Mold Inspection Basics
by Raul on Jul.24, 2010, under Mold, Mold Inspection, Mold Removal, Mold Testing
Mold inspection is important because it will bring to light some of the hidden issues you may not even be aware of within your home. Mold is a sort of fungus that can become airborne, and settles on wet or damp surfaces both outside and inside of the home. The spores from the fungus inside a home can often cause many health problems, ranging from dermatitis, allergies, headaches, asthma, sinus problems, fatigue, emphysema, eye irritation, dizziness, and confusion. The areas where mold is most prevalent aren’t just in the bathroom, but also the kitchen, attics and basement. Having a mold inspection is important for a home or property owner because older buildings can often have more places for the mold to thrive. Newer homes may also have mold, but it is more likely in the older buildings due to leaks and different areas of dampness.
It may be difficult to really understand that there is some minuscule element that may be making your family ill, but having a mold inspection with a certified mold inspector who knows how to not only detect the presence of the spores, but also on surface areas can help you to figure out a starting place. Finding out what sort of mold is present helps in knowing how to be rid of it. Visual inspections can often show problem areas, but there are hidden issues that only air and surface samples would be able to detect. These spores generally grow in areas that aren’t usually seen by the naked eye – that is, areas where leaks and dampness are high, such as behind walls, leaky roofs and windowsills or under sinks. All of these areas can enable mold to thrive and over time, a serious problem can develop before the home or property owner really has any idea there is an issue.
If the issue that causes dampness remains, even cleaning will not get rid of the mold problem. Leaving the leaks intact simply results in the growth of more mold spores and a toxic mold inspection can help by going through, doing a thorough cleanup, and pointing out what repairs need to be made to prevent regrowth.
Spores that are classified as mold generally become toxic when the growth is out of hand and people exposed to this can suffer from respiratory illnesses. The spores make people very sick, and this really depends on the nature of the spore. Black mold is the usual culprit in making people extremely ill. Inhaling these spores can cause so many breathing problems – from asthma to emphysema. This type of fungus is easily detectable through a professional mold inspection. While there are many different strains, this mold tends to be the most problematic, as exposure to black mold can cause many serious health issues.
Some of the surface areas that mold will attach to and grow are usually wet straw, hay, ceiling tiles, carpet, wallpaper, wood, baseboards, and different types of wall board. Having a mold inspection can show not only where the mold spores are, but also why they are there. The first places usually checked in these inspections are problem areas – places where water leaks are generally found. When a problem area is identified, the mold inspector will then let the individual know that cleaning up mold alone is generally not advised, because they’d have to consider cross contamination, as well as limiting the exposure to the mycotoxin. Another thing that has to go into this is what disinfectant must be used, and what would be safe for those living in the home.
Hiring a competent mold inspector and abatement team is generally critical to not only addressing the issue, but also making sure that the home is free of mold and not ripe for regrowth.
Choosing a Good Mold Inspection Company
by Dave Johnson on Jul.19, 2010, under Mold, Mold Inspection, Mold Removal, Mold Testing
Have you ever found that you had a cold that just would not go away? Perhaps noticed that your allergies have gotten worse over time? The truth of the matter is, a home mold infestation can often be the real culprit behind these things. Most people are allergic to mold, and it can do a great deal of damage to your health if it is left to grow and multiply. Having an occasional mold inspection done can prevent serious health risks, but also, damage to the property itself can be avoided.
Mold inspections should be done by companies who are qualified to do the job, but also, those who have a solid reputation for excellence and honesty. The best way to show that you are in fact dealing with a professional is that generally speaking, you will receive a mold inspection report, but also, there are a number of certifications out there available. The report itself should include not only where the mold has been found, what type of mold it is, but also, what you can do to combat the mold and prevent it from reoccurring.
Lower prices are not usually a good indicator of a good company- make sure that you pay attention to the qualifications, rather than price and look at if there have been reports filed with the Better Business Bureau and if the inspector is working on commission. Also, finding out what you will pay for mold removal services after the fact is a good way to make sure that your budget is ready for the task at hand.
