Envirotex Blog – Page 23

Damp Basements in Gainesville, VA Call for Black Mold Removal

Most people know of someone who has been stricken with health problems due to black mold. Quite a few apartment buildings in Gainesville, VA have basements that have been converted into apartments. Some of these Gainesville, VA apartments might also contain black mold; whereas, some apartments have already undergone black mold removal to rid of black mold growth.

Older basements in Gainesville, VA tend to be prone to dampness and in time might need black mold removal. Dampness is a breeding place for black mold. Anytime you start to smell a musty odor or a family member starts to have more health issues than normal, you might want to check for mold growth.

Health issues that might be a result of black mold growth include—

Fatigue and weakness
Poor memory, difficulty in finding the right words.
Morning stiffness, joint pain
Shortness of breath, sinus congestion or a chronic cough
A headache, sensitivity to light
Difficulty in concentrating

Any allergy-like symptoms that you never had before could be the result of black mold. Black mold removal is necessary to rid your home in Gainesville, VA of any black mold. It is just as important to find the source of moisture in a damp basement. If you fail to locate the source of moisture and eliminate it, the black mold growth will return. Investing in a black mold removal should be a long-term value for your home in Gainesville, VA, not just a short-term fix. It is imperative during a black mold removal that the moisture source be found and fixed.

If you are faced with a damp basement in Gainesville, VA and family members are sickly, call the experts at Envirotex. They specialize in black mold removal and remediation, asbestos abatement, air duct cleaning, lead-based paint removal, meth labs and clandestine drug lab clean-up. Any environmental issues you are having with your home or business should be directed to a company such as Envirotex who has been in business since 2000 serving the Northern Virginia region, including Gainesville, VA.

Precautions to Take for Asbestos Removal at Homes in Arlington, VA

Homeowners in Arlington, VA who suspect asbestos-containing materials in their homes should first call a professional asbestos inspector who will assess the need for asbestos removal. The asbestos inspector should not be connected with the asbestos removal company who does the actual removal of the asbestos materials from your Arlington, VA home.

The asbestos inspector should supply you with a complete visual inspection and a collection of samples taken from your home in Arlington, VA for laboratory analysis. Once asbestos is determined, the inspector should provide you with a written evaluation of the damage and recommendations for removal.

After the inspection, an asbestos contractor hired for the removal of the asbestos should give you a written contract with the asbestos removal plan and cleanup for your home in Arlington, VA.

Make sure your asbestos removal contractor follows these safety precautions—

The worksite is clearly marked as a hazardous area.
No one is allowed in the work area other than the professional asbestos removal team.
The work area is sealed off from the rest of your Arlington, VA home with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Heating and air conditioning systems are turned off.
Do not spread or track asbestos dust to other areas of your Arlington, VA home.
Disposes of the asbestos materials, disposable equipment, and clothing used by the asbestos removal team. These should be sealed in leak-proof, heavy-duty plastic bags which are labeled.
All areas of the worksite should be visually free of dust and debris.
The entire area should be cleaned with wet mops and rags and a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaner.
Asbestos-containing materials should never be broken into smaller pieces because this could release asbestos fibers into the air.
Asbestos-containing materials should be wet down with a hand sprayer to eliminate fibers from floating into the air.

Once the asbestos removal contractor has completed the work, an asbestos inspector should perform another inspection to assure the asbestos properly removed and areas cleaned.

Envirotex is the experts in environmental services for Northern Virginia since 2000. Call today for a free indoor environmental consultation. They can help you with any issues you have on your property in Arlington, VA.

Precautions Virginia Beach, VA Residents Use to Prevent Mold Removal

Mold removal is more prevalent in humid climates and when you are close to the water such as in Virginia Beach, VA. People who enjoy the water often forget the precautions they should take to prevent mold growth.

Summertime in Virginia Beach, VA can be extremely humid. Since fall is coming, now is the time to be extra cautious about any mold growth that has formed over the summer months from wet bathing suits, towels, and blankets used for the beach. So often you come in from a day at the beach or lying around the swimming pool and continuously throw your swimming things in a pile on the floor.

