With all the rain and snow this winter, many homes will have moisture issues. Damage from snow and winds to the roof, and water in the basement are big problems. And, in the summer, humidity creates a moist environment for mold and dust mites to thrive. Thankfully, your air conditioning unit helps eliminate moisture (think […]
This article is the third in a series of posts about moisture, mold and water-loving insects. The premise – where there is excess moisture or water, there is sure to be mold. Sometimes mold is difficult to see since it hides inside and behind many objects. Dangerous mosquitoes love water. Therefore, you are likely to […]
Unwanted insects in your basement may be a sign of water damage and probably mean you have water issues outside your home. Also, you probably have mold! Until I became mold and allergen intolerant, I didn’t think too much about indoor air quality. But now I know the problems with air quality in our living […]
As your already know, excess moisture and mold can grown unseen inside walls, in crawl spaces and behind furniture and appliances. In a recent post, I talked about identifying mold problems by that musty smell! It’s generally foolproof. If you smell mold, you have mold! And you can ‘bet your house’ that you have moisture […]
When you find mold growing in your home, sound the alarm and get rid of it fast. Mold-Help receives a lot questions about cost of mold recovery – How do you choose a qualified company? How much does professional mold removal cost? First, not all mold experts are equal. Delay can mean extensive and costly […]
Cost of Fighting Mold – Guest article by Ana-Maria Sanders from Loanstart.com More than half of households in the United States have mold problems, according to research. Mold infestation is very common after a natural disaster. But it’s also a major issue in homes that have water leaks or high moisture content. And the cost […]
Written by Guest Author Megan Jones from www.grizzlytarps.com The Atlantic hurricane season is nearing its peak, and with the churning storms, disasters are just around the corner. You can expect torrential rains, lashing winds, and overwhelming storm surges that leave extensive damage in its wake. But those aren’t the only dangers to expect during hurricane […]
The approach of a hurricane is an awful time to discover that your home may not be adequately covered by insurance. Once the federal government issues a tropical storm or hurricane watch, insurance companies don’t allow homeowners to obtain new or additional insurance coverage. Instead of nervously checking your insurance documents in the midst of […]
It’s happened to nearly all of us: that sinking feeling when you realize your basement is soaked. Sometimes you just get a damp corner caused by gradual damage. Other times the whole basement can be filled with water from an unexpected event, like a broken pipe, or a weather event. Whether your basement is filling […]
Most people expect to find mold in old carpets and basements and nearby leaky roofs. But could mold be hiding in your HVAC systems?
No, your dishwasher does not kill mold. For optimal cleaning performance and to prevent damage to dishes, water entering the dishwasher must be at least 120 degrees F and not more than 150 degrees F. According to Michael Pugliese, author of The Homeowner’s Guide to Mold (available on Amazon), most mold spores thrive in temperatures up to 120 […]
By Nicola Twilley for The New Yorker Dept. of Public Health The Hidden Air Pollution in Our Homes Outdoor air has been regulated for decades, but emissions from daily domestic activities may be more dangerous than anyone imagined. We spend most of our lives inside, where air quality has received little scrutiny. Food magazines typically […]
Most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Levels of pollutants may be 200% to 500% higher indoors than outdoors, even in cities with a lot of air pollution. The indoor air is full of harmful pollutants. Dust mites are one of the main culprits! They thrive on the gunk deep down in the carpet. […]
Spring is the perfect time to give your house a top-to-bottom cleaning. Mold can hide in the most inconvenient places and grow out of control with moisture and warmth. As you work through each room, check for excess moisture. A cluttered and dirty home means more places for mold and mildew to thrive. Intensive cleaning […]
If you have rain, storm damage or flooding in your home, coverage by your homeowners’ insurance will vary depending on what policies you have and the circumstances of the damage. Some insurance companies cover flooding due to storms, backed-up city sewers and storm drains, broken sump-pumps or burst pipes. Floods, regardless of how the water […]
I love Google, and use it daily. But, Google is only as good as the information we feed it. And unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and half truths about cleaning up and removing moldy wood. How to Remove Mold From Wood Furniture and Particle Board was written for the magazine ‘House Beautiful’ on […]
Love those cardboard boxes for storing your things? Mold loves to eat paper (cellulose)! Mold produces enzymes to digest cellulose and various other materials to help with the eating (decaying, rotting) process. Those cardboard boxes are a magnet for mold. Add moisture in your home above 40-50% and they may become mold factories. If you […]
by Les Masterson Homeowners insurance covers mold damage if it was caused by a “covered peril.” Otherwise, an insurance company will likely not cover mold damage. There are exceptions, which we will get into later in this article. Home insurance policies usually don’t cover mold that resulted from a preventable water leak, flooding, or high […]
By HomeAdvisor, CJonline.com The garage isn’t the first place most homeowners think will present a mold problem, but mold can infest your garage just like any other area of your home — and the basics behind preventing it are essentially the same in every space. Mold thrives in moist, dark, stale environments, so it’s important […]
One of the biggest issues surrounding flooding after natural disasters is mold, a problem that can stay with a structure long after floodwaters have receded. Considering that over 17 percent of homes already have some physical condition that contributes to leaks and that mold grows in temperatures between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 100°F, there is no wonder […]
