siding over it.

If you choose to completely remove the old asbestos siding, it is best to call in the experts. They have the proper clothing, respirators and gloves and equipment to remove it from homes in Winchester, VA safely, not to mention, they also have the means to dispose of it legally. Any issues with asbestos should always be left up to environmental experts such as Envirotex.

What Does House Mold Have to do With Your Family and Home in Northern, VA?

Mold is a fungus found both indoors and outdoors in the Northern, VA area. Indoor house mold that actively grows will damage whatever material it lives on which can impair the structure. What’s more, house mold can cause numerous health issues in humans including allergies and infections.

House mold can cause musty odors and black, brown, green, yellow, and fuzzy growths inside homes in Northern, VA. Mold growth can be visible on walls, around windows, and in shower stalls, but it can also be hiding behind drywall, under carpets, and in attics.

The presence of excessive dampness or water will allow mold to grow in Northern, VA homes. While you will definitely want to get rid of the house mold’s appearance and damage to your home, you will also need to get rid of the source of your problem. Whatever is causing the dampness in your house such as a leaky pipe, foundation seepage, damp bathrooms, or high humidity will need to be dealt with or you will have recurring problems of house mold in your Northern, VA home.

Small amounts of house mold can be cleaned up by homeowners, but large areas require an experienced environmental company such as Envirotex. Using a company such as Envirotex will assure you that all measures of removing house mold have been performed safely so that you and your family can return to your home in Northern, VA and breath easier.

Damp indoor environments in Northern, VA tend to trigger respiratory problems such as coughs, runny nose and itchy throat, wheezing and asthma symptoms plus headaches and other symptoms for people who spend a lot of time in these spaces. Spending time in damp and moldy homes can increase the risk of bronchitis and increase chances of developing asthma and allergies.

House mold is nothing to put off for another day. Depending on the amount of mold and the dampness in your home in Northern, VA you might want to have a mold inspection done because without a thorough inspection, you cannot be sure exactly where all house mold is growing in your home.

Let the professionals at Envirotex help you with your house mold problem so you can rest assured that you have illuminated the problem and the damage for your family’s safety.

Questions to Ask in Selecting a Mold Company in Northern, VA

Undetected water damage in your Northern, VA home can lead to mold damage and serious health problems. Tackling a mold-infested home is not for the do-it-yourselfer. You can endanger the health of your family and make matters worse. In your search for a qualified, licensed mold company in Northern, VA, you might want to ask some of the following questions—

Does the company consider mold to be dangerous to you and your family’s health? An experienced mold company should know the toxic nature of indoor water damage and the dangers that mold can cause to one’s health.
Does the mold company test the environment? Testing before and after mold remediation will verify rather the procedure was successful.
Can they provide a quote for work to be done? A mold company in Northern, VA should be able to provide a written quote for all work to be done.
Can they provide references? Check all references to see if other customers were pleased with their work and if they would recommend them.
Do they document their work? Mold companies should document their work with digital photos.
Is the area properly contained? If not, get rid of them immediately. Proper containment should include plastic sheeting and protecting the entrance into the containment site to avoid cross-contamination. Negative HEPA-filtered air machines should be exhausted outside the home in Northern, VA.
Are they insured and licensed? Never deal with a mold company in Northern, VA or any company who is not fully insured and licensed.
Do the mold company’s workers wear protective clothing? All workers on the job site should be outfitted with the proper hazmat suits, safety glasses, and respirators. To prevent cross-contamination, disposable shoe covers should be worn on site.
How will the mold infected material be disposed of? Any mold-contaminated materials should be bagged and disposed of immediately after removal. These items should be double bagged to avoid cross-contamination. They should never be left on site.

Envirotex is a reputable mold company who services the Northern, VA and Washington, D.C. area. They will be glad to answer any questions and concerns you have regarding the mold issues in your Northern, VA home. Their first concern is for the safety of you and your family.

Is Mold Testing Necessary for Virginia Beach, VA Homes?

With the hot, humid summers in Virginia Beach, VA and living near the beach, homes are more prone for moisture. Consequently, mold testing might be necessary for your Virginia Beach, VA home.

Mold needs three things to grow—

A food source includes most building materials such as insulation, drywall, and wood, etc.
A water source such as flooding, leaks or condensation, etc.
High humidity above 60%. Keep your humidity level below 50% to be safe at your Virginia Beach, VA home.

Mold can be different colors including green, white, gray, yellow, black and brown. It may look powdery, slimy or furry. Once you see signs of mold at your Virginia Beach, VA home, it normally means you have elevated amounts of mold. With that being said, often times mold growth can also be hidden so if you are not sure, you need mold testing.

Mold may be hidden behind places including—

The backside of drywall, wallpaper or paneling
Underneath carpets and pads
Top-side of ceiling tiles
Inside walls around pipe that leak or condensate
Inside ductwork
Roof materials and above ceiling tiles due to roof leaks or inadequate insulation

Mold producing conditions that warrant mold testing in Virginia Beach, VA homes—

Basement flood. Even a one time occurrence of a burst water pipe where your basement may look dry after the cleanup—mold contamination may be present in walls, under carpets or tiles or behind insulation.
Poor roof ventilation. If you have condensation, you may experience mold contamination on the attic insulation, roof sheathing or ceiling drywall.
Plumbing leaks. Leaky pipes over a period of time can lead to mold growth in cabinets or behind walls and under flooring.
Wet or damp crawl space. Crawl space insulation that draws moisture will produce mold spores that may move upwards into occupied space.

Mold testing should always be done at homes in Virginia Beach, VA that have experienced any type of dampness due to leaks, floods, condensation, or high humidity levels. If your home is smelling musty or family members have recently been experiencing more health issues, you might want to have mold testing for your Virginia Beach, VA home.

Even though you cannot visually see mold but have had moisture issues with your home in Virginia Beach, VA, mold testing should be scheduled. Mold testing will give you peace of mind to either know you do or you don’t have mold. However if you do have mold, get in touch with the experts at Envirotex for mold remediation.