Envirotex Blog – Page 26

High Water Area Homeowners in Sandbridge Beach, VA Investing in Mold Inspections

Homes in high water areas such as Sandbridge Beach, VA are prone to flooding. Water in a home left unattended will cause mold. Anytime a home or business has been exposed to high water periods unless you completely dry the area out within 24-48 hours, mold inspections should be performed to analyze the damage.

Mold inspections need to be performed by a certified and licensed mold inspector, such as Envirotex, who will do a visual examination of the home and HVAC system, take surface and air samples, and then send off to an independent lab to be analyzed. Envirotex has been doing mold inspections since 2000. We have state-of-the-art equipment that enables us to go into a home and inspect areas that are not visible to the human eye. Mold gets behind walls, in attics, basements, flooring, rugs, and the air. Our thermal imaging equipment allows our technicians to get behind the scenes to look at the source of the problem without having to demolish property to homes in Sandbridge Beach, VA.

Envirotex can help you develop a mold remediation plan so that our mold removal experts can then properly contain or remove the mold from your Sandbridge Beach, VA home and instruct you on what needs to be done to prevent mold regrowth in the future. Anytime you have a mold remediation, it is always recommended to have a mold inspection a second time to make sure the remediation was completed.

Homeowners in the Sandbridge Beach, VA have come to rely on Envirotex for all their environmental service needs. Envirotex was founded by Mr. Freeman, who gained his vast knowledge and his experience while serving his country in the miliary’s environment services field. Envirotex has acquired contracts with many government projects such as Fort Belvoir Army Base, Quantico Marine Base, and Naval bases in the northeast and southeast districts.

Our goal is to perform quality work, cost effectively, with our customer’s safety being our number one priority. We specialize in:

• Mold Removal and Remediation
• Asbestos Abatement
• Lead-Based Paint Removal
• Air Duct Cleaning and Demolition
• Meth Labs and Clandestine Drug Lab Cleanup

Trust the experts at Envirotex for your family’s environmental safety.

When Should you Have an Asbestos Inspection for your Arlington, VA Home?

Undisturbed asbestos poses no known danger to homeowners and their families in Arlington, VA. The only time asbestos poses a threat is if a homeowner is remodeling their home and disturbs asbestos-containing materials, or if you have crumbling drywall or torn insulation that contains asbestos. If you are facing either of these asbestos related problems, it is best to hire a trained and accredited asbestos inspector to come to your home and do a complete home asbestos inspection.

Once your asbestos inspection is complete and you receive the results, you can then determine what corrective measures you need to take. If you are remodeling an area of your home in Arlington, VA where no asbestos was found but yet in another area materials were found that contained asbestos, as long as do not disturb these materials, there is no harm to you or your family.

Asbestos exposure can lead to respiratory problems such as mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer) and asbestosis (scarring and stiffening of the lungs). Exposure to asbestos for long periods of time can also be deadly for some people. If you suspect asbestos in your home, don’t put it off. Be sure to call and schedule a time for an asbestos inspector to come to your home and do the necessary testing.

An asbestos inspection will give you a better insight into future remodeling projects and what would need to be done. Asbestos isn’t dangerous until it is disturbed and becomes airborne. If you have asbestos tile and your future plans include removing the tile and replacing it, you will need to have an asbestos remediation done to have the asbestos removed and disposed of correctly and safely, so it doesn’t impose any danger to you and your family.

When hiring an Arlington, VA professional asbestos inspector, make sure the inspection will include a complete visual examination, sample collections, and an independent laboratory analysis of the samples collected. If asbestos is detected, the inspector should be able to provide you with a written evaluation. This should describe the location and extent of the asbestos damage. They should be able to refer you to a licensed and accredited asbestos remediation company to come in and remove the asbestos. The inspector can also perform checks once the problem has been corrected to make sure the work was done properly.

Haymarket, VA Homeowners in Need of Mold Remediation

Homeowners who live in Haymarket, VA may be at increasing needs for mold remediation. With our constant exposure to information, people are more health conscious than years ago. As homeowners become more aware of the signs of toxic black mold, they are finding that some of their health related issues could be coming from areas in their home that are prone to mold especially when it is hot and humid and during an extremely rainy season. No matter how much they clean, at times, it still comes back.

Toxic black mold causes serious health problems including breathing problems, mental impairment, internal organ damage and even death. Anytime you notice any signs of mold growth; you should call and have your home inspected for toxic black mold. If you do have black mold growing, you will need to call a company who specializes in mold remediation. Ensure they are fully licensed and trained to handle the safe removal of toxic black mold by doing a complete mold remediation.

