Branch Environmental | Water & Fire Damage | Mold & Asbestos | Athens

Our mission is to give you a better life by
creating safe & healthy indoor environments.

Water & Storm Damage

When your life is unexpectedly upside down, we work hard to return it to normal. From clean up and drying, through restoration, to the final coat of paint – we’ve got your back.

Asbestos, Lead & RRP

We’ll help you stay safe and in compliance with all regulations when it comes to Asbestos, Lead & RRP. From the inspection to the abatement, let’s keep your job on track.

Mold & Indoor Air Quality

The air you breathe directly impacts your health and wellbeing. From hidden mold sources to major contamination, we’ll identify and rid your home of environmental toxins.

Serving the Athens area since 1995. Trust the Branch Difference.

When you are faced with an environmental problem or emergency, we know you need it taken care of quickly and correctly. We handle your problem so you can get back to what matters most.

A Strategic Partner
That Gets The Job Done.

Proven Record

We have over 2 decades of experience serving Georgia and responding to emergency needs.

Certified Experience

With ongoing training and years of experience, our technicians know their stuff.

The Branch Difference

We pride ourselves on delivering the best, and we stand behind our name.

How Can We Serve You?

Call Now: 706-310-0097

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, our team is ready to take your call and help you out of a jam. If you have a water damage emergency, please call us directly.

Should I Check For Asbestos Before Purchasing A Home?

Asbestos & Lead

You are about to make one of the biggest investments of your life. Between appraisals, surveys, & inspections... you are shelling out cash in all directions. Then you started thinking about asbestos... In most real estate transactions,…

Can I Put a New Floor Over Asbestos Tiles?

Asbestos & Lead

One of the more common areas we find asbestos in homes is in vinyl floor tiles. Asbestos is found in the tiles themselves as well as the mastic used to adhere them to the floor. Homeowners are often surprised to see the tiles when they pull…

The Best Mask for Grass Cutting Season

Summertime is here. School is out, the kids are free... and it's time to dust off the lawnmower and get to work. If you are anything like me, the thought of cutting grass sends you into an allergic coma. Fresh cut grass, pollen, and dust…

CC0 Creative Commons

Does Mold Exposure Have You Feeling Down

Many people are unaware of the impact their home may be having on their health. If your home has hidden water damage or any issues with humidity or moisture, there is a good chance mold is also present in your environment. Exposure to mold…

Do I need a mold inspection? Time to think outside the box

Recently, I was called to a home in Athens, GA to perform a mold inspection. The owner had been experiencing headaches and had determined that they were associated with something inside the home. In this case, the assumed cause was mold...

How To Follow Asbestos Regulations

Asbestos & Lead

If you are a contractor working in the state of Georgia, it is important to understand the laws and regulations surrounding asbestos. Most contractors learn the hard way when they are hit with stiff fines for non-compliance. A little education…

5 Things Contractors Need to Know About Asbestos

Asbestos & Lead

You have probably seen the class-action commercials on TV, but how much do you really know about asbestos? Your great-granddad may have been exposed to it on a Navy ship in World War II, or maybe you know someone suffering the effects of exposure…

Where Does Mold Hide?

Mold exposure and mold poisoning can cause many different health issues, and it impacts everyone differently. Some symptoms of mold exposure may be simply a nuisance, and others may be more serious. If you have black mold in the shower, mold…

Prepare Your Pipes for Winter

Uncategorized, Water & Storm Damage

It may be slow coming to us the year, but freezing temprature is around the corner and now is the time to get ready. Georgia's mild winters often keep us from preparing our homes as we should. Cold tempratures can wreck havoc on plumbing, and…

Do You Know How To Shut Your Water Off?

Uncategorized, Water & Storm Damage

A water leak in your home can quickly go from an annoyance to an all-out catastrophe. As a broken toilet or dishwasher supply line spews water, the gallons quickly add up and damage to your home mounts. You may not be a plumber or even a…

When Do I Need and Asbestos Inspection?

Asbestos & Lead

Great Question! I am glad you asked. Maybe you are interested in the health of your family and the people that will be working in your home. Maybe you are just trying to do the job right and comply with local regulations. Maybe someone has…

Mold Symptoms

Do I Need Air Samples?

Do you think you may have mold in your home but don't really know where to look. Is your family feeling sick? Are you experiencing headaches or allergy like symptoms? These are all mold symptoms and you have reason to be concerned. This is…

seal floor vent

How to Seal Floor Vents

If you live in a house with a crawl space, there is a good chance the floor vents are not sealed. This is one of those things that can go unnoticed but have a big impact on your indoor environment over time. The good news is that we have…

bathroom mold

Mold on your Bathroom Ceiling?

