Envirotex Blog

Safest Asbestos Removal in Winchester, VA

If you have an older home in Winchester, VA, you may wonder whether some of the materials used to construct your home contain asbestos. The only sure way of finding out is with an asbestos inspection. An inspection should be done anytime you consider remodeling an older home.

A professional can map out a plan for asbestos removal at your home in Winchester, VA. There are numerous places at a home where asbestos can be found. Some include—

Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives
Roofing and siding shingles
Attic and wall insulation
Textured painting and patching compounds used on ceilings and walls
Walls and floors around wood–burning stoves that are protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets

Asbestos removal at your home in Winchester, VA is not as cut and dry as one may think. Asbestos is linked to mesothelioma and asbestosis, which are lung diseases caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. For these reasons, you should never try asbestos removal in your Winchester, VA home on your own.

Always reach out to an asbestos removal professional, such as the team at Envirotex Environmental Services. This team is skilled and knows how to handle asbestos removal properly to keep you and your family safe.

It takes special equipment and knowing how to safely remove asbestos from your home. Special clothing is necessary to keep the asbestos removal technician safe from coming in contact with the asbestos and respirators to keep them from breathing in harmful asbestos fibers released into the air during the asbestos removal. They will take extra precautions to prevent the fibers from flowing throughout the house by partitioning off areas of the home with plastic.

All household members will be asked to vacate the premises during asbestos removal. Once the job is complete, you will be allowed to reenter the Winchester, VA home. This safety measure is for your family’s safety.

If you have any questions about asbestos, please call Envirotex Environmental Services; they will be happy to answer any of your questions. Whatever you do, do not attempt any renovations at your home in Winchester, VA if you suspect asbestos–containing materials.

It is better to be safe than realize too late that you started a project that you either had to remove, cut, saw, drill, or hammer building materials and found later that these materials contain asbestos.

Household Mold Treatment in McLean, VA

Mold grows where there is moisture. It grows on paper, ceiling tiles, wood, cardboard, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. Common areas with moisture include around windows, leaks in the roof, pipes, and where ever you have had flooding. Anytime you see mold at your home in McLean, VA, you should have a mold treatment plan.

A mold treatment plan for your McLean, VA home may include cleaning the mold from hard surfaces, possibly removing mold materials from your home, and the moisture problem needs to be addressed and fixed; otherwise, it will return later.

Homeowners should be able to handle less than a 10–square–foot area of mold with mold treatments. This mold treatment can be done with household products, soap and water, or a solution of 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water. Do not mix bleach with other household cleaners, producing poisonous gas.

You can purchase mold treatment products from your local hardware store in McLean, VA. Be sure and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any cleaning products.

You should always open up your windows during mold treatment to provide fresh air and wear waterproof gloves and eye protection for your safety.

Suppose you have more than a 10 square foot area of mold infestationat your home in McLean, VA. Even though you see some mold growth, you won’t know for sure if you have more mold growth behind walls or under flooring. In that case, you should call in the professionals, such as the group at Envirotex Environmental Services.

Hiring a professional environment company like Envirotex Environmental Services will give you the satisfaction that all mold has been located. Once your mold has been found, Envirotex will set up a mold treatment to rid your McLean, VA home of all mold.

When you have an environmental issue in McLean, VA, you should always consider hiring a professional. A professional knows where to look for mold, and they also have special equipment that will locate mold that is not visible to the naked eye. They will take necessary precautions so that mold spores will not be distributed throughout your home in McLean, VA.

Call the professionals at Envirotex for all your environmental needs.

What you Should Know About Asbestos in Arlington, VA

Asbestos may still exist in your home in Arlington, VA. Yes, that’s right. If you have an older home, you have a greater chance that asbestos–containing materials used in constructing your Arlington, VA home are still there.

You should know products that could contain asbestos to keep your family living in a safe environment. Some of the common asbestos–containing products that could be lurking inside or around your home in Arlington, VA are––

Brake pads
Bricks
Ceiling tiles
Cement
Flooring tiles
Boilers
Drywall
Gaskets
Insulation
Paint
Pipes
Plastics
Pumps
Roofing
Shingles
Valves
Talcum powder
Baby powder

As late as 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised consumers to stop using Claire’s Makeup products because they tested positive for asbestos. This particular brand of makeup is targeted toward teenagers.

To keep your family safe, be aware of any products in your home that may contain asbestos. It is extremely important that anytime you upgrade or remodel your house and doubt certain materials in your Arlington, VA home, call in the experts and have your home tested for asbestos. This way, you will know for sure should you want to make more changes in the future, and they can advise you on where to go from there.