Wet clothes after 24 hours, if not attended to, can cause mold growth which can spread and ruin the walls and floors of your Virginia Beach, VA home. It can ruin your clothes as well. A professional environmental company such as Envirotex can handle any environmental issues including but not limited to mold removal.

Precautions for Beach Goers and Poolsiders

Proper ventilation can deter mold from growing. Ensure you have plenty of fresh air indoors with good circulation by raising your windows on breezy, sunny days, keeping doors to other rooms ajar, keeping down on clutter and resist cramming furniture too close to the walls. These precautions can prevent the need for future mold removals.
Reduce condensation by keeping the indoor temperature higher and the humidity lower with added insulation. Mold breeds on surfaces covered with condensation such as metal pipes, concrete walls, and windows in homes in Virginia Beach, VA.
Utilize air conditioners and dehumidifiers to control the temperature indoor while keeping the humidity down. Being close to the beach for some is paradise, especially the vacationers. However, residents of Virginia Beach, VA should be aware that if they fail to take extra precautions during the humid, summer months, it could lead to the need for a professional mold removal. Wet bathing suits, plus extra showers to rinse off from the salty beach water or the chlorine from the pool, and additional damp towels laying around can cause extra moisture which could lead to mold growth.
You can save on expensive mold removals by hanging up wet towels and bathing suits to dry, preferably outside, and make sure you have the necessary ventilation throughout your Virginia Beach, VA home. If you allow mold growth to get out of hand and need help, call the experts at Envirotex for all your environmental needs including mold testing, mold removal, asbestos inspection and removal or lead-paint removal for homes in Virginia Beach, VA.

Safety Measures Used in Asbestos Removal for Winchester, VA Homes

Many homes in Winchester, VA that were built prior to 1980 may contain asbestos-containing materials including floor tiles, insulation around boilers, ducts, pipes, sheeting and fireplaces, ceiling tiles, roofing shingles, and siding. Cement used on seams between sheetrock may also contain asbestos.

Asbestos only becomes a hazard when it becomes airborne. This happens when asbestos fibers are released due to drilling, sawing, cutting, and any other disturbance of these asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos removal for homes in Winchester, VA is necessary when these materials have been disturbed, are in poor condition, or when remodeling an older home.

It is always best to contact an asbestos removal company such as Envirotex in Winchester, VA who is licensed and certified to handle asbestos. This will minimize asbestos exposure for you and your family.

How is Asbestos Safely Removed?

The asbestos removal professional team will seal off rooms, doorways, ducts, and windows with plastic. Asbestos signs will be placed on doorway entries to keep people out.
HEPA filters will be installed by the asbestos removal team outside the windows to suck air from the room which creates negative air pressure to prevent the air from escaping into the rest of your home in Winchester, VA.
During the asbestos removal, disposable suits, respirators, and gloves will be worn for protection.
The team will wet materials containing asbestos which will be removed in whole pieces wrapped in plastic sheeting, put in plastic bags or lidden containers.
All debris will be vacuumed and cleaned from the room. Contaminated materials disposed of in plastic bags or lidded containers will be taken to approved landfills for proper disposal.

After the asbestos removal is complete at your Winchester, VA home, an air sample test needs to be performed before anyone can enter the room without the proper protective gear.

Homeowners in Winchester, VA need to be aware of the health hazards of asbestos. It is extremely important that you hire asbestos removal professionals when dealing with any asbestos-containing materials. Envirotex Environmental Service is certified in asbestos removal and will ensure you and your family that all safety measures have been applied in the removal of asbestos from your home in Winchester, VA.

Avoid Harmful Toxins with a Black Mold Removal in Winchester, VA

Black mold can be hazardous to family members including pets when they come in contact with the mycotoxins that these species produce. Black mold needs moisture to survive. It also has a distinctive odor that favors a mildew and musty smell. Once you notice black mold growing inside or outside your home in Winchester, VA, you should call a company who deals with black mold removal.

Where Might You Find Black Mold in the Home?

Inside Winchester, VA homes, black mold thrives in warm and moist areas. This could include carpet, drywall, drop ceilings and wood paneling. Once these items get wet and remain wet for some time, these are prime areas for black mold growth. Often times you will smell a strong odor but will not be able to see it.