Who is at Risk for Mold?

Mold needs three things to grow—an ideal temperature, a source of food, and moisture.

Most homes in the Haymarket, VA area provide the ideal temperature for mold growth. Mold’s source of food is dust or dirt. Mold feeds on dust which is impossible to eliminate from a home, and that leaves moisture. If the humidity in your home reaches above 60 percent and you have organic debris, such as dust, mold can grow.

If you have a leaky faucet or maybe water has seeped into your basement and it is not completely cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours, the moisture can lead to mold growth. If it took you several days to notice a leaky faucet or water in your basement, it could be too late. You might already have mold growth starting in your home.

How to Get Rid of Mold?

When you first notice any signs of black mold growth, you should call in the professionals. Never risk your family’s health by trying to do this yourself. To protect the health of you and your family, during mold remediation in your Haymarket, VA home, you should temporarily vacate the premises. Only once the mold has been completely removed should you return to your home.

Why Hire a Mold Inspector in Washington, DC?

Even though you might save money by trying to collect your own samples for mold rather than hire a profession mold inspector, you will not be able to collect samples from all the locations where mold could possibly be growing. Mold inspectors are trained in the current guidelines and practices in testing for mold including mold that could be hidden in between your walls, in your attic, or in your basement.

If you try to sell your home in Washington, DC and previously detected mold, you may be required by law to disclose this information to potential buyers. Knowing there had been a mold problem in the past could affect a buyer’s offer or may change their decision to buy your home. After you have a mold remediation, you should contact a mold inspector to evaluate the remediation process and provide you with documentation that your home was found to be free of the mold problem. It will allow a potential buyer to feel comfortable about purchasing your home if you can provide them proof that the problem was taken care of by a professional.

Even if you are not selling your home in Washington, DC, you should contact a mold inspector if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Moldy or musty odor especially after heavy rainfalls.
• Excessive humidity during hot and humid weather.
• Stained or discolored ceilings or walls.
• Leaky windows.
• Evidence of chronic leaks.

Other mold symptoms could be health-related issues. You might have heard the term “sick building syndrome.” This is when an indoor air environment is experiencing mold-related issues, and everyone is feeling sick because of it.

When a professional mold inspector comes to your home in Washington, DC, he will test many different areas for mold such as floors, ceilings, walls, attics, basements, wall cavities, rugs and carpets, and the air. If excessive mold is found, you will need to hire a mold remediation company in the Washington, DC area to remove the mold completely and safely. After the remediation process, you should have your home reinspected to make sure the remediation was successful.

Asbestos Inspectors Test Materials in Washington, DC

Asbestos is highly toxic and was once used in a significant number of building materials. Homes built before 1980 in Washington, DC will most likely contain asbestos products. If you are planning a house renovation, it is recommended that you have the house inspected by a licensed asbestos inspector to avoid exposure to asbestos particles.

An asbestos inspector in the Washington, DC area will collect samples from any material suspected of containing asbestos and have it tested. Materials that contain asbestos can look exactly like materials that do not contain asbestos. Testing by a trained laboratory analyst using a microscope is the only way to tell the difference.

Common Building Materials Asbestos Inspectors Test for Asbestos

Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceiling joints.
Fireplaces may have asbestos boards hidden in the back of fireplaces or below the mantels.
Artificial embers and ashes used in gas fireplaces.
Asbestos insulation wrapped around ducts and piping, and asbestos tape used for seams of metal ducting.
Furnace room walls may be covered with asbestos cement board, also known as Transite.
Some vinyl flooring tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
Asbestos materials used to coat hot water and steam pipes in older homes or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
Asbestos insulation used for oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets.
Asbestos compounds in older products such as stove-top pads.
Some roofing materials such as asphalt roofing shingles and asphalt roofing paper.
Some hollow concrete block walls may have been filled with Vermiculite insulation that is found in attics.
Loose insulation is known to contain asbestos fibers, especially Vermiculite attic insulation.
Putty used on older windows and asbestos cement siding materials used on the outside of older homes.

Whenever asbestos inspectors find materials containing asbestos, an asbestos abatement will need to be done. Never try to remove the asbestos materials yourself. Asbestos needs to be removed or repaired by professionals who are trained in asbestos removal and who wear special protective clothing and respirators. Protect yourself and anyone else who is working in or around your house in Washington, DC during the renovation.

Need a Licensed Asbestos Inspector in Washington, D.C.?

