Bath Fans and Poor Ventilation Equal Attic Mold Removal Chicago

Sherm here!  Got attic mold?  You need advice on Attic Mold Removal Chicago! Throughout the year, attic ventilation is critical element in maintaining attic temperatures. In the summertime, vents help remove excess heat. In the wintertime, air vents prevent the excess moisture from building up and water condensation from accumulating due to the temperature differences between the attic and the floor directly below.

Aside from an actual leak in your roof, the winter months are the time when moisture can lead to the growth of attic mold. During cold weather, warm air from the house can escape to the cold attic area. When warm air meets the cold surface of the roof boards of the floor below, ice crystals and water droplets can form. This moist environment, combined with a food source comprised of wood creates the perfect conditions for attic mold infestation and wood rot.

This problem can be compounded by bathroom exhaust fans that vent directly into the attic or into the soffit areas rather than outside the house. Moisture from bathroom fans is often the source of the attic mold contamination.

A balanced ventilation system is important. Incoming and outgoing air should be equal within the attic. It is important that bathroom fans are insulated around the exiting vent pipe. This helps to prevent moisture from condensing within the pipe - and creating another potential haven for mold to grow.

One of the most common ventilation mistakes is when homeowners combine different ventilation systems. This may occur when incoming air enters into the attic through soffits in the underside of the roof overhang. When these are combined with a different type of exhaust ventilation, problems can occur. For example, combining a ridge vent and a box vent can cause the ridge vent to draft moisture-laden air from the box vent. This can cause a cycle of attic moisture accumulation that can lead to significant damage. Mold releases enzymes that can rot and destroy wood. Exposure to mold can cause a wide range of potential health problems.

There is usually some level of accumulated moisture in your attic. This is usually due to extreme temperature differences between the air temperature outside and the interior attic temperature. If large black or colored areas of mold appear in the attic, it should inspected by a professional. If mold does exist, it can be treated and removed in a way that will prevent future growth.

Getting removing attic mold is important, preventing it in the first place is even more important. Your home's bathroom ventilation and air exhaust should be designed to put moisture as far out and away from your home as possible -no matter the time of year!

For more information on Attic Mold Removal Chicago go here:

https://www.thecleanupguys.com/mold-removalremediation

Call H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting for your New York City mold removal problems. We service Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan mold removal needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Harold_Kevin/329542

Attic Mold in Chicago, Why is it Growing Under the Roof? And a Mold Solution

Hey!  Sherm here.  With some tips on attic mold in Chicago. Let's dig into the attic mold and find out why is it growing in your attic.

There are actually several different reasons that might be responsible for the mold to appear under the house roof... and sometimes compromise your perfectly going real estate transaction. The "house selling" is just one of the reasons, why attic evaluation and attic mold treatment (if you're out of luck) should be performed before even putting your house on the market.

Unfortunately, the attic is one of those completely off limits house areas for many homeowners. Whatever happens there, often stays there, without anyone ever noticing it. Therefore, I decided to bring a little House Attic Mold awareness into your daily routines, and hope you'll find it helpful.

Why is mold growing under your roof?

10 major factors that might cause attic mold to grow on your roof decking

1. #1 cause of attic mold growth in cold climates is an inadequate attic ventilation
2. Improperly designed attic ventilation - combination of vents that instead of exchanging the air between exterior and interior, they trap, create pockets of "dead air" which condensates on roof decking during the cold season
3. Dryer / kitchen / bathroom vent discharging into the attic often causes condensation, frost and mold growth on decking surface
4. Inadequate / missing attic floor insulation - allows for heat transfer from your house into the attic area
5. Improperly insulated cathedral ceilings and skylight chases are often contaminated with mold
6. Furnaces and water heaters produce heat and if installed in a poorly ventilated attic (not contained within a dedicated / enclosed area), could be responsible for condensation and mold
7. Plumbing vents open into the attic discharge moisture saturated sewer gases
8. Uninsulated forced air heating system ducts - in cold climates they waste precious energy and increase chances for mold in your attic
9. Poorly insulated ceiling penetrations, attic access panels, kitchen soffits open into the attic, etc.
10. Leaking roof - mold in the attic caused by the failing house roof protecting surface will be usually concentrated in leakage area and below it. However, poor attic ventilation could significantly accelerate mold growth.

Combining just first two items responsible for attic mold could transform your attic into the steamy, mold-contaminated room during the cold season. Any warm air trapped under the roof will cause condensation to form on framing, decking surfaces, and roofing nails creating mold nesting habitat.

