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Soda Blasting for Fire Remediation

Mold & Air Quality
Soda Blast to Fix Fire Damage

Have you had the misfortune of a fire in your home? We can help.

Even after you’ve repaired the structural issues caused by a house fire, your house may continue to smell like smoke. Because painting encapsulant over smoke-damaged and charred building materials only glosses over the problem, you need a solution that will remove the smoke, char, and odor while prepping the surface for encapsulant at the same time. The last thing anyone wants is to walk into a house after fire damage reconstruction is complete and still smell smoke.

Benefits of Soda Blasting

In order to remove the source of the odor and not just cover it up, we can soda blast the structure before reconstruction begins. Soda blasting can be followed with encapsulation for an added layer of protection.

Soda blasting uses non-toxic baking soda as the blast media. The baking soda helps to absorb odors at the same time it is removing the smoke residue, ash and char. Soda blasting is recommended by the Restoration Industry Association for fire and smoke damage repair.

Soda Blasting Is Also Useful for Mold Remediation

Soda blasting can also be used in unfinished basements and crawl spaces, where excess moisture has led to mold growth. Fixing the moisture source and soda blasting to remove mold is an effective and environmentally friendly method of mold remediation in basements and crawl spaces.

If you’ve had a fire in your home or mold in your basement or crawl space, get in touch so that we can help return your property to its former glory.

https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Soda-Blast-Fire-Damage.jpg 1365 1024 Josh Kardos https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Josh Kardos2014-04-11 09:02:082016-09-23 18:40:03Soda Blasting for Fire Remediation

Why Improving Indoor Air Quality May Take More Than Mold Removal

Mold & Air Quality
Air quality involves more than just mold

Air quality can be a complicated issue to tackle. When people worry about the quality of the air in their homes, many immediately suspect mold. Although it’s possible that mold is polluting your air, there are several other issues that you may not have even thought about.

For the sake of your home health, it’s important to be wary of mold, but it’s only one element of the dirty air you could be breathing.

Air Quality Involves Multiple Factors

The mold you’re worried about could also be dirt, dust, dander, or insect or rodent feces.

Although it may seem innocuous, moisture in the home can also be problematic. Moisture attracts insects (ants, termites, spiders and cockroaches), rodents, and snakes into your home, and simply removing mold won’t fix that problem.

Most of our calls are about mold in the crawlspace. A study by Washington State University Extension Energy Program found that up to 40% of the air inside a home comes from the crawl space. So if you have mold in your crawl space you are likely breathing it inside your home. But, what about the other 60% of the air inside your home? What other factors inside your home may be contributing to poor indoor air quality?

Preventive Measures

If you’re worried about your air quality, there are measures you can take before calling for an environmental assessment.

Be sure to clean HVAC supply and return vents, under the refrigerator, under rugs, behind furniture, under the beds, and behind the clothes washer and dryer. Spills happen, and dirt and dust accumulate. If it’s hard to access, clean it! You could save your money and your health.

If you want to learn more or schedule an inspection, just get in touch! We’re happy to talk to you about your best next steps.

https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IAQ-more-than-just-mold.jpg 1024 1365 Josh Kardos https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Josh Kardos2014-04-08 12:15:232016-09-23 18:40:03Why Improving Indoor Air Quality May Take More Than Mold Removal

The Hidden Dangers of Mold Exposure Video

Mold & Air Quality, Uncategorized
mold exposure video

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.

The below video is a powerful piece from CBN News about a family exposed to mold that’s only now just recovering. Please take a moment to watch; the family in this video participated to help prevent this tragedy from happening to you.

 

 

If you think you might have mold in your home, please contact us today and let’s talk about your options.

https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/mold-exposure-video.jpg 343 545 branch https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png branch2014-04-07 14:38:512018-02-22 14:17:48The Hidden Dangers of Mold Exposure Video

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

Mold & Air Quality, Uncategorized
Environmental Assessment

Home inspections are required when purchasing a home, but because they are often treated as a formality, they are not all you need to rest easy when buying a home. Take it a step further with a home environmental assessment, and you may save yourself serious money.