Once flood waters in an area have receded and the most immediate safety hazards have passed, it’s time to address the secondary health issues that can develop as a result of floodwater pollutants. Be sure to protect your home, family and business by following these environmental health guidelines. Keep Away from Flood Waters Avoid any contact […]
Chances are you don’t clean your coffee maker as often as you should. In fact, 50 percent of these household machines contain yeast and mold, according to one survey. That makes it more germ-infested than your average bathroom faucet handle. To make sure you don’t drink up any of the germs or coliform bacteria this appliance has been known […]
IAQA recommends that consumers use the following minimum guidelines to qualify any contractors they hire: Obtain references from your relatives, friends, and neighbors. Know your contractor, ask for and check references. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. Compare the cost estimate from your insurance provider with the estimate by […]
The potency of pure essential oils reveals a non-toxic and natural method of fighting mold. Numerous studies showing that essential oils are natural mold inhibitors and are effective at reducing mold. Certain essential oils aid recovery from toxic exposure by supporting immune function. The oils listed below are some of the most useful oils in dealing […]
Do you windows fog up when you take a bath? Is there are drip under your sink? The best practice is to prevent mold from growing in your home. To Keep Mold from growing in your home, consider these tips: Eliminate sources of dampness in basements, such as pipe leaks or groundwater seepage. Use a dehumidifier in […]
Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant and vegetable matter. They can be found almost anywhere, and grow on virtually any surface where moisture is present. Mold and moisture are always found together. Molds reproduce by tiny microscopic seeds called spores. They are in the air all the time. An air filter can capture […]
Usually, when most homeowners notice mold, they get out the bottle of bleach thinking a few sprays will solve the problem. It’s no wonder. Most blogs, websites and publications continues to perpetuate the myth that spraying bleach will take care of your mold problem. Want to kill mold? Don’t use bleach! Don’t Use Bleach! Big bleach […]
Summary If you suspect you have mold in your home, it’s important to test before doing repairs, like cutting into any drywall or lifting any carpet. If mold is an issue, disturbing the spores can make the situation much worse. ERMI Mold Testing – dust sampling – is an effective way to assess your moldy […]
Mold can be deadly. What many people don’t realize is that mold can make you extremely sick, or even kill you. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all molds have the potential to cause ill health. The type and severity of your symptoms depend, in part, on the types of mold present, the extent […]
Salem – Most people know that heavy rains and water leaks can lead to mold and mildew problems at home. But what do you do when the worst happens? Glad you asked. September is National Mold Awareness Month, and the non-profit Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics recommends consumers be vigilant about preventing mold, […]
Pearl, MS – If your home has water damage because of Hurricane Gustav, mildew and mold could develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure and will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture. Allow the wet or contaminated area to dry completely before beginning to rebuild, replace or […]
Through the years I have harped at homeowners about routinely sealing the grout in their tile showers. Not because I enjoy nagging, but because it is important to the health of the shower, the house and its occupants. The Problem Grout is a cement-based material, and like all cement-based materials, is not completely waterproof. Yes, […]
According to the latest research, English ivy may help fight allergies by removing allergens (including mold spores) from the air. And the longer you leave it in place, the cleaner your air will be. To test this plant, scientists put some moldy bread and some dog feces into containers. As they kicked off the study, […]
Introduction Fungi evolved over millions of years ago (Sherwood-Pike, 1985) and references to mold in buildings suggest that molds have always been present in human environments. At present, there is growing public concern about the potential health effects of mold in homes and structures that has been heightened by growing illness and bizarre weather conditions, […]
Vancouver, Canada – Many property owners, landlords, employers, and mold victim relatives in Canada, the USA, and worldwide often question or minimize the proven and serious health threat arising from exposure to elevated levels of indoor mold infestation, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector, Certified Mold Remediator, and author of the book Mold Health […]
OHIO – The Tuscarawas Valley is prime for mold and mold-related illnesses in the wake of recent high water and flooding conditions. Just ask Bob Bennett, owner of Farsight Management Inc. of 6790 Middle Run Rd., Dover, who deals with mold on a professional basis. Or ask someone who claims to have experienced the effects of […]
BEAVERTON – Oregon may be known for its matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms, but that same moist, warm climate grows another fungus that isn’t as desirable – mold. Moisture control is the key to preventing molds responsible for allergic reactions, some asthma conditions and other human health problems, as well as property damage, including odors and […]
You’ve heard of Radon, asbestos and lead paint. Now meet the newest official pollutant – mold. Mold is a biological pollutant, a fungi that grows in moist conditions. Molds are found in up to 50 percent of all structures, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) And it could kill your next real estate deal. […]
A mysterious illness is befalling many people across the nation. They are suffering from such symptoms as breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms and bleeding in the lungs. The cause of this illness, a lethal version of household mold known as Stachybotrys atra. This illness is not new, however; the written history […]
Health damaging toxins hide in unsuspecting places. That’s especially true in the case of some building products. Take, for example, the walls of your home. Most walls in homes and offices are made with dry wall. Dry wall is composed of gypsum board with paper (usually recycled) on either side. It comes in 4 foot […]
 
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