Any mold growth that is found inside a Winchester, VA home should be carefully removed as soon as possible by a professional black mold removal company. The moisture issue that is causing the mold growth should also be addressed so that there is less likely a chance for the mold to come back.

Anytime you see mold growth at your home in Winchester, VA such as on the wall board in your bathroom or the caulk line in the shower, you need to contain any mold spores before disturbing these areas. It is best to call a professional black mold removal company who has the experience and equipment to deal with these harmful toxins.

Black mold removal companies in Winchester, VA use negative pressure to contain mold spores from being released into the air when removing mold from a home. These professionals also wear personal protection coveralls with drawstring hoods, safety glasses, boots, and respirators.

If the mycotoxins which are produced by toxic black mold are ingested or inhaled, you might experience some of the following symptoms—

• Breathing difficulties
• Coughing and/or sneezing
• Kidney or bladder discomfort
• Memory loss
• Excessive fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Itchy eyes, nose, and mouth

Black mold growth can cause a number of health issues. For the safety of your family and furry pets, black mold removal should be left to professional environmental companies who specialize in black mold removal in the Winchester, VA area.

How to Make a Wise Choice When Selecting a Mold Company In Gainesville, VA

Once you find signs of mold growth at your Gainesville, VA home, it is crucial to hire a professional mold company. A certified Gainesville, VA mold company understands the potential hazards of mold exposure and the proper way to rid your home of dangerous mold growth. Mold is a health risk to you and your family. It is critical that you make a wise decision for hiring the right mold company on behalf of your Gainesville, VA home.

One of the common questions homeowners ask is how to find a mold company near them. Questions to ask when interviewing mold companies in Gainesville, VA include—

1. Do you believe mold is a potential health danger?

Mold companies should understand the toxic nature of indoor water damage. They should know what the term mycotoxin is and understand the difference between a mold allergy and a toxic reaction to a poisonous matter.

2. Do you suggest testing the environment of the home?

Mold testing at your home in Gainesville, VA should be done before and after any mold removal to determine if the removal was successful. This testing should be done from an outside source other than the mold company you are hiring to remove the mold.

3. Do you document your work?

A Gainesville, VA mold company should document all work with digital photos especially the materials that need to be removed. These should be available to their customers when the work has been completed.

4. Do you contain the area?

Properly containing the area is crucial. If the mold company implies, it is not necessary, dismiss them immediately. Containment at your Gainesville, VA home should include plastic sheeting and protection at the entrance to the containment site to avoid cross-contamination. A mold company should use negative air machines which are HEPA-filtered and exhausted outside the home.

5. Are you insured?

Make sure whichever mold company in Gainesville, VA you hire are insured. This could save you a lot of money in the long run.

6. Do you require your workers to wear protective gear?

The answer should be yes. Mold companies should make sure their workers are outfitted with proper hazmat suits, respirators, and safety glasses at all times. They should also wear disposable shoe covers onsite because foot traffic is a major cause of cross-contamination.

7. How do you dispose of contaminated materials?

Waste material should be bagged and disposed of immediate after the removal. These materials should never be stored on the job. Materials should be double-bagged to avoid cross-contamination of the first bag.

8. Do you wrap your equipment?

A Gainesville, VA mold company should always contain equipment such as air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums with fresh wrap before entering your home. This avoids equipment being contaminated from a previous job and could make your conditions worse.

Any reputable mold company in Gainesville, VA should be able to answer all of these questions without hesitation. If a company tries to dismiss your concerning questions, its time to move on to another mold company for your mold issues.

Only by asking questions can you make a wise decision about selecting a mold company for your home in Gainesville, VA. Remember mold is a hazardous material and by asking certain questions, you are protecting the health of your family.

Asbestos Removal Should Be Handled by the Professionals in Winchester, VA

Winchester, VA is known for its historical homes and buildings. If you own or live in one of these homes or buildings in Winchester, VA, you might possibly be exposed to asbestos and will need to have it removed by an asbestos removal professional. In homes built prior to 1980, building materials were used for its insulating and fire-resistant properties. It was used in materials such as wallboard, floor and ceiling tiles, ceiling and wall plasters and some vinyl flooring backings.