Because home inspectors don’t usually look for the signs of environmental trouble that we’re familiar with, an inspection alone may stick new homeowners with big bills post-purchase. A typical home inspection involves components of the home such as the foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC system, roof, appliances, windows and doors.

And what about the environmental factors that can negatively impact the health of the home and its occupants? Frequently the causes of poor indoor air quality go undetected during a home inspection. Mold, asbestos, lead, radon, VOCs, dirty crawl space or basement air, and other pollutants may be lurking in the home. Over time, these environmental factors may lead to health concerns and can quickly turn a basic remodeling project into an expensive abatement or remediation.

The Stamp of Approval

We recently received a call from new homeowners who’d had a nasty surprise after their house passed inspection. When they were in the process of buying the home, they had noticed that some of the kitchen tiles were popping up and the grout lines were cracking. They attributed the problem to the age of the home, and because the house passed inspection and they planned to remodel, they were not concerned about the damage.

If a professional inspector gives it the OK, it seems wise to stick to his or her opinion! Unfortunately a home inspection will usually be tailored to the inspector’s expertise, and may not be as thorough as is necessary when investing in a new home.

A Rude Awakening

Once the deal was sealed, the homeowners got busy with a kitchen remodel. Upon removing the kitchen cabinets, they found rotted, buckled and molded subfloor. Additionally, several floor joists were rotted, the drywall behind the cabinets was molded and the subfloor and floor joists under the kitchen were covered in mold. They needed a very extensive mold remediation.

The mold was caused by an incomplete vapor barrier and water in the crawl space. The downspouts on the front of the home didn’t direct water away from house and the front yard sloped upward towards the street. The house was essentially sitting on a hidden lake, and everytime it rained the water had nowhere to go but back under the foundation and into the crawl space.

On top of that, the dryer vent flex line had come loose and was blowing hot, humid air into the crawl space. This hot, humid air was mixing with the cooler, humid air already present and creating a “rainforest environment” in the crawl space.

The environment was perfect for mold. Lots of mold.

The floor tile, subfloor, several floor joists, molded drywall and cabinets all had to be removed and replaced. The drywall joint compound tested positive for asbestos, which had to be abated following federal regulations. On top of the cost of the home and subsequent remodel, the homeowners had to spend a whopping $10,000 on mold remediation and asbestos abatement to protect their investment and themselves.

The Environmental Approach

Because of our experience in construction, building materials and environmental factors, our home environmental assessments are extremely thorough. If we’d had the chance to assess this home prior to the purchase we would have easily identified and diagnosed these problems, and the owners could have negotiated it off the purchase price or passed on buying the home altogether.

Instead, they repaired years’ worth of damage out of pocket.

If you’re buying a house, consider going a step beyond the typical home inspection with an environmental assessment from Branch Environmental, Inc. You could save your investment, thousands of dollars, and avoid some serious headaches. Contact us to get a second opinion on what could be your new home, and check out what to expect from a mold remediation and asbestos abatement.

Looking for more information? Check out our Mold FAQs.

https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_0991.jpg 1365 1024 Josh Kardos https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Josh Kardos2014-02-17 11:20:162018-02-22 14:17:48Buying a New House? Why an Environmental Assessment Could Save You Big

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Mold & Air Quality
Ventilate!

Now that you are aware of why HVAC system maintenance is important and how indoor air quality affects your health, we are going to discuss strategies for how to improve indoor air quality.

The EPA Recommends Three Strategies

Step 1: Eliminate the source

The single most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate the factor that is corrupting the air. Sources of indoor air pollutants include building materials, combustion sources, furnishings, household cleaning products, pesticides, smoking, and even outdoor air pollution. Some building products contain asbestos, and many building products and furnishings give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Many sources of indoor pollution can be eliminated by switching to non-toxic alternatives to everyday products and services. Toxic household cleaning products should be replaced with non-toxic or plant-based cleaners. Request that your pest control company switch to non-toxic alternatives for indoor use.

Other sources of indoor pollution can at least be reduced through a few simple steps. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke inside your home. Limit the use of indoor space heaters that burn kerosene or oil. Have your chimney cleaned and ensure that it draws properly to prevent smoke from backing up into the house.

