When to Call a Mold Remediation Specialist Chicago IL

Hey interested readers!  Sherm here!  Check out this post on mold remediation Chicago. Indoor mold outbreaks can cause wall, furniture, carpet, drapery, book, and important paper document damage. Molds can also cause allergic reactions such as bronchial irritation and asthma attacks. The common molds seen in most home and work environments can actually become a major issue if not addressed quickly.

There are a few steps you can take to help reduce the chances of a mold outbreak happening in your home or business. However, if you have found extensive mold growth already, contact a professional mold remediation company right away to get started on clean-up.

The most important tool you can have in your arsenal against mold growth is knowledge. What is mold? In what types of environments does mold thrive? How can mold colonies be safely removed? Knowing what you're up against will make it that much easier to prevent and treat mold colonies.

What is Mold?

Molds are microscopic fungi that grow in humid environments. Unlike plants that require photosynthesis to thrive, molds survive by secreting enzymes onto the organic matter they are inhabiting and then absorbing the degraded remains of that matter. Because molds don't require a high level of nutrients to survive they can grow on nearly any organic matter, from food products to paper products.

Why Should It Be Removed?

Many people will develop allergic reaction to the spores put off by large mold colonies. If a person touches a mold colony in anyway, there is the chance they could develop a form of dermatophytes, like athlete's foot or jock itch. Mycotoxins are liquid or gaseous compounds secreted by most mold colonies and are considered some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet. If this is ingested, both humans as well as animals can get seriously ill. This is why prompt attention and mold clean-up is necessary.

How Can I Prevent Mold?

To reduce the risk of developing a mold problem, lower the humidity levels in your home or office. Mold spores can live on most any organic matter but they will not survive in dry climates. If you discover a water leak, get it fixed right away. If floods have damaged your home or office, dry the affected area as soon as possible. Every day that goes by in which a mold outbreak is not treated is property lost.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Mold Outbreak?

A professional mold detection service can help you determine if mold has taken up residence in your home or office. However, professional help is not always necessary. Mold spores are easily spotted, even in smaller colonies, and sometimes put off a musky, earthy smell. If parts of your building are cool, dark, and humid, you can be pretty sure you have mold growing there.

Can I Clean It Myself?

If your mold outbreak is fairly small and contained, you may want to try removing the mold yourself. Wet vacuum cleaners can help remove water from floors and carpets quickly, helping to eliminate the chances of a mold outbreak. Once the carpet or upholstery has been cleaned, however, you must also clean the vacuum itself, as mold can accumulate inside the tank and hose. Damp removal, such as scrubbing the affected areas with water and detergent, is simple and easy but not always effective for established mold colonies.

If you do take on mold yourself, be sure to wear protective rubber gloves and a facemask. Also make sure the cleaned area dries quickly to prevent new mold colonies from developing.

When Should I Call a Mold Professional?

If you are uncomfortable with or unsure how to properly treat a mold problem you should hire a mold remediation services. Professionals use advanced mold detection and cleaning technologies to safely clean-up a mold outbreak and restore materials and structures. Once problem areas are detected, trained mold removal experts are able to use advanced HEPA vacuums and chemical treatments to fully rid the area of spores. Some remediation services will even offer to install special dehumidifying systems after the clean up is complete.

If you are experiencing mold problems that go beyond your abilities to handle, research your mold removal options online or contact a professional remediation service.

~Ben Anton, 2008

For more information on mold remediation Chicago follow this link:

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

Mold colony outbreaks can be overwhelming and dangerous. We invite you to checkout Rapid Refile and find out why people call them the industry leader in mold remediation services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ben_Anton/29144

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1514270

Mold Remediation in Commercial Buildings and Schools in Chicago IL

Hey there!  Sherm here, with valuable information on black mold removal Chicago. Mold can be found almost anywhere. It simply needs oxygen and moisture to flourish. Mold gradually destroys the things it grows on. Controlling moisture and mold minimizes damage to building materials and furnishings, saves money and avoids potential health risks. During mold remediation, it is necessary to clean up mold contamination, not just to kill the mold. Dead mold is still allergenic, and some dead molds are potentially toxic. If a building develops a moisture problem - including roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building, and un-vented appliances - it is early detection and the addressing of the moisture problem that aids in controlling mold growth. Mold can eventually cause structural damage to a building if the problem remains unaddressed for a long time.

