Envirotex Blog – Page 24

How is Asbestos Siding in Marshall, VA a Hazard?

Homes in Marshall, VA built between the 1920s and 1980s can still be found with asbestos siding. Asbestos siding was made by adding asbestos, which is a naturally occurring mineral, to Portland cement. The cement was pressed into siding shingles which came in a variety of textures and sizes. This product was extremely durable, fire-resistant and easily absorbed paint.

When is asbestos siding on homes in Marshall, VA a hazard?

If asbestos siding on your home in Marshall, VA is being cut, drilled, or broken into small pieces
If an entire section of your asbestos siding is breaking, cracking or disintegrating
If you plan on removing the asbestos siding to replace with new siding

These common situations are when you need to be concerned about asbestos siding on your home in Marshall, VA. If your asbestos siding is intact and in good condition, you can paint the siding, or you can replace the siding by installing new over the old.

Asbestos siding is not necessarily a hazard if you decide to remove the siding from your Marshall, VA home. Asbestos is a major safety issue when large amounts of asbestos are removed from indoors, and proper equipment is not used to capture and collect the asbestos fibers released into the air. Even when asbestos siding shingles crack and break, it is far less dangerous because it is outside and few fibers are released.

If you suspect you have asbestos siding on your home in Marshall, VA, have an asbestos inspection performed or if it is in good condition, just leave it alone. If you have any questions, call a professional asbestos environmental company, and they can answer your questions and make recommendations.

Although asbestos siding on homes in Marshall, VA rank low on the list of asbestos-containing materials, care and proper removal procedures should be followed at all times. It is always best to call an environment company which is equipped and knowledgeable about the protocol of dealing with asbestos siding and other asbestos-containing materials.

How to Know When an Asbestos Removal in Winchester, VA is Necessary

Winchester, VA is known for its older homes and historic areas. If you ever pass a historic home where there is construction going on, likely an asbestos removal company was the first on the scene before any construction took place.

Most of these older homes have some type of asbestos-containing material in them, and an asbestos removal needs to be done first for the protection of the family and construction crew. Not all construction crews are trained in asbestos awareness which is why any homeowner in Winchester, VA who has an older home should always call in the professionals and have an asbestos inspection which might entail an asbestos removal before doing any remodeling.

If you are suspicious of asbestos in your home in Winchester, VA, do not touch it. Once you disturb asbestos in any way, it produces dust that contains asbestos fibers and this dust then gets released into the air which you breathe.

The presence of asbestos-containing materials in your home in Winchester, VA might not be an alarm if the material has not been damaged in any way. If it has not been damaged and shows no signs of wear and tear, you should be able to just to leave it in place. If it shows any damage or if it is in a high traffic area that family members will come in contact with daily, you might want to call in an asbestos removal professional in Winchester, VA and let them remove it to be safe.

Homeowners in Winchester, VA should never take it upon themselves to remove asbestos-containing materials. Proper equipment and clothing are required to properly and safely remove asbestos. An asbestos removal professional will wear special clothing, gloves, and respirators, some which are disposable to avoid further contamination.

They will take all necessary safety precautions which will include asking you and all family members to move out of your home in Winchester, VA until the complete asbestos removal has been done. Once the asbestos removal is complete and it is safe, you and your family will be allowed to move back into you Winchester, VA home.

How to Avoid a Costly Mold Treatment in McLean, VA

Homeowners should always be on the lookout for mold growth in homes. Overlooking the following will end up costing you more in mold treatments in McLean, VA:

Failure to ignore stains or discolorations on materials such as drywall, carpet, and wood when first noticed will, no doubt, cost you more in mold treatments for damaged property at homes in McLean, VA.
Failure to identify where mold might be coming from will continue to cost you in excessive mold treatments until you fix the problem including leaky pipes, roofs or windows. Any overflow of water in your home in McLean, VA, if left unattended, within 48 hours can allow mold to grow within your home.
Failure to investigate moldy, mildew smells within your home can cause massive damage to the back side of your drywall or paneling, the underside of carpet or vinyl, the top side of ceiling tiles or your wooden studs. Any mold, musty odors should be looked into as soon as possible to avoid a mold infested home costing a significant amount in mold treatments and repairs and quite possibly unexpected doctor bills. So many times allergies or flu-like symptoms are misdiagnosed as such but actually come from being exposed to mold growth inside homes in McLean, VA.