Prevention is Key to Indoor Mold Issues Because mold needs a source of water to sustain growth, preventing water is key in the fight against potential indoor mold issues. Your Home’s Bathroom Fans are there for a reason Naturally,…

asbestos exposure

What Does Mold Need to Grow

Air Quality, Uncategorized

What Is Mold Molds are microscopic fungi that are found all around us. The fungi reproduce by releasing spores into the air. Mold is naturally occurring and usually is found in large quantities. Airborne spores look for a place to settle and…

is it mold

How Efflorescence Can Be Mistaken For Mold

This past week we received a phone call from a client needing a mold inspection. She was preparing to put her house on the market in Athens and was concerned there was mold growing on her basement walls. After asking the right questions and…

asbestos exposure

Prevention Is Key To Indoor Mold Issues

Air Quality, Uncategorized

If you’re reacting to a problem because somebody is sick, you’ve waited too long to address indoor air quality. Because mold needs a source of water to sustain growth, preventing water is key. Your Home’s Bathroom Fans Are…

HVAC Ductwork; Are You Saving Energy or Losing?

In this blog, we're being specific about the energy benefits of cleaning ducts. There are plenty of claims out there from air duct cleaning companies, and here at Branch, we wanted to dig a little deeper and find some published data backing…

Prevent mold in your HVAC

How to Keep Mold Out of Your HVAC System

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Having mold in your HVAC system is more common than you think! Find out how to help prevent mold from growing, and what to do if you find mold in your HVAC.

How to reduce indoor air pollution

How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

As people spend more and more time indoors, we're finding that our homes are more polluted than the air outside. Learn how to reduce indoor air pollution!

why you need indoor air quality inspection

3 Reasons You May Need an Indoor Air Quality Inspection

Most of us know that poor indoor air quality is cause for concern, but it helps to know why! Here are 3 reasons to get an indoor air quality inspection.

5 reasons to have asbestos inspection

5 Reasons You Should Have An Asbestos Inspection

Asbestos & Lead

You know that asbestos is bad for your lungs, but why? When should you get an asbestos inspection? Here are our top 5 reasons to hire an asbestos inspector.

wallpaper may lead to mold

Wallpaper May Lead to Mold

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Why is mold a consideration when putting wallpaper in your home? Wallpaper can trap moisture and lead to mold. Find out whether you need a mold inspection!

mold inspection

3 Reasons You May Need A Mold Inspection

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Wonder if there may be mold growing in your home? If you've found yourself in any of these situations, a mold inspection could save you a lot of headaches.

EPA remodeling indoor air quality tool

The EPA on Home Remodeling and Indoor Air Quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides a free interactive tool to illustrate how to protect your indoor air quality during home remodeling projects.

Indoor air quality crawl space

How Your Crawl Space Impacts Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is corrupted by more than what you can easily see. Learn how your crawl space and the placement of your HVAC affects the air you breathe.

Protect against asbestos exposure when remodeling

How to Limit Your Risk of Asbestos Exposure When Remodeling

Asbestos & Lead

Asbestos exposure can lead to asbestosis, lung disorders, and cancer. When remodeling, protecting against asbestos exposure is crucial. Find out how.

indoor air quality outdoor source

An Indoor Air Quality Problem May Have An Outdoor Source

Sometimes an indoor air quality problem doesn't come from inside the home. Branch Environmental identifies the real source of the symptom for your peace of mind.

EPA on IAQ

EPA Guidelines for Upgrading Energy Efficiency & Ensuring Healthy IAQ

Need to renovate for improved energy efficiency? The EPA breaks down how to upgrade for energy savings while maintaining healthy indoor air quality (IAQ).

winter house cleaning for indoor air quality

Improve Indoor Air Quality with Winter House Cleaning

We all know about spring cleaning, but for indoor air quality, winter house cleaning may be even more important for your family's health. We explain why!

Asbestos containing materials

Which Materials Contain Asbestos?

Asbestos & Lead

Asbestos isn't a thing of the past—many materials still contain asbestos! We identify asbestos containing materials so you can limit your asbestos exposure.

Mold remediation in Winterville, GA

A Roof Leak Leads to a Mold Problem in Winterville, GA

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Homeowners in Winterville learned that their leaky roof caused a mold problem, and called our team. Find out how we safely performed this mold remediation!

