Mold Removal & Remediation 773-885-8528

BEWARE OF OUTDOOR MOLD TOO!

We often think of mold as something we find in our homes or in our business.  We rarely associate mold with the outside of these places. But in fact, outdoor mold is just as common as its indoor companion. Mold can essentially grow anywhere that the spores can float to and land on materials that are porous on the surface it can latch onto are the greatest risk for mold damage. The environments that these surfaces are also big contributors to the growth of mold; environments that are shady and damp are the most common, and this growth usually happens during the months of the rainier seasons, as well as when lots of precipitation is involved, like snow. Many people think that once the winter months come along, the cold will simply kill it off and prevent any mold damage from growing… this is simply not true. Mold spores can live dormant during the cold season and continue to thrive once the weather heats up. Though it is true that the mold damage will not spread in the cold weather, thinking that it will completely die out is wishful thinking.  Proper mold remediation can get rid of or kill the contaminants for good.

Because mold spores (especially the ones outside) are so small and subject to the ever changing environment around it; many people are affected by mold and don’t even realize it. The spores can cause health issues that are associated with the common cold and can be overlooked by someone who doesn’t realize they have mold on the outside of their home or business. What many people claim as “allergies” could be an exposure of mold spores in their surrounding area.

These 5 places are breading grounds for outdoor mold and should be checked regularly. If you find signs of mold make sure to clear it out as soon as possible… it may dramatically improve your health.

Stucco:  a common location to spot mold.  Make sure to call a professional mold removal company when needing to remove mold damage from stucco because removing it incorrectly can cause more damage to your home than good.

The Foundation:  concrete and cement make up a huge portion of your building and can be a breeding ground for mold.  This can cause serious structural damage to your home.  Call a professional immediately.

Wooded Siding:  wood is a huge contributor to mold growth.  It is a natural surface that mold can grow and expand in easily.  This can also do serious damage to the structure of your home especially if you have a lot of wood siding.  A tip is to use a professional power washer to help remove and kill the mold.  The treat with an anti-microbial spray.

Wooded Gates and Fences: see reason #3 for details.

Concrete Patios:  (especially those that stay wet from weather).  See reason #2 for details.

Many companies off heat treatments to get rid of your outside mold issues and can be completed in a fairly quick amount of time. Don’t let the foundation and structure of your home be under attack from mold damage when you can easily remedy it.

Attic Mold Removal Services 773-885-8528

HAVE YOU GOT A CASE OF ATTIC MOLD?

If you have found mold in the attic in your home or office building, you need to get an assessment done as soon as possible.  Clearing out mold in an attic or crawl space is a tedious job and really should be handled by a professional mold remediation company.  Mold removal in and of itself, may seem to be a simple task.  But if not handled properly it can easily spread into other areas of the home.  Many may the mistake of using a fan or blower while involved in the mold removal task. This is an absolute no-no.  The blower itself becomes contaminated as well as the rest of the environment that the mold spores are shot towards.

INSPECT: The attic is prone to getting mold activity because it is exposed to various intrusions of moisture or humidity.  Since we as homeowners don't go up there a lot, it can develop go unnoticed for weeks, months, and even years.  You should inspect attic at least once a month to make sure no creepy mold contaminants are forming.  Even in the most pristine of attics and crawl spaces, mold can find its way.

VENTILATE: What is proper ventilation?  It is the proper air flow in the space to keep moisture levels at bay and a more controlled humidity.  Attics can be a great source for mold or fungi activity because many of them don't have proper ventilation or air flow.  Fresh air needs to be circulated somehow to keep the environment safe.  Safe from what?  Well, germs, fungi, microorganisms, and the like can breed uninhibited.  To keep these critters from manifesting themselves a good cleaning along with regular maintenance will do the trick.

CLEAN: Some tend to try to clean it themselves.  And while cleaning is a proper thing to do in most cases, it is a lot different with mold.  We must remember that mold removal is not mold killing or mold destroying.  You need to get at the root of the problem, by completely eradicating it or it will most certainly resurface.  Porous materials such as wood, boards and certain fabrics need something that will penetrate and get at the source of the problem at its roots.  If mold spores are not exterminated properly, it will return to feed on more materials in your attic or crawl space.  Thus, wiping it away is a temporary bandage at best.