A professional environmental services company should be called once you have any warning signs of mold growth. They will take the proper precautions in handling mold-related materials, taking samples of different materials and sending to a certified lab to identify the type of mold.

Professionals have the up-to-date tools including moisture meters, infrared cameras, and borescopes to detect the mold spore count and find hidden mold that isn’t visible to the naked eye. Once the mold is identified, a crew will come in and remove some of the moldy materials and perform certain mold treatments to other materials to rid all mold growth. Proper containment and HEPA vacuums are necessary when removing mold-related materials. Professionals are equipped with the proper clothing, gloves, and respirators and goggles to protect them from the dangers of breathing in mold spores when disturbing the mold-related materials during the treatment, removal, and cleanup.

Reducing humidity in your home in McLean, VA can easily be done by venting appliances such as clothes dryers. Always use air conditioners or dehumidifiers when needed. While bathing or showering, run your bathroom fan or open a window. When cooking, use your exhaust fan or open a window, the same when running your dishwasher or washing dishes. Paying attention to these easy things that you can control can avoid future mold treatments for your home.

How Asbestos Testing in Arlington, VA Can Save Your Life

The more asbestos a person is exposed to, the greater risk a person has of developing an asbestos-related disease. Asbestos exposure comes from inhaling airborne microscopic asbestos fibers. Asbestos can become airborne during a renovation or demolition of buildings containing asbestos materials, or remodeling your home that contains asbestos materials.

If your home was built before 1980, your home probably has asbestos-containing materials that were used in the construction of your home. Asbestos was used in materials including insulation, roofing shingles, floor tiles, and adhesives. If you believe any of these materials in your home could be asbestos-containing materials, do not disturb or damage in any way. Sawing, sanding, scraping, or cutting into any of these asbestos-containing materials will cause these asbestos fibers to release into the air which you breathe.

If you suspect asbestos-containing materials in your home, it is best to have a professional asbestos testing done at your home in Arlington, VA. Asbestos released fibers are not seen by the naked eye. It takes a certified asbestos testing professional to come into your home in Arlington, VA and take samples to send off to a certified lab for analysis.

Asbestos exposure can be deadly if not dealt with in a professional manner. When asbestos fibers are released into the air and you breathe in these fibers, they can get trapped in your lungs and remain there for a long, long time. When these fibers accumulate, they cause scarring and inflammation which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems.

Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen, a substance that causes cancer. Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma which is a rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen.

What are Asbestos Related Health Symptoms?

• Shortness of breath, hoarseness, and wheezing
• A persistent cough that continues to get worse
• Blood coughed up from the lungs
• Pain or tightening in the chest
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the neck or face
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Fatigue or anemia

Call for asbestos testing at your home in Arlington, VA if you suspect you have asbestos-related materials that have been damaged or disturbed or if you are getting ready to do any remodeling where these materials might be located in your home.

How Mold Testing Is Performed at Homes in Burke, VA

Mold testing is performed in two different ways, either taking a sample of the air or a sample of a surface. Typically, a mold inspector will test the air or surface to determine which kind of mold exists in your home in Burke, VA and to see if it is able to grow in the tested area.

Air Sample Mold Testing

There are a variety of ways in which air samples can be taken and analyzed in homes in Burke, VA.

Spore Trap Sample—This works by having a known volume of air pass impact a sticky surface as it passes through a spore trap sampling device. Most of the particles in the air impact this sticky surface and will then adhere to this sticky surface. Mold spores, which are particles in the air, are captured on the sticky surface inside of the spore trap. This trap is then sent to a mold testing laboratory for analysis. The mold testing laboratory will open the spore trap and apply stains inside the spore trap that the mold spores can absorb. The type of mold in the samples captured can then be identified.
Another method of air sampling includes culturing or growing mold spores collected from the air, but this is a less commonly method used in Burke, VA.

Surface Sample Mold Testing

There are several ways to take surface samples in Burke, VA but the most common methods include:

Bulk samples—This is when a piece of the area sampled is physically removed and sent to the mold testing laboratory.
Swab samples—Something similar to a cotton swab is rubbed across the area being sampled, usually a measured area, and then the sample is sent to the mold testing laboratory.
Tape samples—A clear piece of tape is pressed against an area being sampled and then removed from the area picking up and removing any mold present that was on the surface. This is then sent to a mold testing laboratory for analysis.

Once the samples arrive at the mold testing laboratory, there are many ways to analyze these mold samples. The most common way involves transferring relevant sections of the samples onto a glass microscope slide and then adding a stain the mold spores can absorb. The sample can then be evaluated for mold growth.

