MOLD CERTIFICATIONS

Many potential clients seemingly overlook a question that is very important when searching for a mold remediation firm.  They know to ask, “are you certified?”  But never ask, “where did you acquire your certification from?”  To understand why this is such a vital question, you must first understand the differences between certification firms.  99% of all mold and water restoration companies are certified through organizations who have online courses.  These courses are done on their own time and the testing is done the same fashion.  There’s no way for the certification firm to monitor the test, so the individual taking the exam can simply look up the answers. The more alarming fact is that their certification has no expiration date.  If they took and passed their exam in the year 1999, their certification would still be valid.  Some firms require a renewal fee which is usually a small amount of money every two years or so, but again, their cert will be valid forever.

A company like ours is certified through an organization that requires In Class course study and an exam in the same class which is monitored.  To keep your certification valid, continuing education courses each year are required which keep you up to date or refresh yourself on remediation steps and new products.  The reason that this is important is because all industries in every market change, and to think that earning a certification 15 years earlier is good enough, would be foolish.  

So when searching for any remediation company, or any company that is required to have certification, remember to not only ask are they certified, but where was their certification earned.  It is also within your right to ask for proof, as all major certification firms give paperwork proving that the contractor is indeed certified.

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FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Fall foliage is beautiful, but not when it builds up in your gutters! Take these tips into account during the cool autumn months.

• Have your furnace cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
• Keep flammable materials, including all lawn and power equipment, away from water heaters and wiring in the basement.
• Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to cold temperatures, and turn up the thermostat during extra cold periods.
• Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season to keep leaves from building up in gutters.
• Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
• Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases; and make repairs as needed.
• Have your chimney cleaned and maintained annually by a professional.
• Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material.
• Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.
• Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible, filled and ready for operation.
• Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure there is one on each floor of your home. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.

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TOXIC TYPES OF MOLD

Toxic mold” is a term that is used to describe types of mold that are considered deadly to humans. Most people believe that the name refers to one particular species of mold; however, it encompasses hundreds of species, a small fraction of which are not very harmful to the human body. Black mold is commonly used as a name for the most harmful mold species, which happen to be black in appearance. However, even molds of a different color can be toxic to the human body.

Any place that is dark and where there is an accumulation of moisture, is a potential breeding pool for mold. Mold can grown on almost any organic surface as long as moisture and oxygen are present. When large amounts of moisture build-up in buildings, or building materials mold growth will occur. It is virtually impossible to remove all indoor mold and mold spores, but it is possible to manage.

People are exposed to some amount of mold everyday. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where a person can then inhale them. A person who is subject to inhaling a large amount of these spores may be subject to some medical damage.

There are five categories of toxic mold. They are Cladosporium, Penicilium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys. Some of the species included in these categories may only cause hay fever-like allergic reactions, while others can cause potentially deadly illnesses. All five of these mold families can be found lurking indoors, in damp spaces. Each has its own particular characteristics that can greatly affect whatever organism or material it contacts. Indoor mold is not always obvious. Mold can manifest on hidden surfaces, such as wallpaper, paneling, the top of ceiling tiles, and underneath carpet.

Stachbotrys

The toxin produced by Stachybotrys chartarum is the most deadly. It has been tied to diseases as minor as hay fever, to those as serious as liver damage, pulmonary edema, and in the most severe cases, brain or nerve damage and even death. It has also been linked to severe illness in infants. Those with compromised immune systems, small children, and the elderly are highly susceptible to illness when they come in contact with this species of mold. Some symptoms associated with exposure to Stachbotrys include:

• respiratory issues
• nasal and sinus congestion
• eye irritation
• sore throat
• hacking cough
• chronic fatigue
• central nervous system issues
• aches and pains

Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium

These mold families have been connected to illnesses such as nail fungus, asthma, and also infections of the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Additionally, Fusarium may cause gastrointestinal illnesses, and even illness which affect the female reproductive system. Chronic cases of Cladosporium may produce pulmonary edema and emphysema.

Aspergillus

The least serious of the toxic mold groups, the Aspergillus mold family consists of over 160 species. Only 16 of those cause illness in humans, none of which are fatal if treated.

Toxic molds produce chemicals during their natural growth that are classified as toxins or poisons. The types that have been found to have profound effects on human health, are given the label of “toxic mold.”

Toxic molds are all very dangerous if allowed to grow inside the home. Proper precautions should be taken to prevent and eliminate their growth. These measures should include eliminating every material that nourishes the molds, such as old remodeling materials left in a basement. Also, never hire any contractor who is not certified and insured to handle ay type of remediation project.

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WINTERIZING AN OUTDOOR AIR CONDITIONER

An outside air conditioning unit, often referred to as an HVAC unit, is a lifesaver during hot summer months. During the winter, you may want to winterize the unit to protect it against cold weather, snow and ice. Winterizing the unit also protects it against rust damage. A few protective measures can keep the air conditioning unit in your real estate investment in top working condition.

• Find the air conditioning circuit near your unit. Usually, it has a plastic or metal lid that covers the electrical circuit. Open the lid and flip the switch to turn the unit off. This prevents the unit from turning on during an unusually warm winter day, keeping water out of the unit that could potentially freeze.
• Wash the air conditioning unit with a hose to remove bird droppings, dead bugs, dirt and dust. Remove leaves, small branches and grass clippings from the unit. Allow the unit to dry completely.
• Install foam pipe covers around exterior exposed pipes. Cut the foam to fit the length and diameter of the pipe. The foam covers insulate the pipes and protect them against freezing temperatures. Wrap duct tape around the foam covers to hold them in place.
• Cover the HVAC unit with a plastic or vinyl cover. Choose a cover that is waterproof. Some manufacturers make covers that are specifically designed for air conditioners, but you can use any plastic or vinyl covering that fits over the unit.
• Wrap vinyl ropes or bungee cords around the air conditioning cover to keep it secure. Make sure the cover is wrapped tightly so it doesn’t blow away in strong winds.
• Check your air conditioner once a week to make sure the cover is secure. Brush water, snow and ice off the unit. Remove twigs, pinecones and leaves from the cover.

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