Sometimes it may not be possible to eliminate a source of pollution. For example, exhaust fumes from a nearby road and certain building products in a rented home or apartment can only be “eliminated” if the occupant moves to another location free from these pollution sources.

Step 2: Improve Ventilation

If the source of pollution can’t be eliminated, then the next best step is to improve ventilation. You may have heard the old adage, “The solution to pollution is dilution.” This is the name of the game when it comes to reducing the concentration of pollutants indoors through improved ventilation.

Methods of improving ventilation include exhausting indoor air outside the structure and introducing fresh air from outside the structure or even from areas inside the structure that are not affected by the pollution source. Exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms may be used to reduce the level of pollutants inside the home as long as the fans are exhausted outside the home and not into the attic or simply filtered and recirculated into the room. Opening windows and doors on a pleasant day and running an attic or window fan will draw fresh air inside and aid in necessary air changes. Do keep in mind that increasing ventilation through running fans may increase energy consumption and associated costs.

Step 3: Clean the Air

Air cleaners or powered air filtration devices may be used in conjunction with improved ventilation if the source of pollution can’t be eliminated. When shopping for an air cleaner, look for one with the highest efficiency rating you can afford. Also ensure that the airflow rating, expressed as cubic feet per minute (CFM) is matched to the size of the room in which you plan to use it. In general, air cleaners are more effective at removing dust and particulate matter from the air and less effective at removing gaseous pollutants.

 

Have more questions about Air Quality?

We’re here to help. Contact us today.

 

 

 

https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/open-window.jpg 473 433 Josh Kardos https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Josh Kardos2013-12-04 16:24:562016-09-23 18:40:07How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

FAQs about Mold

Mold & Air Quality, Uncategorized
mold faq image

Are there any federal regulations or safe exposure levels for mold?

No, and because mold isn’t regulated by any federal agency, no safe exposure levels have been determined for mold.

Can mold cause health problems?

Mold can cause a host of health problems. People most at risk are young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people who are immune-compromised or immune-suppressed. Some health effects related to mold exposure include allergies, asthma, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, infections, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

Mold is a sensitizer, meaning that the more a person is exposed to mold, the more of a reaction they will have. Some people are allergic to the glucans that make up part of the cell walls of mold. Many molds can also produce microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that act as irritants. Some molds produce mycotoxins, which can be highly toxic if ingested.

How do I know if I have a mold problem?

It is best to hire an experienced mold inspector to identify a mold problem and determine the cause of the mold. Mold may be white, tan, brown, black or any number of other colors. Mold is often confused with dirt, dust, soot, or other contaminants.

How do I get rid of mold?

Eliminating the source of excess moisture will cause the mold to go dormant. The mold needs to be physically removed because even dead or dormant mold can elicit allergic reactions due to the glucans and mycotoxins.

Mold can be removed by damp wiping with a mild detergent solution or a biocide. Choices of biocides range from non-toxic, plant-based formulations to highly toxic chemicals. Other methods of mold removal include sanding, soda blasting and dry ice blasting.

Do I need to sample/test for mold?

Unless you are interested in determining the exact type of mold present, sampling is not really necessary. Sampling is beneficial if you are not sure whether or not a substance is mold.

Air sampling in particular can be misleading if not performed correctly by a trained professional. Most air samples will contain mold spores, no matter where the sample is taken. The presence of mold spores in the air does not mean that you have a mold problem.

Is bleach safe to use for cleaning up mold?

Experts, including the EPA and others, do not recommend the use of bleach to clean or remove mold. Bleach is highly toxic, can corrode building materials, and is not effective at penetrating porous materials such as wood to get to the “root” of the mold.

In general, a mild detergent solution such as Cascade® automatic dishwashing detergent or a non-toxic biocide such as Concrobium® is the best choice for cleaning molded surfaces.

How do I clean/remove mold?

The most important step is to identify and correct the source of excess moisture. The source may be a leaking roof, plumbing, or appliance, incorrect drainage, damp crawlspace, unventilated bathroom, or any number of other construction issues. Contributing factors may exist such as an improperly ventilated attic, inadequate airflow, high temperatures inside the home, or any number of other factors. If the mold is removed but the factors contributing to mold growth are not corrected, then the mold will return.