Reasons for Mold Inspections in Front Royal, VA

If you are noticing a musty, earthly odor in your home in Front Royal, VA, you should call a company who performs mold inspections. Professionals who are experienced in mold inspections will know where to look for mold and collect samples from all areas in which mold is potentially growing.

These inspectors are aware of practices of mold testing, including mold that could be hidden behind your walls, in your attic, or in your basement in Front Royal, VA. Mold does occur naturally, and only professionals can determine if the levels of mold detected indoors exceed normal levels.

If you ever decide to sell your home and mold was previously detected, you might be legally required to disclose this information to the buyer. This could affect their purchase decision or the price they offer you for your Front Royal, VA home.

Anytime you have had a mold inspection, you will need to follow through with the plan of action for removing all molds from the home. After having the mold removed, you will again want to have another mold inspection for proof that your home was found free of any mold problems. Having this proof when you go to sell your home reassures potential buyers that they are purchasing an environmentally safe home for their family, free of mold.

Other reasons you may need a mold inspection at your home in Front Royal, VA is if you notice any of the following:

Stained or discolored walls or ceilings
Leaky windows
Siding not properly maintained
Evidence of leaks around your house
Building materials that have been exposed to moisture for more than 48 hours

A mold inspection will be done to test many areas of your home for mold including walls, floors, carpet, wall cavities, attics, basements and the air. If excessive mold is determined, you will need to hire a professional mold remediation company to have the mold completely and safely removed from your home in Front Royal, VA.

Always have another mold inspection after any mold remediation to make sure the remediation was successful. Having another mold inspection done will give you peace of mind and written proof that your home is mold free.

Selecting an Asbestos Contractor in Winchester, VA

Winchester, VA, known for its beautiful Historic District along with its fine dining, museums, arts and entertainment, and farmers markets, still houses and employs many people with homes and businesses that were built years ago when asbestos was used for insulation, shingles, cement, and tiles. If you live in a home built before 1980, the possibility of having some sort of asbestos in your home is almost certain.

Are you at risk?

Possibly. If you find something in your home that you think might possibly contain asbestos, leave it alone. As long as you do not disturb asbestos-containing materials, you should be safe. If you are indeed uneasy or if you see any asbestos-containing materials falling apart, you need to call an asbestos contractor in Winchester, VA.

An asbestos contractor will have a team of professionals who will come to your home, do an inspection of your home for asbestos-containing materials by taking samples and then send them to an independent lab for evaluation. Depending on the results, your asbestos contractor may then design a plan for the removal of the asbestos-containing materials.

Process of Hiring an Asbestos Contractor

Are they licensed and insured?
Can they provide you with references with other customers in Winchester, VA who have had similar work done for them? They should be able to provide you with several references which you should contact to see if these customers were satisfied with their work.
Consider the costs that that an asbestos contractor is quoting you for an asbestos removal and understand what services it includes such as inspection, air monitoring removal, clean up, waste removal and repairs.
Obtain bids from several different asbestos contractors in Winchester, VA to cover all labor costs, materials, insurance, bonding, air monitoring costs, and asbestos waste disposal fees. Request a written plan from each contractor with a description of their plan for the asbestos removal.

Compare the services of each asbestos contractor in Winchester, VA to the cost in their bids and make sure you take into consideration the references of how each customer rated each of the contractor’s work.

Calling a Mold Removal Company in Gainesville, VA

Various forms of mold can be found in homes in Gainesville, VA, some which are not hazardous to your health while others that are extremely dangerous. Chest or sinus congestion, respiratory disorders, irritated eyes as well as coughing are all signs of mold infestation.

A certified and licensed mold removal company should be called to determine the type of mold and a plan for removal. When areas contaminated with mold are disturbed, millions of spores can be discharged into the air. A mold removal company in Gainesville, VA has the proper equipment to keep the contamination under control while removing the mold.

Preventing mold from coming back will most likely consist of repairing leaks, wiping up any standing water, and fixing seals around all windows and doors. Having a decent ventilation system installed in your home can eliminate excessive moisture that comes from showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and humidity from the weather. Having proper air flow within your home eliminates damp air that sits in various rooms where water is used.

Questions to Ask When Calling a Mold Removal Company

Do Team Workers Wear Protective Gear?