Asbestos Inspection Performed in Washington, DC Planned renovations and structure demolition involving over 800 square feet both require the services of a licensed asbestos inspector in Washington, D.C. before the District Department of Energy & Environment (DoEE) will issue necessary permits to proceed with construction. That’s why construction contractors, property managers, businesses and homeowners rely on the asbestos expertise of Envirotex Environmental Services.

The Asbestos Licensing and Control Act of 1990 and companion Amendment Act of 1993 provide for: asbestos inspector licensing and protections; asbestos emission controls with scientific measurements and environmental monitoring; and critical administrative and procedural protocols to ensure any work near or with asbestos is safely performed in compliance with all existing federal and District DoEE regulations.

According to the District DoEE asbestos-containing material is fine if contained and undisturbed. However, when microscopic asbestos fibers are damaged and released through air or moisture, we can breath or consume the highly toxic asbestos fibers. Long-term asbestos exposure is directly linked by research to lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma and gastrointestinal cancer. As a home, property, or business owner, hiring a licensed asbestos inspector in Washington, D.C. informs you of existing environmental conditions relative to asbestos and protects you from the risks, costs, and liability associated with long-term asbestos exposure.

There are a host of individual mandates the DDoE requires to protect the public, property owners, and asbestos inspectors in Washington, D.C. For example, each asbestos inspector must obtain a medical examination along with completion of a safety training review course each year. Companies licensed as asbestos inspectors operating in Washington, D.C., must provide disposable protective clothing and respirators approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

All tasks related to asbestos services are carefully regulated, documented, and monitored in accordance with OSHA regulations. So, when you need an experienced, fully-compliant asbestos inspector in Washington, D.C., contact the licensed, experienced asbestos inspectors at Envirotex – providing safe, meticulous, and accurate inspection, testing, abatement, and asbestos removal for satisfied clients in Virginia and Washington, D.C. for over 15 years.

A Growing Danger – Drug Lab Cleanup in Culpepper, VA

Whenever a meth lab is discovered or suspected, authorities and certified environmental specialists put their safety on the line to perform professional drug lab cleanup for Culpepper, VA, property owners.

Methamphetamine makers are using a creative assortment of locations, including “mobile meth labs,” high-end luxury homes, and continuing health care facilities to house their one-pot meth cooking rigs. Law enforcement cites a recent bump in the use of the ‘shake and bake’ method for cooking meth as a major factor contributing to the increase in lab incidents that threaten communities across the nation.

How do you know a site has been home to a meth lab near your Culpepper, VA, home? Cleanup experts say to look for these telltale signs:

Excessive trash and debris from the production of meth can litter the site and surrounding area. You may notice frequent trash hauling for illegal disposal in an off-site location.
Packaging from ingredients, large containers and plastic soda bottles used in the “shake and bake” technique of meth production. Common ingredients include the cold medication pseudoephedrine, drain opener, lithium from batteries, water, Coleman camp fuel and ammonium nitrate.
Strong fumes and chemical odors, unusual ventilation and covered windows.
Other signs may include dead patches of vegetation where chemicals are dumped and a patchwork of security measures like signs and video monitors.
Residents tend to exhibit suspicion and paranoia, staying indoors except to smoke cigarettes and entertain frequent and familiar visitors.

Effective July 1, 2015, home sellers and landlords in Virginia are required by law to disclose the known use or production of methamphetamine in a residence. The disclosure must state if the property has not been cleaned up in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Call Envirotex and your local authorities if you suspect a meth lab is operating in your rental property or neighborhood. Envirotex has the certification, experience, high-level training, and high-tech resources to provide you with comprehensive meth lab cleanup in Culpepper and throughout Virginia.

Asbestos Removal in Middleburg, VA, is Crucial Before Remodeling an Older Home

Asbestos Fibers found in Middleburg, VA Demolition

When you need safe, licensed asbestos removal in Middleburg, VA, look no further than the highly-skilled, accredited environmental professionals at Envirotex.

Asbestos-containing materials were used in residential home construction up until 1980 when, in the wake of mounting scientific evidence, federal legislation required manufacturers to eliminate asbestos due to health concerns over long-term exposure. Since sealed or contained asbestos poses no threat, and the law only required commercial, government, and public buildings to remove asbestos in Middleburg, VA, most homeowners remained unconcerned.

Fast-forward 35 years. More and more older homes are likely to demonstrate asbestos degradation and damage, creating a hidden, potentially hazardous situation for you and your family. If you own an older home you may need professional asbestos removal in Middleburg, VA, especially if you are considering changes to your home interior, are planning an addition or a remodeling project, or are preparing to list your home for sale.