Just because you may still have certain asbestos–containing materials inside your Arlington, VA home does not mean you need to go tearing any of it out. In fact, you shouldn’t be doing anything to suspected materials because if you tear, drill, cut, or do anything to them, you are stirring up asbestos fibers which will enter into the air, and eventually, your family would be breathing in these fibers.

Breathing in these fibers can be fatal. Usually, it takes years to detect health issues caused by asbestos exposure, but the end result can be fatal, if not deadly, extremely serious.

Some asbestos that is in good shape can just be left alone. It’s only when you need to remove asbestos–containing materials or tear into them somehow that it becomes a severe problem.

If you are concerned that your home in Arlington, VA may contain asbestos, call the experts at Envirotex Environmental Services. They can answer your questions, inspect your home, and remove any asbestos that may cause a problem.

What Does Black Mold Removal Involve in Alexandria, VA?

Black mold can be hazardous, depending on your level of exposure. A person with a weak immune system who inhales fungal spores from black mold growth may develop chills, fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting. People with asthma may experience asthma attacks when exposed to black mold. Alexandria, VA homes with black mold should consult a black mold removal professional.

If the affected area is less than 10 square feet, you may attempt the black mold removal independently, but hiring a professional is recommended. A professional such as Envirotex Environmental Services should handle black mold removal at your home in Alexandria, VA. Professionals will have the proper black mold removal equipment and expertise to safely and effectively remove the mold.

Alexandria, VA homeowners do not have the advanced technology to locate mold that can’t be seen with the naked eye. You may only address a small area of mold, while other black mold lurks behind walls and underneath flooring that you can’t visibly see. Using a professional will ensure that all mold will be found and removed from your Alexandria, VA home.

During black mold removal, the area in your Alexandria, VA home with mold infestation will be isolated to avoid cross–contamination and spores spreading to other parts of the home. Professionals use a High–Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to filter the air and clean mold spores.

All the contaminated surfaces are vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum which traps mold spores while releasing clean air. Mold–infested items are discarded when necessary in disposable bags and later taken to the appropriate dump sites.

Contaminated surfaces will be sprayed and wiped down with microfiber cleaning cloths. The area will be treated with an antimicrobial applied with an electrostatic sprayer, ensuring even application and maximum efficiency.

You and your family, including pets, may be asked to leave until the removal of black mold. This is for the safety of your family members.

If you have any questions about black mold removal for your home in Alexandria, VA, call the professionals at Envirotex, and they will be glad to answer your questions.

Addressing Mold: Mold Removal in Northern VA

If you see mold growing on walls or other places inside your home in Northern VA, it can also be invisible behind those areas as well as other places in your home. Anytime you have mold, you have a moisture or water problem. Once you know where the moisture is coming from, that will need to be addressed, or mold removal will only be a temporary fix.

It is best to call in Northern VA professionals such as Envirotex Environmental Services for mold removal at your Northern VA home unless it is in a small area. But even small spaces may not be all there is, and a professional can locate mold with their equipment, knowledge, and expertise.

A professional environmental company will evaluate your mold contamination at your home in Northern VA and then map out a plan for mold removal. Professionals will clean up mold growing inside your home while avoiding exposing your family to mold spores floating around that can cause health issues.

Mold removal at your home starts with closing off mold–contaminated areas from other parts of the Northern VA home with polyethylene sheeting. Contaminated areas are misted to suppress dust. Moldy and wet materials are removed, placed in plastic bags, and later disposed of properly.

A wire brush may be used on non–porous materials and moldy wood surfaces and wiped with disposable wipes, which are then placed in polyethylene bags and disposed of properly. Surfaces are vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum. Afterward, all surfaces are scrubbed with a damp cloth and detergent until all mold is removed and rinsed with clean water.

The cleaned materials are allowed to dry so that any moisture will evaporate. Fans and dehumidifiers may be used to help with drying.

Any materials which were removed need to be replaced or repaired.

If your mold removal at your home in Northern VA was a success, the moisture problem should be fixed and not present any more issues with mold. There should be no visible signs of mold–contaminated materials or moldy odors inside your Northern VA home. After mold removal, you and your family should be able to occupy your home without any danger of developing health issues.

What Happens During Mold Removal in Manassas, VA?

Mold spores are microscopic and float in the air. Mold can be present anywhere, inside and outside your home in Manassas, VA. These spores may enter your Manassas, VA home through doors, windows, or AC/heating systems. They can also ride in on your clothing or your pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture and multiply into colonies when exposed to water. Before starting mold removal at your Manassas, VA home, you must address the water or moisture sources causing mold growth. If not, you will continue to have a mold issue at home.