As long as asbestos materials are intact and undamaged, there is no danger and usually an asbestos removal is not necessary for homes in Winchester, VA. It is difficult to identify asbestos containing materials unless they are clearly labeled. Testing for asbestos yourself is not recommended because of the dangers of releasing asbestos fibers into the air while taking samples. A licensed asbestos inspector in Winchester, VA can test materials that you suspect contain asbestos.

There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos; it is extremely dangerous. A professional asbestos removal is recommended because even a few fibers have the potential of being inhaled and can eventually cause asbestosis, mesothelioma or another cancer. At this time there is no cure for mesothelioma.

Taking Precautions Around Asbestos

Don’t sand, drill, or saw asbestos containing materials or use any power tools on such materials.
If you are planning renovations of your older Winchester, VA home, consult an asbestos removal professional.
Never attempt to remove asbestos spray coatings, insulation or insulation board by yourself. This requires the training and equipment available to licensed asbestos removal professionals.

Asbestos removal professionals wear disposable suits, respirators and gloves to protect themselves. The team will seal off rooms completely and doorways, ducts, and windows are sealed with plastic. HEPA filters are used to create negative air pressure to prevent the air from escaping into the rest of the house. Debris is vacuumed and cleaned from rooms and disposed of in plastic bags.

Contaminated materials can only be disposed of at approved landfills that have the capacity to deal with it. For you and your family’s safety, always hire a professional asbestos removal company to handle any asbestos issues at your home in Winchester, VA.

How to Handle a Meth Lab Cleanup in Harrisonburg, VA

There are several processes and different combinations of chemicals used to manufacture or “cook” methamphetamine. Gases and vapors are produced at some time during the cooking operation. These gases and vapors can be distributed by the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. When these vapors are released, it presents a potential exposure hazard for occupants of the premises where the methamphetamine is manufactured. A meth lab cleanup by professionals in Harrisonburg, VA is the only safe method of removal.

A typical meth lab cleanup in Harrisonburg, VA involves:

Secure the property—Never enter the building if you suspect a meth lab. First, call the local law enforcement. A first responder hazmat teams will be called to remove the toxic and hazardous drug paraphernalia and chemicals. Professionals in Harrisonburg, VA are trained in the safe meth lab cleanup process and have the necessary equipment and protective clothing.

Ventilation—The Harrisonburg, VA site needs to be ventilated at least 24, preferably 48 hours prior to the meth lab cleanup. HVAC systems should be completely shut off before the remediation process to avoid re-contamination. Ventilation should be continued throughout the entire meth lab cleanup process in Harrisonburg, VA except when it interferes with air mentoring. After the meth lab cleanup, the property should continue to be ventilated for a minimum of 2 days after the cleanup.

Preliminary Assessment—All information must be documented in the meth lab cleanup plan which should record the methamphetamine manufacturing operation, the physical examination of the site to identify actual and potential hazards, the chemicals found on the site, the location of the cooking, storing and disposal areas, and any sites of contamination.

Removal—A determination will be made to either clean or discard contents. The EPA suggests gross removal and removal of all meth paraphernalia.

Vacuum—A HEPA filter vacuum will be used to vacuum floors after the removal of the carpet and the walls to remove particulate contamination before washing.

Pre-Washing—After items have been removed and vacuumed, the walls and hard surfaces will be washed with a detergent-water Bleach should never be used because of the reaction between the bleach and the chemicals used to produce meth can create a toxic gas.

Clean and Seal HVAC Systems—This should be done by ventilation contractors.

Thorough Detergent Washing—A cleaning of the ceilings, walls, floors and other hard surfaces should be cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner, no harsh chemicals because of the reactions of the meth chemicals used in production.

Sealing—Sometimes walls are painted to provide a protective barrier. It is recommended walls should be spray painted instead of hand rolled.