Wherever you are located, you’re sure to find many different options in not only mold inspection but also removal. Find one that has the best technology for the job, and one that can not only identify areas that are infected, but also- those which may become infected if changes are not made. Often, a good inspector will make sure that you are aware not only of active problem areas, but the potential risk factors associated with other areas and what you can do to prevent an infestation.
Many smaller mold abatement jobs can be done by the homeowner themselves- this is true, however, there are also other considerations. If the person who will be doing the abatement is allergic, this is not a good option, or, if the area that is infected is a good size and needs other repairs done- it may be best to leave it to the professionals. There are a number of different ways to remove the mold, however, also being sure that it cannot or won’t come back is key and often, those trained to do so will have a better handle on this than those simply tackling the job alone.
Whatever your mold removal and inspection needs are, be sure to shop around. Do your due diligence, and be sure that you are comfortable with the inspector and that you are being told exactly what you need to feel good about the job being done. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions about infected or possibly infected areas, and you will find that not only the inspection but removal of the mold is much easier and your health better protected.
Mold and air quality testing is essential to those buying new homes. Even for owners of old homes it is important to detect these things because they could lead to health issues for inhabitants. If you are in the Northern Utah area and require more information from an experienced mold inspection company, call Bio-Clean of Utah today! When you have questions, air quality testing for mold is a good place to start in your search for answers to many questions you may have regarding a potential mold problem. Utah’s preferred mold testing and mold inspection company. For more information please or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 1-866-400-8357.
Why Mold Remediation is Important and Preventive Maintenance
by Raul on Jul.17, 2010, under Mold, Mold Removal
No matter where you find it in your home, mold is a scourge that we all want to eradicate. Black mold in particular has gained national attention in recent months because of the illnesses it has caused. However, with some careful work, such as mold remediation, and some preventive maintenance, mold does not need to be the horrible foe that it is made out to be.
First you should know some facts about mold and where it can be found. Mold will grow on virtually any organic substance and only needs a trace of moisture and some oxygen to get the reproductive process started. Buildings are really airtight these days, and they do not allow for venting, which gives mold a better chance of gaining a stronghold. Vigilance is very important because of this; watch for and eradicate any signs of moisture. Monitor water pipes and replace them if there are any leaks. If you do this you may not need to employ mold remediation.
Keep the humidity levels of your house down to at the very most 60%, but lower would be even better. Make sure that your home is well insulated and allow air to circulate to keep things dried up. Make sure that your appliance drip pans are emptied often. Because your dryer can raise humidity in your home, vent it outside and use an outdoor line as much as possible. If moisture is a huge problem in your area, consider limiting the number of houseplants to a bare minimum and skip the aquarium altogether. If you don’t you might then have to employ mold remediation.
Mold remediation may be an involved and dangerous process, especially for those susceptible to the illnesses that the mold spores can cause. First, you must decide whether or not certain family members will need to be removed from the home during this process. Those that are very old, very young or have weakened or compromised immune systems should probably go stay somewhere else until the mold removal process is completed.
Also be sure to contact a professional mold removal company to do all mold removal projects, as dealing with mold can prove to be quite hazardous. They will help you go through the process of drying the area and then determining the best possible solution to remove the mold, making your home habitable for those family members once again.
Another big reason why you should consult a professional mold removal company is insurance. Dealing with insurance companies, as some of you can attest, can be quite challenging, especially in matters relating to water and mold damage. However, most – if not all – professional mold removal companies handle the process of dealing with insurance agents for you, so all you have to worry about is staying safe and keeping those you love safe as well.
Ways to Avoid Mold Buildup After a Basement Flood
by Raul on Jul.10, 2010, under Mold, Mold Removal, Mold Testing, Water Damage
Basement floods are usually very devastating. The short term effects consist of damaged properties and dangers that it poses to life and limb. But there is certainly a long term result which could be equally – if not more – devastating: mold. So how are you able to eliminate mold after your basement floods? Here are the issues to keep in mind:
1. Dry and dehumidify the flooded basement
Mold is induced by moisture. That’s why it’s crucial to dry your flooded basement immediately. Remove any standing water as this can absolutely help the mold reproduce. It is possible to then dehumidify your basement.