The experienced asbestos experts at Envirotex have provided asbestos removal for Middleburg, VA, property owners, as well as government installations, and a variety of businesses throughout Virginia since 2000. We offer comprehensive asbestos services, from inspection and testing to abatement and removal, with safety as our first priority.

Asbestos Removal Team at Envirotex

Asbestos removal assures Middlebug, VA, property owners their home is healthy and free of potential exposure to asbestos. While this can be an expensive endeavor, the cost of critical asbestos removal in Middlebug, VA, may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

Envirotex delivers appropriate containment and asbestos removal with thorough site decontamination and lawful disposal. And our asbestos testing is performed by a certified, independent third-party bio-laboratory to prevent any conflict of interest.

Your home is the one place you need to be safe, healthy, and comfortable. Call today to schedule your home asbestos inspection and achieve your optimum home environment with asbestos removal in Middlebug, VA, performed by the meticulous asbestos experts at Envirotex.

Professional Meth Lab Cleanup for Lynchburg, VA, Property Owners

You may not know it, but you could be living in or near the site of a former meth lab. Cleanup of Lynchburg, VA, properties directly and indirectly affected by hazardous chemical residues while essential, is dangerous and requires a team of specially-trained, licensed, and certified environmental specialist like those at Envirotex Environmental Services.

The pros at Envirotex are compliant with the Virginia Department of Health Services, OSHA, and other existing regulatory agencies to perform state-of-the-art meth lab cleanup for Lynchburg, VA, clients. Envirotex also offers Methamphetamine Testing by GC/MS to compliment our robust menu of environmental services to help you keep your environment healthy and safe.

Meth lab cleanup in Lynchburg, VA, is an expensive, dirty, toxic endeavor that should only be performed by highly-trained, well-equipped environmental technicians. The highly-experienced Envirotex team works in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, utilizing sophisticated safety, detection, testing, and remediation technologies, to bring environmental indicator levels back to EPA accepted standards so you can breathe easy.

While many insurance policies do not cover the expense of meth lab cleanup, Lynchburg, VA, property owners can trust the services of Envirotex to restore their home or business to health following discovery of a meth-lab. The incentive is clear – for every pound of meth produced, five to seven pounds of chemical waste remains. Those residues can cause health problems, ranging from breathing issues, skin irritation, and headaches, to nausea and dizziness. Over the long-term studies show people living with exposure to meth lab residue can develop liver and kidney damage, neurological problems, and an increased risk of cancer.

There is new legislation regarding the disclosure of meth lab cleanup in Lynchburg, VA. Virginia landlords are now required to tell prospective tenants whether their rental unit was previously used to manufacture methamphetamine, as well as whether the space has been professionally cleaned by a qualified contractor to meet state standards.

To learn more about meth lab cleanup in Lynchburg, VA, contact the highly-qualified meth lab specialists at Envirotex Environmental Services today.

Regulations Behind Asbestos Removal in Washington, D.C.

Asbestos removal in Washington, D.C. is strictly regulated and can only be performed by specially-trained, licensed, and accredited environmental professionals. With over fifteen years of exceptional experience in asbestos removal in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, Envirotex Environmental Services is a highly-regarded provider of inspection, testing, analysis, abatement and removal of highly toxic asbestos-laden construction and other materials.

Asbestos licensing, permitting, and oversight is managed through the District Department of the Environment (DDoE). All property owners in the District of Columbia and providers of asbestos removal in Washington, D.C., must comply with the requirements of the Asbestos Licensing and Control Act of 1990, effective May 1, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-116; D.C. Code § 6-991 et seq.), as amended. Washington, D.C. follows asbestos removal standards published by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).

This regulation mandates that any asbestos areas larger than 160 square feet or 260 linear feet must be removed by a licensed professional, such as Envirotex. Asbestos flooring larger than 18 square feet requires a 10-day notification. The NESHAP notification form must be sent to the Air Quality Division of the D.C. Department of Health’s Environmental Health Administration. Projects smaller than NESHAP specifications do not require a 10-day notice or a permit. In either case all OSHA worker protection standards apply along with federal EPA regulations on asbestos removal in Washington, D.C.

When you need asbestos removal you need a meticulous, well-trained, seasoned professional with appropriate coursework and training, valid licensing and up-to-date credentials. When you need asbestos removal in Washington, D.C., you need the trusted asbestos professionals at Envirotex.