Identifying the source of the moisture problem is the first step in the mold remediation process. Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance can be associated with moisture problems in schools and large buildings. Performing regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance is an essential part of a prevention plan.

Once the source of the moisture problem is identified and fixed, the following actions are critical in executing an effective mold remediation plan:

• Completely clean up mold and dry water-damaged areas. Mold can hide on the backside of drywall, wallpaper, paneling, the top of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc.

• Select appropriate cleaning and drying methods for damaged/contaminated materials. Mold can damage building materials and furnishings. Materials and furnishings being saved must be completely clean and dry.

• Carefully contain and remove moldy building materials. Mold-contaminated materials should be placed in a sealed bag before they are removed. This minimizes the dispersion of the mold spores throughout the building.

• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. In the mold remediation process, actions that stir up the mold or spores, such as breaking up wallboard or stripping wallpaper, should only be taken while using protective gear. The airborne spores should not be inhaled or have contact with skin.

• Arrange for outside professional support if necessary.

When managing office buildings or schools the important decision of whether to relocate the occupants must be made. If the building occupants are reporting serious health concerns, consult a health professional. It is best to conduct the mold remediation tasks in hours when the building is not occupied.

Mold remediation is an important investment in the health of the building, its contents and its occupants.

For more information on black mold removal Chicago follow this link:

https://www.thecleanupguys.com/mold-removal-and-remediation

Mold Remediation

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Maggie_Sluder/989902

Advantages of Mold Remediation Chicago

Sherm here again!  Keeping you informed on Mold Remediation Chicago. Mold growth can be a serious problem. This is because it can lead to property damage besides increasing the risk of health issues to everyone who resides there. This makes mold remediation very important as soon as the problem is identified. It helps to seek remediation services as soon as there are signs of mustiness and mildew to get rid of the problem before it becomes worse. Mold can force an individual to replace a couch or even a carpet, but it can be worse when health issues kick in.

The Health Benefits of Mold Remediation

Exposure to mold can be quite harmful to health. Mold removal services however, provide relief. Remediation has plenty of health benefits since it ensures that the effects are curbed before exposure to health harmful bacteria and spores. Some of the health issues that remediation helps in keeping at bay include sinus infection, skin infections, rashes, and pneumonia. Others are asthma, memory impairment, migraines, fever, and chronic fatigue syndrome, dizziness, wheezing and coughing.

All these are problems can be avoided with the assistance of professionals that specialize in mold removal. They thoroughly clean the home or property of all mold traces. Sadly, many people get to know about the adverse effects of mold growth within their living areas after already suffering health issues triggered by it. It is advisable for property owners to inspect their living spaces so that as soon as there are any signs of mold growth, they can seek the services of remediation specialists. It is a simple way of dealing with the situation before suffering.

The Importance of Using Professionals

Professional mold remediation services halt the growth of mold completely. The specialists assess the affected area, find the source of the problem and come up with the best ways of eliminating it first by cleaning out moldy overgrowth and second by creating conditions unfavorable to the growth of mold. They eventually restore the home or property to former glory promoting good health in the process.

Water damage is usually the source of mold growth. If this is the root of the problem in your house, specialists will seal leaky spots to ensure that no future breakouts occur. Moldy surfaces will in most cases be dried and disinfected to eliminate chances of mold growing back.

Owing to their professional training, the specialists know the proper procedures to use. They have the right equipment and tools they need to make a tedious process such as mold removal as smooth and effective as possible. They not only take care of the mold, but also ensure that the occupants are protected from the contamination that comes with the removal. Mold remediation recreates a healthy living environment for all.