2. Wash and dry out affected textiles
This is up there on the priority list. Textiles that are affected by drinking water like towels, drapes, bedding and the like must be washed and dried immediately to reduce the risk of mold buildup. If items such as carpets, mattresses, appliances, books, and others are damaged beyond repair or already have mold buildup on them, it is recommended you contact your local authorities for proper disposal. Do NOT store it in a corner for later disposal.
3. Clean all surfaces
Clean and dry all of the surfaces in your basement and other affected areas. All individuals that were in the affected areas should wash up right away. Sanitize and wash down the surfaces with clean water and dry out immediately.
These are steps to take to help reduce the chances of mold when your basement floods. Unfortunately, there’s a possibility that you won’t be able to check everything. You may miss something that could result in mold buildup. So what is there that you can do? It is recommended you contact a qualified technician that specializes in mold removal. They have a trained eye, along with specialized state-of-the-art testing equipment. They also possess the required expertise and knowledge to remove mold following a basement flood. Here are some things they can do to avoid mold buildup:
1. Advanced water extraction and area dehumidifying
This is crucial to avoid mold buildup. The technicians should have state-of-the-art methods to make certain the water extraction and dehumidifying process are going to be efficient and, most importantly of all, effective.
2. Disposal of mold and restoration of property
Professional technicians should possess the expertise of knowing what can be salvaged and what cannot. If a particular item is salvageable, they will do what they can to salvage it; otherwise, due to the risk of mold, they will most likely recommend it be destroyed.
Should you not take care of these issues right away following a flood, mold buildup is very likely. It’s even more difficult and expensive to eliminate mold than it is to avoid it. With these tips on ways to avoid mold during a basement flood, you can help prevent headaches that mold can bring. Get more information about mold prevention.
Happy 4th of July!
by Dave Johnson on Jul.04, 2010, under Misc
We here at Utah Mold Removal want to wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! Have lots of BBQ and fire of some of those rockets and bombs. Drive safe and enjoy the holidays!
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Mold Testing
by Raul on Jul.01, 2010, under Mold, Mold Removal, Mold Testing
Are you a Utah homeowner who suspects might have a mold problem? If so, you should resolve that problem right away, as the mold could become hazardous to your health. When it comes to resolving a mold problem, it is recommended you have your mold removed. Though there are a few examples where you could attempt to remove the mold yourself, it is actually best to contact a professional mold removal specialist.
Although it is advised that you should have your house undergo a mold testing, not all homeowners are sure about doing so. If you are questioning whether to test for mold or not, perhaps it is wise to analyze the pros and cons of mold testing. After you have thoroughly studied the pros and cons of mold testing, you may use those to determine whether or not you could actually benefit from mold testing.
Perhaps the greatest pro of having your home undergo a mold testing is the knowing of whether or not you actually have mold in your home. Most mold testing professionals use sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment to scan your entire home for mold, even in areas where you cannot see with the naked eye. On top of that, the mold removal professionals are trained and certified technicians with a vast amount of experience. Thus, they know the best procedures on how to successfully remove mold. Doing business with a mold removal specialist is a process that has the potential to be very good the first time around.
Another pro to having a mold removal specialist come to your home to remove mold is that it would be safer for you than if you were to just leave the mold. Although some molds are considered harmless (aside from the occasional allergic reaction) there are others, like black mold, which are actually considered extremely dangerous. If you don’t know how to properly remove mold or if you leave yourself unprotected, the process could prove to be dangerous, possibly even lethal. Nearly all certified trained professionals do not have this difficulty, for they are trained and have years of experience.
With all these pros, there are very few cons to mold testing. In fact, based on your latest financial circumstance, there may not be any cons to mold testing at your home. Numerous times, the only downside to mold testing is the rate. To that point, a few homeowners will find it difficult to be able to afford the cost of mold testing and eventually mold removal, especially if the mold situation is much worse than initially feared. The costs of mold removal would depend on the type of mold in your home, how serious the mold dilemma is, and who you hire to do the mold removal for you.
So if you suspect that you may have a mold problem, do not hesitate to call a mold removal specialist and schedule a mold testing today!