Some homes have more than one attic and upper one, usually located above the bedrooms and bathrooms is always more susceptible of being contaminated with mold. Warm air from lower parts of the house will naturally rise up, transfer through the ceiling and all its penetrations into the attic.

Attic mold solution: it has two parts and both must be executed at the same time:

1. Attic mold removal - procedure often depends on the extent of the contamination
2. Correction of factors responsible for attic mold - without it, attic mold will most likely re-appear within one season

Once everything is properly corrected, you won't have to worry about any attic mold growth. However, I still highly recommend to periodically monitor the attic. Since you already know, why is the mold growing in the attic it is time to do some investigation above the ceiling.

Be extremely careful, if you don't feel comfortable with accessing the attic, find somebody else to do it for you!

Pick a cool day for this trip, powerful flashlight and a dust mask. Attic access might be as easy as pulling down folding attic stairs, but sometimes it is a challenge as far as size of an opening and its location.

Shine your light beam above your head and onto the roof decking / framing surface, check carefully areas where attic floor meets the roof, because that's where attic mold usually starts appearing.

If you see no discoloration, clean wood surface with no residue on it, than everything might be OK and you are one of those who don't have to worry about attic mold.

For more information on attic mold in Chicago go here

https://www.thecleanupguys.com/mold-removalremediation

For more valuable information from Dariusz Rudnicki, on how to maintain your real estate property, correct most common problems, and prevent serious disasters by doing repairs the right way, please visit http://www.checkthishouse.com

Dariusz is a licensed Illinois home inspector who has been in this business for over eleven years, crawling through the areas you'd newer expect that even exist in your house... just to let you know that everything is working properly... or not. If you have some attic mold, or any home maintenance related questions, you can always ask him for help.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dariusz_Rudnicki/269526

Mold Removal Chicago 773-885-8528

Mold is prevalent throughout the year but really starts to kick in towards the end of spring. We start getting rain and an increase in overall humidity that creates an environment where mold thrives.

The unfortunate truth about mold is it’s not like other environmental allergies where it’s as simple as wiping off our feet and cleaning our faces to decrease the amount we endure. Mold growth can be obvious in bathrooms or showers, but we encounter mold in our homes, work spaces and schools without even knowing it.

A few ways to tackle mold allergies in your home are:

·         Keeping the indoor humidity below 50% 
You can combat this by using a dehumidifier and keeping your windows and doors closed (especially after rainy days). A Hygrometer, or instrument that measures humidity, can help you keep track. Humidity is a staple of affordable indoor home weather stations. Some modern thermostats, such as Nest, will help you monitor the level of humidity in your home. You can also.

·         Removing mold spores in your living area 
A HEPA filter removes more than 97% of the mold spores in your home and only around 20-40 dollars.

·         Don’t hang wet clothes inside the house
Make sure clothes are completely dry before hanging them in the closet or putting them away in drawers.

·         Wash tiles and grout in the bathroom frequently
These areas are prime environments for mold growth. Regular cleaning can help prevent mold growth.

·         Use a fan in the bathroom that exhausts outdoors
Air flow is your friend, bathroom fans extract moisture that would otherwise settle into your floor and linens. Run the fan during showers and for a few minutes after you get out.

·         Take indoor plants outside
Moist soil lets mold thrive. Disturbing the plant and soil can release countless mold spores into the air and aggravate allergies.

If you continue to suffer symptoms of mold allergies, it might be time to see an allergist to discuss treatment options.  If you need professional mold removal or mold remediation services, contact The CleanUP Guys to get rid of the pest, and bring your indoor air quality back to living and breathable conditions.

Mold Removal Chicago 773-885-8528

 THE CLEANUP GUYS

773-885-8528                                                               

 

Mold and Moisture

Mold is one of the most ancient organisms on the planet, therefore it needs very little in regards in the way of nutrients to survive. Its primary form of sustenance is cellulose material and moisture, both which are plentiful in regards to water damage restoration and water restoration.

Mold is a significant problem in relation to water damage and general problems with moisture in the home. This can often be caused by a backup of a sump pump, a leaky roof, or a pipe bursting. Mold is often an after effect of these moisture disasters that occur.

When dealing with mold the general factor that seems to aid in the creation of the problem is water. Water is a basic ingredient for mold growth. It allows for mold to travel at a rapid pace and latch on to the walls that if made of wood materials can easily provide sustenance for the mold to grow on and reproduce their spores. These spores can travel quickly through the air and therefore can spread to other parts of the home. Spores can also lie dormant for long periods of time, waiting for the right atmosphere and environmental humidity to proliferate, thus precipitating the need for mold remediation. 