You need a professional mold remediation and mold removal company who will use the right agents to get the job done.  There are specialized techniques and specific products along with Negative Air Equipment needed to rid your space of mold.  A EPA rated HEPA air scrubber and/or HEPA vacuum equipment should be administered.  Sometimes, the mold is so bad that the only way to get it out would be to remove the infected source completely, as in drywall, baseboards, trimming, doors, etc., that may be contaminated, properly bagged and discarded.  This way the mold contaminants don't come into contact with anything else in your home or office space.

If you want to get at the source of your mold issues, and get it done right a mold remediation contractor might be the best way to go!

Mold and Hot Water Heater Damage 773-885-8528

HELP TO KEEP YOUR HOT WATER SYSTEM MOLD FREE!

If you think neglecting your water heater’s care is acceptable, you might want to think again.  Many homeowners repeatedly commit the sine of not observing necessary water heater upkeep.  Ensure your water system stays in peak condition by keeping in mind the following recommended maintenance tips.

Drain hot water system at least once a year

Draining your tank from the bottom helps get rid of debris and sediments that are accumulated due to constant use.  It also helps maximize heating efficiency and prevents rust and corrosion.

Check the temperature and pressure (T and P) relief valve

The T and P relief valve is designed to ensure your tank does not become too hot or overly pressurized.  While not many people realize it, the importance of looking after this valve cannot be overstated.  When neglected, you can end up dealing with all the hassles and inconvenience a ruptured tank can bring.  In thin with this, having it checked at least once a year is deemed ideal.

Insulate your tanks’ water pipes

Many homeowners not only fail to regulate their water heater’s insulation materials, they also commit the major mistake of not insulating the heater’s water pipes.  The necessity to insulate cannot be overemphasized as it provides energy and money-saving benefits.  Apart from a dramatic reduction in heat loss, insulation can also effectively enhance the water’s temperature.  Consider yearly insulation upkeep if you wish to take full advantage of the benefits it has to offer.  Also, if you intend to purchase a new heater, opt for one with a thick insulation, so you are guaranteed it will last for a long time.

Inspect for any leakage

A hot water heater leak can cause more damage than most homeowners anticipate.  Leaks that are left unattended are not only detrimental to your property, it can also pose serious health risks.  Case in point, the presence of moisture encourages mold growth, which can trigger numerous health issues, like asthma, allergic reactions, and other respiratory problems.  To further ensure leaks are kept at bay, check the drain valve and see to it that it’s tightened properly.

Observer routine upkeep regimen

Just like other pieces of machinery, your water heater can surely benefit from regular and expert care.  If you do not have the spare time or the necessary expertise to look after your heater, the help of a plumber will surely come in handy.  While plumbing fees can come off as an unnecessary expense you can do without, nothing can be farther from the truth.  Keep in mind that regular maintenance can reward you back in the form of lower bills, increased efficiency and reduced risks.

Reset or replace the thermostat

The inability to produce hot water after it has been turned on is a clear indication something is amiss with the thermostat.  In cases like this, cleaning the thermostat or replacing it (whichever is applicable) are two options you have at your disposal.  Also, it is best to remember that this job is best left in the hands of a professionals, so have a qualified technician help you out.

Call a plumber if your water begins to smell

If you notice a light sulfuric smell in your water, it is a foolproof sign there is something wrong with your system.  A sulfuric smell is often the result of a decline in water pressure so having this checked right away is mandatory.  Enlist the help of a professional so damaged hot water parts can be checked and replaced when necessary.

Call a water damage restoration company

If you should get water in your basement because of neglecting the above, don’t hesitate to call a water damage restoration specialist who can get the water out of your basement fast.  This is important for obvious reasons, such as mentioned above, mold can develop quite quickly in a basement.  Water damage allowed to sit too long can precipitate mold spore growth and thus, a need to have mold remediation services done as well.  Many homeowners have neglected taking care of water extraction immediately and have paid the price in time, resources, and finances because of neglecting water in the basement, and subsequently mold removal.  Don’t let it sit there.  Do something about it fast!