Flush Plumbing and Septic Systems—Because meth chemicals are frequently poured down drains and flushed in toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and toilets with discoloration and etching should be disposed of during the meth lab cleanup at the property in Harrisonburg, VA.

Any meth lab in Harrisonburg, VA is highly toxic and flammable. Some of the key ingredients used in the process of manufacturing meth may include:

Acetone
Lithium
Toluene
Hydrochloric acid
Pseudoephedrine
Red phosphorus
Sodium hydroxide
Sulfuric acid
Anhydrous ammonia

If you are ever at a property that has these chemicals, or other suspicious chemicals sitting around, get out and call law enforcement in Harrisonburg, VA. A meth lab cleanup should only be done by a professional meth lab cleanup company in Harrisonburg, VA.

How Mold Treatment in Northern Virginia Ensures Health Safety

Mold can be either a visible intruder or can be lurking behind walls, underneath flooring and under appliances such as a dishwasher, washing machine, water softener or water heater. Just a tiny leak coming from one of these appliances left unfixed can allow mold growth to infest your Northern Virginia home. Mold treatment is vital to homeowners in Northern Virginia who can either see mold growing or have smell musty odors in their home.

Health Issues Related to Mold Growth

Mold is not good for anyone, but those who have allergies and asthma are more at risk to develop mold infections in the lungs. Symptoms to be aware of include:

Wheezing
Nasal stuffiness
Eye irritation
Skin irritations

If household members are constantly getting sick, you should consider having a mold treatment for your home in Northern Virginia. Black toxic mold can be deadly to family members, and symptoms should never be excused for just a minor cold if you see any mold growth at your Northern Virginia home. Any type of mold should be inspected by a professional, and a proper mold treatment to rid the home or business of any mold growth should be implemented.

Work areas in Northern Virginia which have high mold exposure that might need mold treatment include:

Saunas and pools
Greenhouses
Flower shops
Antique shops

Being around mold for long periods of time can infect your health and mold treatment should be done to prevent further damage to your health.

Mold treatments should be done by a professional environment services company. These experts are equipped with the necessary equipment to do the job right and also to advise you how to prevent further mold damage to your Northern Virginia home or business. Mold treatments without preventive measures to ensure the mold from coming back are costly and can be detrimental to the health of family members or workers for businesses in Northern Virginia.

If you have signs of mold growth, call a professional mold treatment company in Northern Virginia to ensure the safety of family members and employees.

How to Identify Asbestos Flooring in Upperville, VA

Asbestos Floor Tiles in Upperville, VA

Older homes in Upperville, VA that have the original flooring might be asbestos flooring tiles. These were relatively common in homes build before the 1980s. There might be no reason to panic or to ever have to remove these asbestos flooring tiles from your home in Upperville, VA. Meanwhile, it does help to know how to identify asbestos flooring because removing these tiles can be a risky business.

It is best to hire an accredited professional asbestos removal company. They are properly equipped to handle the removal safely and properly, and they have the means to dispose of the asbestos safely and legally.

How To Identify Asbestos Flooring

Asbestos flooring was made into the 1980s but was most popular between the 1920s and 1960s. If you know when your house was built, or possibly renovated, this might help you in estimating when the tiles were installed at your home in Upperville, VA.
Measure the titles in question. Asbestos flooring tiles were manufactured in three different sizes: 9”x9”, 12”x12”, and 18”x18″.
Asbestos flooring tiles that are still intact are not a major risk and can be left in place and covered up with other products including carpet, vinyl, linoleum or concrete. Titles that are worn should be handled carefully.
A main ingredient in asbestos flooring tiles is asphalt. The oil from the asphalt can leach out causing the tiles or the flooring beneath to show an oily discoloration. This is a sign that the tiles most likely contain asbestos.

The only way to be completely sure if indeed your flooring contains asbestos material is to have a licensed asbestos inspector take samples of the tile in your home in Upperville, VA and have those samples sent to the proper labs for testing.

Once you know for sure your home in Upperville, VA has asbestos flooring, you will know and can take the extra precautions if you ever choose to remodel your home. Remember, anytime you decide to remove the asbestos floor, it should be done by a professional asbestos removal company in Upperville, VA.