How to evaluate your buildings for water damage Discovering water damage and mold, especially concealed sources, can require detective work and close attention to details. Start with this list and compare your notes based on what you find to help focus additional investigation. Here are the first 5 steps to take to evaluate your buildings […]
Signs of water damage There are lots of signs of water damage that can be found if you know to look for them. Below are six indications that water damage might be a problem in your building: Musty smells Musty odors indicate mold is present. But also know that lack of a musty smell […]
Use ANSI Standards as a Guide While there is little regulation of the mold remediation industry in the U.S., keep in mind that there are standards that are based on solid science and are recommended, but they are not required. Many mold professionals say they use these standards, however, it’s important to know these procedural […]
Here is the process to follow when hiring a quality mold testing and remediation contractor to avoid getting scammed. Always compare qualifications Compare the qualifications of contractors/industrial hygienists/remediators through reputable organizations. Keep in mind, however, that just being connected to any organization does not ensure quality performance or qualify as a recommendation, but it […]
Materials are always a hot topic when discussing mold. But any materials-only focus when talking mold avoidance is misguided. Does avoiding bio-based materials ensure a mold-free environment? Commercial buildings are mostly ‘non-organic,’ but more and more steel, concrete and masonry structures are proving to be highly toxic and moldy. Repairs and remediation often costs […]
NO BLEACH For Cleaning Porous Materials – Including Wood! I noticed an error in advice from the American Wood Council (AWC) regarding mold and mildew on structural wood members, in the FAQ section. It seems there are many, very reputable sources on the internet with poor information related to the cleaning of porous materials such […]
The flooding as a result of Hurricane Harvey has created environmental hazards of catastrophic proportion. Below are three resources that describe potential health effects or exposure to water damage and related mold and bacteria. The health effects for individuals exposed to water damage, mold, and bacteria manifest in both physical and psychological stress and are […]
Buildings and Bodies are Different! I keep seeing medical doctors promoting air filtration systems and other ‘remedies’ for toxic air quality and mold avoidance. This is unfortunate. Buildings are as complicated of a system as the human body. However, today’s buildings are a very different type of system. Medical doctors have no training in building […]
Anyone Can Be Scammed This is an actual picture inside my ductwork AFTER a scammer had cleaned it! I called references and thought I was being very thorough. If it could happen to me, it can happen to anyone. I figured out the scam while they were ‘working’ but not before they blew contaminated dust […]
Look out for these construction and moisture management defects to succeed in buying or renting a healthy, mold free home. Inspect the roof design with an eye towards drainage Water follows gravity. Consider the following: Do valleys come together creating an area that will store water rather than drain it away? Does a roof […]