Crib Recall
by Dave Johnson on Jun.25, 2010, under Misc
More than 2 million cribs from seven companies were recalled Thursday amid concerns that babies can suffocate, become trapped or fall from the cribs.
Most of the cribs were drop-sides, which have a side rail that moves up and down so parents can lift children from them more easily. That movable side, however, can malfunction or detach from the crib, creating a dangerous gap where babies’ heads can become trapped, leading to suffocation or strangulation.
The companies involved in the recall were Evenflo, Delta Enterprises Corp., Child Craft, Jardine Enterprises, LaJobi, Million Dollar Baby and Simmons Juvenile Products Inc.
No deaths were associated with the cribs, but there were reports of at least 16 entrapments of infants. In one case, a child was found unconscious and later hospitalized.
Parents are urged to stop using the cribs and contact the manufacturers for repair kits to immobilize the drop-side or information to make the cribs more secure.
A Lesson in Property Insurance Coverage Regarding Mold
by Raul on Jun.22, 2010, under Mold, Water Damage
Utah is like many states. Many insurance companies don’t cover mold, but do cover water damage as long as it is related to a covered event. This more often than not leads to a dilemma. Mold comes from dampness and time, and is often a direct result of unresolved flood or water damage. So just where do you draw the line? Where does water damage end, and mold begin? If everything is dry, but there is mold, plus there is no dampness, so in the mind of the insurance company, there is no mitigation needed. The mold is an issue of course, and there may be swollen, weakened, disfigured or stained materials. If there was a covered water damage event, all of the damage is potentially covered, aside from the mold; assuming, of course, the mold is excluded from the insurance policy.
The lesson of the day, of course, is to act on a water damage event quickly and dry everything as quickly as possible.
If there is mold present, and materials are wet from a recent covered event, it is advised that you consult a mold professional; there are plenty of options available.
The New Utah Jazz Logo: A Return to Simpler Times
by Raul on Jun.17, 2010, under Misc
The Utah Jazz have had a history of being relatively consistent with their logos over the years. Unlike other NBA teams, they’ve stuck with two primary logos throughout their team history. Ever since their days as an expansion franchise in New Orleans, they’ve decided against changing much.
So when news leaked a couple weeks ago that the Jazz were planning to unveil a change in logo and color scheme, a lot of people were understandably concerned. And after the unveiling of the color scheme and logo Tuesday, I’d say those concerns are justified.
Could someone, PLEASE, explain how this is okay? This is perhaps the worst logo for a team I’ve seen in the NBA since the teal Detroit Pistons logo back in the 90s. I’m saying that as a fan and as a graphic/web designer. However, while they may have completely botched on the primary logo, the secondary logo – arguably the more popular logo – is a return to simpler times:
Much simpler, less busy, and is more appealing, at least in my mind. And again, I speak as a fan and a graphic/web designer. So, if you’re asking for my personal and professional opinion, I just have three simple words:
KILL THE MOUNTAINS!
It’s about time the Jazz get rid of the mountain logo once and for all. They’ve clearly greased the tracks to get ready for an eventual removal of the mountain logo by going back to the music note, and this particular color scheme is more suited for the music note as opposed to the mountain logo, hence why it’s so much more popular than the mountain logo.
Personally, if this was what they had in mind right from the get-go, they should’ve waited to change the color scheme for a couple years. Slowly phase out the mountain logo and phase back in the music note logo using the blue monochromatic color scheme for a couple years, then make the change to the blue-green-yellow scheme. Doing it this way is only going to make people want to gouge their eyes out looking at the mountain logo with that color scheme.
I could go on about how I think the only reason for the change now is the overwhelming – and in my mind anyway puzzling – popularity of the green music note throwback jerseys the Jazz have sported from time to time throughout this past season, but I’ll spare you the conspiracy theories and just say that I think it still could’ve waited a couple more years. Sure, those green jerseys are popular now, but popular enough to change the primary color scheme altogether?
Well, for the Jazz’s sake, they’d better hope so, because what’s done is done now.
For a brief history of the logo, click here.
Chicken Monkey Duck
by Dave Johnson on Jun.16, 2010, under Comedy
Sing-along!
Lyrics are in the comments!