What is Mold Remediation?

What is Mold Remediation?

Air Quality, Uncategorized

We talk a lot about the value of a professional mold remediation, but what does "mold remediation" really mean? We break it down so you know what to expect.

Beware mold problem this fall

Beware of Mold in the Fall

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Indoor mold problems are not limited to the winter months, nor any single season. Find out why to watch for mold in the fall, & how to prevent mold growth.

What is asbestos abatement?

What is Asbestos Abatement?

Asbestos & Lead

We often talk about asbestos abatement, but we want to explain what an asbestos abatement really is, and what it should look like. We're here to help!

How to clean mold

How to Clean Mold

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Find out how to effectively clean mold, and why this mold cleaning method works. We'll also give you a common misstep to avoid when attempting mold removal!

Cleaning mold

Why Cleaning Mold is More Important than Killing Mold

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Have a mold problem, and ready to get rid of it? Find out why cleaning mold, not killing mold, is the best next step for the health of your home.

Mold Remediation Winterville, GA

Environmentally-Friendly Mold Remediation Project in Winterville, GA

Air Quality, Uncategorized

We recently completed a full mold remediation in Winterville, GA, using only non-toxic and low or no odor products. Find out how we can meet your needs!

asbestos danger sign

The Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos & Lead

It's important to know that asbestos exposure can cause serious health conditions over time. Here's a rundown of the health effects and useful resources.

asbestos sample

Q&A: Asbestos in Your Home

Asbestos & Lead

It's important to know if you have asbestos-containing materials in your home, and how to proceed. Here are the FAQs you'll want to know the answers to.

Before & After: Choose the right environmental contractor

How to Choose the Right Environmental Contractor for Abatement and Remediation

Find out about best practices for choosing an environmental contractor for mold, lead, and asbestos removal. Call Branch at (706) 310-0097 to learn more!

HVAC in crawl space

HVAC System in Your Crawl Space? You May Be Breathing Dirty Air

Feeling lousy and worried about your indoor air quality? Housing the HVAC system in your crawl space may be polluting the air in your home, but we can help!

Prevent wet crawl space

6 Ways to Prevent a Wet Crawl Space

Are you having trouble keeping water out of your crawl space? A wet crawl space can lead to mold and other air quality issues. Learn how to keep water out.

Efflorescence on foundation wall

White Stuff On Your Foundation Walls? Explaining Efflorescence and Its Causes

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Wondering about the white, powdery substance on your home's foundation? We explain the facts and causes of efflorescence, and what you should do about it.

Bat removal

Bat Removal: Step 1 of Bat Remediation

Need to rid your house of bats and harmful bat guano? Hear from a bat removal specialist on why to call a certified professional, and learn how we can help.

freestanding dehumidifier

How to Choose the Right Freestanding Dehumidifier for Your Basement

You've decided to buy a freestanding dehumidifier to control the moisture in your basement. But which freestanding dehumidifier is best for your space?

basement dehumidifier

How to Choose Between Freestanding and Built-in Basement Dehumidifiers

Installing a basement dehumidifier can prevent mold & improve your home's air quality. Learn how to choose the best type of dehumidifier for your basement!

Prevent mold with basement ventilation

Prevent Basement Mold With Air Conditioning and Ventilation

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Worried about mold in your basement? Learn to prevent basement mold with proper ventilation and air conditioning. Call (706) 310-0097 for help!

basement mold and mildew

Why Do I Have Mold In My Basement?

Air Quality, Uncategorized

For those of us with basements, mold is an imminent threat to our homes. Find out where mold comes from, how to prevent it, and how we can help!

Bat remediation

Bat Remediation: What To Do When You Have a Bat Infestation

Bats are excellent for the ecosystem, but not for your home. If you have bats, call a wildlife removal company, and then call Branch for a bat remediation!

Environmental Assessment for Asthma Awareness

May is Asthma Awareness Month: Links Between Air Quality and Asthma

May is Asthma Awareness Month, so we're sharing info on the prevalence of asthma and methods to alleviate symptoms. An environmental assessment is step 1!

Attic mold

How to Protect Your Home from Attic Mold and Destructive Critters

Attics are a breeding ground for mold and animals. Is your attic properly ventilated? Learn how to prevent attic mold that pollutes your indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Quality Risks

Minimize Your Exposure to Risk by Improving Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air is at least 90% of the air we breathe. Don't risk your health! We lay out the steps for improving indoor air quality to keep your family healthy.