Mold remediation services are fair in affordability. The charges will in most cases depend on the extent of the mold damage and growth as well as the seriousness of the source of the mold growth. More and more specialists are now offering mold removal services, making it possible for everyone to find effective services at a price or charge that they are most comfortable with.

For more information on Mold Remediation Chicago follow this link:

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

Mold Remediation Atlanta [http://moldremediationatlantaga.com/] offer professional mold remediation to residential place and Commercial building with severe mold damage. To know more about mold removal Click here [http://moldremediationatlantaga.com/contact/].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8499845

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

Dealing with Sewage Cleanup in Chicago

Sherm Here!  Found this interesting article on dealing with sewage cleanup in Chicago. This raw untreated sewage can carry a variety of dangerous bacteria. These bacteria can cause bowel problems and other diseases such as Hepatitis, Cholera, Salmonella and other severe illnesses. There are some ways to minimize the possibility and severity of these diseases.

After sewage backup occurs there are some things you can do to protect yourself and your family from contamination. First and foremost, immediately call a certified sewage contamination restorer to begin proper cleaning and disinfection procedures to contain the bacteria. Never try to clean it yourself or touch the sewage with bare hands, always wear gloves and boots. This keeps any cuts or sores from being the avenue for the bacteria to enter your system. Keep children and pets away from the contaminated area until proper restorative cleaning is completed. Through out anything that has had any contact with the contamination, especially food items. Keep any contaminated items away from the mouth, nose or eyes, as these are easy points of entry for the bacteria. Washing hands frequently with an antibacterial soap for added personal protection. If you detect any difference in how you are feeling after the sewage backup, contact your doctor immediately for medical attention.

Sewage Clean Up Chicago

There can be various causes for sewage to backup into your home. Many of these problems you can personally prevent by following a few simple steps. This is true whether you have a septic system or a city sanitary system. One problem can be caused by garbage disposals installed under your sink to minimize the amount of household garbage you have to put in your garbage can. In fact, it is better to put garbage in the cans rather than a garbage disposal. A garbage disposal system cannot be used if you have a septic system unless you want sewage in your home. Even though the food products you put in the disposal are biodegradable, they still leave greases and oils behind that can eventually restrict your waste lines setting the scene for a sewer backup. Putting items in toilets are also big troublemakers. Never put disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, items that belong in your garbage instead of your septic system down your toilet. That too is a roadway to problems. A severe clog and backup will be imminent.

There are other common causes for your sewer or septic to backup. These can happen to either a septic system or city sewer system. Both can be a very costly problem.

The first problem can be a structural defect or failure. These can happen slowly over time causing major damage to your system leading to a major overflow into your home requiring major reconstruction of your system. These defects are caused by slow deterioration of your pipes and access cleanout ports. This type of damage could be from a collapsed pipe, sag in the line, cracks or holes, separated joints or misaligned pipe. If the sewage flow can't go out into the tank or city line, it will come into your house with very unpleasant results.

The second major cause of sewage backflow is tree roots that grow into your sewage discharge lines causing severe clogs. Tree roots can enter the pipe at joints and travel deep into your system causing devastating clogs, again with unpleasant results. As the roots grow the damage becomes more severe and replacement of the pipe is the only repair.

The third problem can occur to either type of system. In the event of heavy rains, like we all just encountered, the water table can get so high that your septic system has nowhere to go but into the lowest level of your house. If you have sanitary sewers you can have a similar problem. These flooding rains overwhelm the city sewer systems causing them to flood and force the backflow of sewage into your home, sometimes under heavy pressure making the damage worse.

If you have a city sanitary sewer system there is one sure way to prevent the high-pressure flooded backflow of sewage into your home. There is a valve called a backflow preventer that is a critical way to protect your home from sewage backflow.