Here are parts of the home that usually have consistent moisture problems that can cause mold to develop.

§  The attic area of the home usually has a consistent moisture problem due to it not being well insulated, or that there is a potential for a leaky roof. This area is a prime area for mold to grow in the home due moisture being built up in the area because it has nowhere else to go.

§  The basement area of the property is a prime example of a place that mold can easily grow. Many basements have issues with moisture permeating from the soil surrounding, and with the possibility of a sump pump being in the basement it is also a problem. The moisture in this area needs to be controlled otherwise the mold will keep reoccurring.

§  The kitchen of the home often has a mold problem, because of moisture as well. With sinks and dish washers in this area of the home there is almost a constant source of moisture. Though it may not be apparent these sources can help in the producing of mold areas that are not entirely visible such as under the cabinet surfaces or behind the kitchen cupboards.

The CleanUP Guys has certified and trained crews in helping to deal with mold removal issues in areas where there are moisture problems occurring. We can help efficiently remove the mold problem from your property with care and precision. Our technicians will treat you in a courteous manner, and offer professional mold removal, getting rid of the mold problem in your property the best way!

Mold Removal Chicago 773-885-8528

The Mold Risk in Your Home

Mold has become a significant problem in many homes in recent years, oddly enough due to improvements in home construction. These new homes are tightly sealed, and as such allow water and moisture to become trapped, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. You can very easily move into a brand new home that already has a serious pre-existing mold problem.

If there is good news on the mold front, it’s that while repeated long term exposure to mold spores will eventually cause some unpleasant side effects, most folks with healthy immune systems can resist the effects of mold, for a time anyway.

The health problems commonly associated with mold are wide and varied. Sometimes just touching mold can be enough to trigger an allergic reaction, as well as disturb the growth and send hundreds of thousands of mold spores into the air, spreading them throughout the home. The most common physical problems, skin rashes, sneezing, coughing, runny noses, and itchy or watery eyes, may be viewed strictly as allergic problems and mold is never even considered.

 

Black mold, or Stratobotrysatra, has been responsible for a number of high profile cases involving long term or permanent health issues as a result of exposure in mold infected structures.

 

In 2003, Bill H.R 1286 was introduced. Known as the United State Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act.  This bill mandated comprehensive research into the various causes and fixes for mold growth, as well as creating programs designed to educate people about the danger of mold and provide the necessary assistance to those affected by mold. The act also provides detailed guidelines for preventing interior mold growth, establishing standards for mold removal, and provides grants for removal of mold from public buildings.  It will also authorize tax credits for the inspection and remediation of mold problems, and provide insurance coverage for catastrophic losses due to mold.

Basement Mold Removal Chicago 773-885-8528

Basement Mold Removal

Since moisture is a leading cause of mold it is very important to keep it at a level, if possible, where it does not start to breed unwanted bacteria.  We commonly call it mold. One of the areas in the home that gets more moisture normally, than any other area of the home, is the basement.  Basements also typically have the worst ventilation of the entire house, so moisture usually has no way to escape, leading to mold contamination. Thus, basement mold can be caused by a few of the following issues:

§  Condensation in the basement can cause mold. Moisture condensates on the outside of pipes because of the cool temperatures. If this moisture collects, mold will form.

§  Flooding water that is not taken care of and removed immediately will lead to mold buildup. Dangerous molds can grow in your basement if it is not dried, quickly following a flood or any other type of water damage.

§  High levels of humidity in your basement is yet another way for mold to grow in your home.

§  Leaking pipes, cracks in the home’s foundation, and leaking gutters can all bring more moisture into the basement. If these leaks are not addressed immediately, mold will build up rapidly.  And while this list is not exhaustive, there are so many more ways that moisture tries to find a hiding place in the home.

Mold produces dangerous spores that can harm many people. People with allergic reactions to mold and those with vulnerable immune systems are especially susceptible to mold exposure. Other more dangerous types of mold, such as toxic molds, can cause damage to anyone, even if they are perfectly healthy. The CleanUP Guys are experts in Illinois and particularly the Chicago area and suburbs well mold removal, mold remediation, and mold damage services are needed.  During the rainy seasons, homes, businesses, hospitals, industrial facilities, and commercial properties all can get mold from excess moisture.  The CleanUP Guys are certified, trained professionals that kill mold spores, mold bacterium, mold infestation, the right and proper way.  Eliminating it for good!  So whether you have basement mold, attic mold, or crawlspacemold, we take care of it for you!