A mold removal company will ensure their team’s safety by providing them with proper hazmat suits, respirators, and safety glasses. Disposable shoe covers should also be worn because foot traffic is a major cause of cross contamination.

Do You Contain the Area Properly?

A mold removal company will come into your home and will contain the area. This includes plastic sheeting and protection at the entrance to the site to avoid cross contamination. Negative air machines used should be HEPA filtered and exhausted outside.

Do You Wrap Your Equipment?

Air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums are used and should be contained with fresh wrap before entering your site, so contamination from a previous job does not make yours worse.

What Credentials Do You Have?

Ask for proof of insurance and certifications.

How Do You Dispose of Waste?

Waste material should be double bagged and disposed of properly.

Don’t be afraid of asking questions before hiring a mold removal company to come to your home in Gainesville, VA. You and your family’s safety come first.

Understanding Mold Removal Methods in Winchester, VA

Mold can be found indoors and outdoors. The problem with mold starts when the level of mold inside is greater that the levels outdoors. The most common form of mold associated with water damage is Aspergillus/Penicillium. This type of mold can grow on materials including gypsum board, fiberboard, paper, dust, and lint. Mold growing in a home, whether it is black mold or other types of mold, indicate you have a problem with moisture or water.

Mold growth happens when you have moisture from water damage, high humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration or flooding. Moisture is required for mold to grow and will start growing within 48 hours of moisture or exposure. Mold growth can usually be seen or smelled giving off a damp, musty odor.

If you see signs of mold growth in your Winchester, VA home, your will need to call in a professional mold removal company who is licensed and trained in the removal of all types of mold. This is not something a homeowner should tackle because mold can be detrimental to the welfare of your family. A mold removal professional will inspect your property using various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources. Then a plan of action will be set in place for removing the mold from your house in Winchester, VA.

Mold Containment

Mold needs to be contained to prevent the spread of mold spores. Methods including negative air chambers isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep spores from spreading during the cleanup process. Fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spreading of mold spores.

Air Filtration

Mold removal professions use specialized filtration equipment to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. This method utilizes power “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent spreading mold spores while the mold removal is in process.

Removing Mold

Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments are used to eliminate mold colonies and to prevent new colonies from forming. Mold-infested porous materials including drywall and carpeting may need to be completely removed and disposed of to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning

A variety of cleaning techniques are used to clean and sanitize your belongs such as furniture, decorative items, curtains, and clothing.

Restoration

Depending on the amount of damage and what was disposed of such as carpet, subfloors or drywall, these materials will need to be replaced or repaired.

Mold can be extremely dangerous to your family’s health, and it can also do excessive damage to your home in Winchester, VA. If you are noticing signs of mold growth, don’t put it off, call in a professional mold removal team today.

Looking the Other Way? Black Mold Removal in Alexandria, VA

Are you looking the other way when you see a greenish-black substance growing in the damp areas of your home in Alexandria, VA? This type of mold is known as black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotys atra, and is very toxic and deadly. Black mold is a dangerous fungus and needs to be stopped dead in its tracks, as soon as possible.

Black mold can cause severe health problems including difficulty in breathing, headaches, coughing, nausea, memory loss, asthma, bronchitis, dizziness, urinary tract infections and quite possibly over time can cause infertility. It grows even in the cleanest of homes in Alexandria, VA; homes with high humidity are at greater risks. Leaky pipes are another culprit for mold growth.

Black Mold Removal

Proper black mold removal should only be done by a professional environmental services company who is trained and certified in their field. Only then can you and your family in Alexandria, VA, be assured that a team of black mold removal professionals will take all safety precautions for your family.

Special gear including a respirator mask, eye protection, disposable clothing, and gloves are used by professionals in black mold removal. They use special equipment including HEPA vacuums and air filters to restore healthy air quality back to your Alexandria, VA, residence.

Black Mold Prevention

Humidity monitoring and dehumidifiers will prevent the black mold from coming back in yourAlexandria, VA, home. Controlling the moisture in your home is critical to preventing mold growth or after removal, it will quickly grow back. While it is impossible to totally eliminate mold because it is most everywhere, it can be controlled and kept at safe levels.

Take Action

Any common household molds are dangerous to your family’s health. If you ever decide to sell your home, it could make it impossible to sell your home which could cause a serious financial burden as well.

Once you notice any type of mold growth or if you are experiencing musty smells in your Alexandria, VA, home, call the experts at Envirotex, and we will take care of the problem for you. Leave it to us.