What is a sewage backflow preventer you ask? Simply put, it is a valve that lets your wastewater out of your house into the city sanitary system, but shuts if the pressure tries to force the sewage back into your home due to some type of malfunction somewhere down the line. It is relatively inexpensive to install and should be a required part of every city system. In some towns in this country, it is now mandated that one of these backflow preventer valves be on every city line attached to your home. This valve is for city sanitary sewers only and will not work on a septic system since there is no backpressure.

If you are unfortunate enough to have a sewage backup, it is best not to try to clean it yourself. A certified water damage black water removal specialist should be called to restore your home to a healthy condition and not create undo contamination to other areas of your house. This creates a major health risk to your family and can make your problem much worse instead of better.

Check with your insurance company. Some homeowner policies cover such a loss that can save you thousands of dollars and secure the safety for your family. A sewer backup is restored much differently that a clean water loss. The certified professional cleaners have the training and experience to properly care for the welfare of your home and family.

My name is Bruce Jackson, author of this article. I have been in the cleaning industry for over 35 years and am owner / operator of my company, Jolly Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners, Inc. of Jackson, New Jersey. We clean all types of carpet, fabrics and hard surfaces. Please visit our website for a wealth of information or to get any of your fabric, carpet or grout care questions answered. [http://www.jollycarpetcleaners.com]

Follow this link for more information on sewage cleanup in Chicago

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bruce_D_Jackson/922923

Sewage Clean Up in Chicago IL and the Health Concerns

Sewage Clean Up in Chicago IL and the Health Concerns

Sherm Here!  A great read if you are dealing with Sewage Clean up in Chicago IL  If you are going to attempt to clean up sewage your self, you may want to understand the diseases that may be included in the sewage.. Diseases such as Allergic Alveolitis, Weil's disease, Hepatitis, Occupational Asthma, Gastroenteritis and AIDS maybe found in any sewage situation including the one you see right now.

These diseases will create serious health issues and possibly death. Unless you have OSHA blood borne pathogen training and have the correct personal protective clothing required under the OSHA blood borne pathogen rule, it may not be advisable to clean up the sewage yourself. You may want to contact an IICRC certified professional to clean up the sewage damage areas and protect your family and your health.

Correct personal protective clothing, otherwise known as PPE clothing does not guarantee that wearing PPE will prevent catching any diseases. But a trained person wearing PPE will have a low possibility of contacting any diseases. The following are examples of PPE's:

1. Eye and face protection- It is recommended that a 95 Niosh organic filter respirator with a full face protection mask be used. The mask needs to be fitted by a registered professional or the mask can not be guaranteed to protect the individual wearing it.

2. Body protection- A tyvek uniform should be worn to separate any possibility of sewage getting on clothes while removing the sewage clean up and sewage damage. Tyvek a brand name of disposable protective uniform that is popular among sewage clean up professionals. While wearing the uniform, it will protect to some degree, but will not be 100% guaranteed protection as the uniform can rip if not careful. The Tyvek uniform should also have a hood to protect any over spraying while working.

3. Feet and hand protection- Rubber boots up to the knee that is puncture resistant. The boots should have steel protection due to the fact that walking into sewage effected areas may have unknown hazards. Your hands should be protected by a puncture resistant glove that reaches beyond your elbows. Hepatitis B and other hepatitis shots should be taken prior to attempting any sewage clean up project.

OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Rules: required clothing is essential in protecting anyone dealing with sewage clean up situations. Many individuals assume that they don't need the protective equipment because they know the individuals in the home where the sewage damage was created. Assuming this concept has sadly infected many people who have cleaned up their own sewer back up situations.

If you attempt to perform the cleaning of the sewage damage yourself please beware the above advice does not guarantee your safety or health in any way. It is suggested that an OSHA certified blood borne pathogen trained company perform the sewage clean up. Remember to always check there certifications if hiring a company.

For more information on sewage clean up in Chicago IL see https://www.thecleanupguys.com/sewage-clean-up

Jeffrey Cohn
SI Restoration
IICRC certified
SI Restoration Sewage Damage.
1-800-356-0484
410-458-5371 ( cell )

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jeff_Cohn/78755

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6723533