Once the contributing factors have been corrected, mold removal can begin. For small areas, less than 10 ft², the mold can be removed by damp wiping. Larger areas, 10-100 ft², need to be contained using polyethylene sheeting and maintained under negative pressure to prevent cross-contamination of other areas within the structure.

Damp wiping or blasting (if in an attic or crawlspace) are appropriate removal techniques. Areas larger than 100 ft² are best left to a professional. The minimum recommended personal protective equipment for any mold removal includes N-95 respirator, gloves and goggles.

What does mold smell like?

Not all molds produce a distinct smell. Many molds produce MVOCs which are usually detected as a musty or stale odor. Some people liken mold smells to a damp basement or an earthy or dirt smell. If you smell a musty odor, it does not necessarily mean you have mold. Likewise, the lack of a detectable odor does not correlate with a mold free environment.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus. It’s a living organism that reproduces by making spores that are released and float through the air, much like the pollen that is produced by many plants in the spring. Mold needs adequate moisture, an organic substrate or food source, oxygen, and a suitable temperature range in order to grow and reproduce.

Some molds thrive in wet environments and others will tolerate drier conditions. Over 20,000 species exist. Some of these are relatively benign, while others are highly toxic. Some types of mold are more of an unsightly aggravation, while others are highly destructive. As molds grow, they begin to breakdown the substrate they are growing on. Therefore, it is important to check for structural damage and damaged building materials when mold is found.

Is there a difference between mold and mildew?

Mildew is a type of mold. Many people refer to mold growing in bathrooms or found in closets on clothing, shoes, boxes and other items as mildew. Mildew and mold are caused by the same environmental factors and require the same approach to cleaning and prevention.

Why do I have a mold problem?

A mold problem is really a moisture problem. Mold spores are present everywhere, outdoors and indoors. If you have mold, then you have excess moisture, possibly coupled with poor ventilation or some other contributing factor.

A mold problem is not necessarily the result of a dirty house. In fact, it is not uncommon for mold to be found in newly constructed homes even before they are occupied. Wet building materials can quickly become covered in mold if the HVAC system is not being used and the windows and doors are closed.

Where does mold come from?

Mold spores are everywhere. Fungi are actually an important component of the natural environment. Without fungi, leaves that drop from trees in the fall would never decompose. Fungi serve many important roles in the environment including the decomposition of dead organisms. Mushrooms are another type of fungi.

How do I prevent the mold problem from returning?

The most important step to prevent mold from returning is to fix the moisture problem. Additionally, maintaining adequate ventilation and routine cleaning will aid in the prevention of future mold growth.

What can be cleaned and what should be thrown away?

Most non-porous materials can be cleaned. Some porous materials, such as wood, can be cleaned.

Most porous materials, such as fabrics, paper, ceiling tiles and insulation, need to be thrown away if the mold is moderate to severe. Valuable porous items can be professionally cleaned if the mold is not severe.

https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mold-faq-image.jpg 408 306 Josh Kardos https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Josh Kardos2013-11-21 18:14:002018-02-22 14:17:49FAQs about Mold

How Poor Air Quality Affects Your Health

Mold & Air Quality
indoor air quality house

In our recent post about ductwork cleaning, we introduced you to the idea that routine cleaning in your home should include more than just sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning bathrooms and doing laundry. Routine cleaning and maintenance of your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning system) should not be overlooked when focusing on the more visible cleaning needs in your home. The “health” of your HVAC system has a large impact on the “health” of your air, which in turn, has a large impact on your and your family’s overall health.

Why are we concerned about your air quality?

While the services we provide include such things as asbestos, lead and mold inspection, testing and abatement or remediation, one of our biggest motivating factors for providing these services is to improve air quality and overall health and quality of life for our customers and the people in our community. In a nutshell, we care about you and your family and we want you to live a healthy life.

Air Quality Really Does Affect Your Health

The following is a list of some of the health issues that are related to or affected by air quality as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association®:

  • Allergies
  • Heart disease
  • Asthma
  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Infections
  • Dizziness
  • Irritation of eyes, nose and throat
  • Dry eyes
  • Lung cancer
  • Fatigue
  • Nasal congestion
  • Headaches
  • Nausea

Who’s At Risk from Poor Indoor Air Quality?