Get an environmental inspection!

An Environmental Inspection Goes Above and Beyond the Home Inspection

When buying a house, an environmental inspection can find problems that the home inspector overlooks, problems that can cause health issues for your family.

Air Sampling as a Last Resort

Worried Over Air Quality? Why Air Sampling May Not Be Right For You

Are you concerned about the air quality in your place? Learn why air sampling is often flawed, and how we can help determine the root cause of a problem.

Indoor Air Quality Association IAQA

IAQA 2014 Indoor Environment & Energy Exposition

We attended this year’s IAQA Indoor Environment & Energy Expo in Nashville! Find out what we learned about how to improve air quality and better serve you.

Soda Blast to Fix Fire Damage

Soda Blasting for Fire Remediation

If you've had a fire in your home, you know how difficult it is to eliminate the smoky smell. Soda blasting gets rid of soot particles and absorbs odor.

Air quality involves more than just mold

Why Improving Indoor Air Quality May Take More Than Mold Removal

Many folks immediately think "mold" when they suspect contaminated air quality. Find out why mold is not the only culprit, and how we root out the problem.

mold exposure video

The Hidden Dangers of Mold Exposure Video

Air Quality, Uncategorized

At Branch Environmental, it is our mission to continuously learn about issues that can affect you and your family, and keep you informed of the risks and what to do about them. Sharing this video about the hidden dangers of mold exposure is our latest attempt to live up to our responsibility to you.

Environmental Assessment

Buying a New House? Why an Environmental Assessment Could Save You Big

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Ready to buy a new home? Make sure you supplement your home inspection with a thorough home environmental assessment! We find the big issues that the inspector misses.

Think You Have Mold? How to Choose Between a Paid or Free Mold Inspection

Air Quality, Uncategorized

Do you think you may have harmful mold in your home or business? Find out how to make the right choice between a paid or free mold inspection.

Faucet on frozen pipes

6 Tips to Keep Frozen Pipes from Bursting

Uncategorized, Water & Storm Damage

More freezing weather is expected this season. Check out our 6 tips to prevent frozen pipes from bursting in your home.

Flooding from burst pipes

Burst Pipes and Flooding: A 6 Step Plan of Action

Uncategorized, Water & Storm Damage

When water starts flowing, don't panic. Here are our tips on what to do when you have burst pipes or other unexpected flooding in your home.

drywall mold

Cleaning Mold: DIY v. Professional Remediation

Air Quality, Uncategorized

You've discovered a mold problem, and you've learned a bit about cleaning mold. Should you tackle a mold remediation, or is it time to call a professional?

Ventilate!

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

We've talked a lot about how pollutants in the air can make you sick. But we can fight it! Check out the EPA's 3 steps to improve indoor air quality.

mold faq image

FAQs about Mold

Air Quality, Uncategorized

You ask, and we answer! We came up with our most frequently asked questions about mold problems and mold removal, so you know just what you're dealing with. From information about what mold is, how you prevent it, how to get rid of it, and what cleaning supplies to use, we've got you covered in this handy FAQ resource. Be sure to bookmark it so you can find it in a pinch!

indoor air quality house

How Poor Air Quality Affects Your Health

Learn more about the symptoms of poor air quality, who's at risk, and where to find trusted information about this serious issue.

Dirty ductwork

Why Your Ductwork May Be Making You Sick

Ever cleaned the ductwork in your home? You may be breathing in accumulated contaminants. Learn how ductwork cleaning improves your family’s health.

Mold inspection or mold investigation?

Beyond Mold Inspections, Branch Delivers Mold Investigations

Air Quality, Uncategorized

A mold inspection should involve a lot more than a testimony that you have mold in your home. We dig down deep to find the root of the problem, and its fix.

fresh air

Get All Your “Ducts” in a Row Before an Air Quality Inspection

I am often called to test or evaluate a customer’s “air quality.” This is a very broad request considering the vast number of potential contaminants and pollutants. The vast number of potential culprits, paired with the limitation that there is no “magic” test that can identify every single contaminant in the air, leads to a very broad scope of work...

asbestos exposure

Asbestos Exposure? – Don’t Risk It!

Asbestos & Lead

We all have enough on our plates already without adding asbestos exposure to the mix, so we wanted to share some information about the topic. Prior to the intentional disturbance of any building product that has ever been known to contain asbestos, the federal EPA requires that all structures must undergo an asbestos survey to identify any asbestos-containing materials. This is important to know...