Each mold removal will be different for each individual scenario. But typically, an inspection and mold damage assessment will occur before mold removal. Once the mold is detected and damages noted, a professional mold removal specialist will use several different containment procedures to prevent the mold from spreading during the mold removal process.

An advanced containment procedure, such as negative air chambers, may be used to isolate the mold–contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold from spreading during the cleanup process. Any fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the rest of your Manassas, VA home.

Mold removal specialists will use specialized filtration equipment to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. Powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums are used to prevent the spread of spores during the mold removal process.

Depending on the amount of mold growth inside your Manassas, VA home and the types of surfaces where mold appears, antifungal and antimicrobial treatments are used to eliminate mold colonies and new ones from forming. Most likely, mold–infested porous materials such as drywall and carpeting will need to be safely removed from the home to stop mold growth.

Furniture, curtains, and clothing will be cleaned by various techniques to clean and disinfect the belongings inside the home in Manassas, VA. Using fogging equipment, odors are removed, and the house is deodorized.

Once the mold removal has been completed, you may have to have drywall or carpet replaced, depending on the severity of the damage. All mold–contaminated materials that need to be removed from your Manassas, VA home will be carefully contained and disposed of properly.

If you have any questions about a mold issue at your home in Manassas, VA, please don’t hesitate to call Envirotex Environmental Services.

When you Might Need a Mold Inspection in Fairfax, VA

You might think that if you see mold at your home in Fairfax, VA, you already know you have a mold problem, so a mold inspection is unnecessary. Not true. You may encounter some of these scenarios when you need a mold inspection.

If you do see mold growth inside your home, it may have already spread to other areas of the house, and the only sure way to find it all is with a mold inspection.
You may experience allergies or allergy–like symptoms in a particular area of your Fairfax, VA home. Mold exposure symptoms include asthma, allergic reactions, and other respiratory issues. In this case, you should have a mold inspection by a professional company such as Envirotex Environmental Services.
You may be smelling a musty odor inside your Fairfax, VA home. This indicates that your home has enough mold to cause the smell. A mold inspection specialist is sure to find mold inside your home.
If you have had a leakage inside your home in Fairfax, VA for more than 24 hours, such as a leaky pipe or some sort of spillage, and it has been left unattended for longer than 24 hours, most likely, mold has already set in. Some of the symptoms you may notice may be allergies, a mold smell, or black stains. Mold grows at a fast rate, so the sooner you have a mold inspection, the better off you will be.
Anytime a house sits unoccupied for a long time, mold will grow. Some mold can be seen with the naked eye; however, not all mold can be seen with the naked eye. Houses sitting for long periods in hot, humid weather cause high humidity levels, resulting in mold growth. A leakage could also cause mold growth because, in an unoccupied house, you aren’t for sure how long the leakage has been going on. It is best to have a mold inspection before moving into a home in Fairfax, VA that has been unoccupied for an extended period.
If you are considering buying a new house in Fairfax, VA, it is best to have a mold inspection because you are unsure whether there is any mold within the home. Structural damage could result from undetected mold infestation and can be a game changer when purchasing a new home. It is always a wise investment to have a mold inspection before buying any property. If mold is detected, be sure to negotiate a lower price to take care of the expense of removing all the mold from the home.

Once mold has been detected, and you have had a professional company remove any mold damage from your Fairfax, VA home, another mold inspection should be done to verify that the mold removal was done correctly.

If you have any questions about mold or other environmental issues at your home in Fairfax, VA, call the Envirotex team; they will be glad to help.

Why Hire an Asbestos Contractor in Washington, D.C.?

Asbestos isn’t banned in the United States, although its use is limited. However, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) may still pose a threat to older buildings in Washington, D.C., because asbestos was common in building materials in homes, schools, and other structures built before 1980. If you find yourself with an older structure, you may need to hire an asbestos contractor.

When removing asbestos from your Washington, D.C. home or business, the safest and wisest decision would be to call an asbestos contractor. An asbestos contractor knows how to test for this toxic material properly and follows strict regulations and correct procedures in removing the asbestos while using the proper equipment to keep themselves and others safe from exposure.

Not all asbestos companies in Washington, D.C. are alike. Some only specialize in asbestos abatement, while others offer environmental services, including demolition services, such as Envirotex Environmental Services. An asbestos contractor is trained in preparing the work area, decontamination procedures, safety considerations in the abatement area, proper handling and disposal of asbestos waste, and proper use of personal protective clothing and respirators.

Homeowners or business owners in Washington, D.C. should never attempt to handle any asbestos removal independently. There are just too many dangers that come from handling asbestos that you want to make sure to hire an asbestos contractor who can remove the asbestos from the building in addition to any repairs that need to be done from the removal of the asbestos, such as carpeting, tile, drywall, or insulation.