  • Infants and young children
  • Elderly
  • Pregnant women
  • Those with preexisting medical conditions, especially immune-compromised or immune-suppressed individuals

The actions and interactions of contaminants in the air are not fully understood. But, experts do know that many chemicals, pollutants, mold and other contaminants act as sensitizers, meaning the more you are exposed to the more serious the health risks. Our hope in this series of posts is to share some tips with you to help reduce your exposure to factors that negatively impact indoor air quality.

More Exposure, More Risk

According to the EPA, air inside structures such as homes and businesses has been found to have 2-5× higher concentrations of chemicals and pollutants than air outdoors. Please visit the EPA’s online resource for more information on factors that contribute to indoor air quality and its effects on health.

Interested in finding ways to improve the air quality of your home? Check out the EPA’s “Indoor Air Quality” home tour.

Don’t take any chances. If you’d like a second opinion about your air quality, we’ll be glad to come out and perform an inspection of your home or office. Just call or contact us today to learn more.

 

Featured photo courtesy EPA IAQ Home.

https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/indoor-air-quality-house.jpg 294 396 Josh Kardos https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Josh Kardos2013-11-21 12:47:432016-09-23 18:40:07How Poor Air Quality Affects Your Health

Why Your Ductwork May Be Making You Sick

Mold & Air Quality
Dirty ductwork

Have you ever thought about what the inside of your home would look like if you never cleaned it?

What if you went 5, 10, or even 20 years without sweeping your kitchen, vacuuming your carpet, dusting your furniture, or cleaning your bathroom? What if you never washed your clothes, bed linens, or dishes? I think we would all agree that would be nasty.

While doing all of the above is important, one of the most significant contributors to the air quality inside your home, the HVAC system—including the ductwork—is often ignored.

What’s Lurking Inside the Ducts in Your House?

Have you ever cleaned the ductwork in your home? If not, dust, dirt, pet hair, dander, dust mites, food, spider webs, insects, mold and other contaminants have been accumulating inside your ducts since you’ve moved in.

Even if you have only been in your home a year or two, it’s still a good idea to clean and inspect the ductwork and HVAC system. Why wait until your ducts look like the “before” in this photo to do something about it?

Why the Air Quality in Your Home Matters

Let’s assume that the average person leaves home for work at 7 in the morning and makes it home by 7 in the evening. This would mean that the average person spends 12 hours a day inside his/her home.

The air quality inside the home has a major impact on your overall health. While you may not be able to do anything about the air quality outside, in your workplace, or where you shop, you can and should take action to improve the air quality in your own living space.

Stay Tuned to Learn How to Improve the Air Quality in your Home

The next few posts are going to cover some easy steps you can take to clean your ductwork, perform basic HVAC maintenance and improve indoor air quality in your home.

I encourage you to share this information with your friends and family and with your employer or business owner. By improving the air quality in your home and workplace, you will have improved approximately 83% of the air you breathe!

Embedded photo via Good Home Post.

https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/duct.jpg 194 259 Josh Kardos https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Josh Kardos2013-11-08 15:30:522017-06-13 07:37:13Why Your Ductwork May Be Making You Sick

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

Mold & Air Quality
fresh air?

I am often called to test or evaluate a customer’s “air quality.”  An air quality inspection 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.  Without going into the endless list of pollutants, contaminants, and the test necessary for each: I will just ask you a simple question. Look at the picture of this air conditioner duct. What you see is a build-up of pet hair, dander, skin cells, dust, dust mites, gypsum dust, spider webs and a few unknowns.

Did this customer really need an air quality inspection?

 

 

https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/air-quality.jpg 166 250 branch https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png branch2012-11-29 14:08:102017-06-13 08:46:17Get All Your “Ducts” in a Row Before an Air Quality Inspection
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Because of mold & indoor toxins, people live in homes and work in buildings that make them sick. We find & eliminate those toxins so you can get back to living your best life.

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(706) 510-0335

72 N. Main Street
Watkinsville, GA 30677

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