Word of mouth is usually the best way to search for an asbestos contractor. Ask friends, neighbors, or co-workers in Washington, D.C. who they would recommend and if they have used the contractor recently. It would be best to search online to check for reviews for a particular asbestos contractor you are interested in hiring. Check if they are licensed to work in Washington, D.C.

If your reason for hiring an asbestos contractor is because you are remodeling your home or business, have a plan mapped out as to what areas in your home or business will be torn out and replaced. Some asbestos can be left in place if in good condition unless you wish to have it all removed for any future remodels you may have in mind. Always get several quotes from different asbestos contractors in Washington, D.C.

If you have any questions, please call the team at Envirotex.

How an Asbestos Inspection Process May Look Like in Northern VA

Asbestos is a known carcinogen. Found in most Northern VA homes built before 1980, it is still used in some products today, commonly used in construction. If your home was built before 1980, you need to question the materials used in constructing your home in Northern VA. The best way to do this is to have an asbestos inspection.

Asbestos fibers are tiny, and they float in the air making these fibers easy to inhale. Once inhaled into the lungs, they stick to the inner lining and collect over a period of time. This can cause several diseases and eventually can affect a person’s breathing.

Northern VA homes built prior to 1980 could have asbestos–containing materials such as vinyl floor tile and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives insulation, roofing, and siding shingles made of asbestos cement plus more. If your Northern VA home is older, please take precautions and have an asbestos inspection done so that if and when you decide to remodel or make any home improvements, you know what materials you are tearing out contain asbestos. Even if you are not anticipating any major renovations, some of the materials in your home could be worn or frayed, which can send off these asbestos fibers into the air, and your family could be in danger.

For the well–being of your family, an asbestos inspection is well worth the money. Once your Northern VA home is inspected for asbestos–containing materials, you will then know what is safe and unsafe and what needs to be replaced or sealed (encapsulation).

An asbestos inspection process may look somewhat like this—

The inspector conducts a visual inspection of the home and its systems during the asbestos inspection at your home in Northern VA, including the foundation, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, plumbing and electrical systems, garage, house interiors, and a few appliances as well.
Some of these materials will be tested by taking samples and sending them to an outside lab for analysis.
If any asbestos is found during the asbestos inspection, you will be instructed on where to go from there. Some materials that are in good shape and do not release fibers will not be a concern. Other materials that show visible signs of deterioration should be repaired or removed by a professional asbestos removal technician.

If you have any concerns about an asbestos inspection for your Northern VA home, please don’t hesitate to call Envirotex Environmental Services. They will be glad to help in any way they can to help keep your family safe from any environmental issues at your home in Northern VA.

How to Control House Mold Inside your Great Falls, VA Home

Moisture control is the key to controlling house mold inside your Great Falls, VA home. By following these suggestions, you should be able to control house mold within your home.

Once you notice any water leaks or spills inside your Great Falls, VA home, you must act quickly. If you act quickly and dry damp areas or materials within 24–48 hours after a leak or spill, house mold will most likely not grow.
Roof gutters should be regularly cleaned and repaired at your Great Falls, VA home.
The ground around your Great Falls, VA home must be sloped away from the house. This allows the water to drain away from the house and won’t allow water to collect around the foundation of your Great Falls, VA home.
Make sure your air conditioning drip pans are kept clean and drain properly.
Try to keep your indoor humidity low; if possible, keep the indoor humidity below 60 percent; between 30 and 50 percent is ideal. You can measure your home’s humidity with a moisture or humidity meter, an inexpensive instrument you can pick up at your local Great Falls, VA hardware store.
If you notice condensation or moisture collecting on your walls, windows, or pipes, wipe dry and reduce the moisture or water source. Condensation could be a sign of high humidity.

How to Reduce Humidity at your Great Falls, VA Home to Prevent House Mold

Vent clothes dryers and stoves to the outside to prevent moisture.
Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners when needed.
Run the bathroom fan or open a window in the room when showering or bathing.
Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever you cook, run the dishwasher, or do dishes by hand.

How to Prevent Condensation Inside your Great Falls, VA Home to Help Control House Mold

Increase ventilation or air movement. You can do this by opening doors and windows when practical. Use fans when needed.
Cover up cold water pipes or other cold surfaces with insulation.
Increase the air temperature inside your Great Falls, VA home.

Following these suggestions should help prevent house mold from growing inside your home. Any signs of house mold should be taken care of quickly so that it doesn’t spread throughout your home.

If you have any questions concerning house mold or any other environmental issues at your home in Great Falls, VA, call the professionals at Envirotex Environmental Services.