Joe, Author at Restoration Professionals

Using soap to clean Mold?

June 4, 2013 By Joe

In regard to chemicals, I use soap and water, eco-friendly soap at that. I believe it to be the process of cleaning that determines the efficacy, not the chemical used. Using soap to clean mold is not only logical but safe. The companies that have adopted “in-place” remediation methods and what I call “chemical dependence” may appease the adjuster or payee but ultimately disservice the occupant. Besides, does it really make sense to use a carcinogen or other harsh chemical to “kill” and allergen?

I strive to expose my competitor’s pretense to knowledge as I believe that some form of common sense will eventually outweigh mass marketing and the assumptions based therein. I attempt to educate the client beyond methodology and introduce the world of moisture and thermo dynamics. It’s tough out there, if you’re not buying your way into the clients house, fabricating reality for the mass media or selling the quick-fix, than your probably sitting at a computer typing this.

Filed Under: Soap Tagged With: chemicals, soap

Mold and Mildew, what’s the difference?

May 28, 2013 By Joe

I would like to explain the difference between mold and mildew. Exciting, I know. Mildew is the staining or discoloration left behind from the process of digestion by mold. You will sometimes find this on your shower caulking or window sills.

As we digest internally, mold digests externally. Mold growth is dependent upon moisture content, substrate (drywall or preferable cellulose media) and temperature. Some substrates such as caulking or other synthetic materials do not allow for mold to fully digest. So, it partially digests the material, leaving behind the staining or discoloration commonly known as mildew. With sage advice from the common competitor, “If you can smear it, then it’s mold.”

Filed Under: Mold Tagged With: mildew, mold

Mold on your window sill?

May 21, 2013 By Joe

Mold on your window sill is usually indicative of excessive moisture issues within the structure. Given proper temperature (most commonly 68-86 degrees), substrate (porous carbon based matter/wallboard) and moisture (60% relative humidity) mold can begin to grow. Mold can grow on a substrate as minute as biofilm (very thin layer of organic matter/ex. dust). Relative humidity tells us how “wet” or “dry” the air is. As air is warmed, it expands and its relative humidity decreases, because warmer air can hold more moisture. Conversely, as air is cooled, it shrinks and its relative humidity increases. Cool surfaces reduce the temperature of nearby air. If air is cooled enough that its humidity reaches 100 percent, condensation occurs. Mold growth usually occurs on surfaces that remain wet or damp for prolonged periods of time.

So, keep an eye out for “sweaty” windows and the mold growth that may occur therein. Also, it should be said, installing dual pane or insulate windows will only differ your moisture issues. Call us, it may be easier than you think.

Filed Under: Mold Tagged With: humidity, mold, window sill

Environmentally friendly mold remediation

May 14, 2013 By Joe

Sadly, for many companies the rationality of mold remediation has succumb to a chemical manufacturers sales pitch, the profit over principle contractor and the clever abuse of absent standards. When I meet with a client I Represent the industry with integrity. I believe it to be the duty of a remediation professional to properly educate the client as to cause, extent, protocol and preventative maintenance. I Represent the road less traveled when I explain that the process of cleaning determines efficacy, not the chemical used. I Represent a basic truth that the chemicals and processes proposed by some competitors are more harmful than mold itself. I Represent the environment when I use environmentally friendly cleaning agents.

My Remediation projects are controlled by containment and critical cleaning. The demolition in-between is just a matter of protected diss-assembly. I stage equipment and erect containment’s that control make-up air in relation to entry/egress and demolition. The critical cleaning phase of Remediation is tedious yet safe, non-toxic and non-corrosive. I do not expose myself, my family nor my workers to harmful chemicals.

We are not “killing” mold, we are Recycling it. Upon demolition, salvageable yet unwanted materials such as water damaged doors, cabinets and wood are cleaned and donated to our local Habitat for Humanity.Upon clearance the containment walls and zippers are cleaned, taken down and rolled up. I have Reused containment zippers and plastic several times, saved my client the cost of new materials and left a little less trash for our future generations to deal with.

I am a strong believer in common sense. If it is logical to proceed with chemicals, waste and deception than I am truly outnumbered. I provide environmentally friendly mold remediation, does your contractor?

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How Much Mold Can Someone Really Be Exposed To?

May 7, 2013 By Joe

Naturally occurring biological materials such as mold, fungi, and/or pollen are not regulated by any government agency. Currently mold, pollen and/or fungi have no established Threshold limit value (TLV). Threshold limit values (TLVs) are guidelines established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). TLVs refer to airborne concentrations of substances, and represent conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse health effects.

Current industry practice suggests that differentiation of indoor to outdoor air sample analysis may indicate a degradation of indoor air quality. Outside air samples (control samples) are taken as comparison to inside air samples. Inside spore counts should be lower than that of outside spore counts. Somewhat barbaric once you consider the fact that weather, timing, methodology, media and location heavily skew the end result.

So, the amount of mold you or I can be exposed to before experiencing an adverse health effect is dependent upon your own disposition. Which raises the question, is the general mold test subjective? Yes, it is. It is the interpretation of results compounded with visual evidence and moisture readings that creates positive correlation. You may save money by finding the cheapest testing company, but you may want to consider if that money has in fact been wasted on numbers without reason.

Filed Under: Mold Tagged With: exposure, mold

CONTROLLING HOUSEHOLD HUMIDITY

April 30, 2013 By Joe

Occupants of households are usually very comfortable when the temperature and relative humidity are maintained within the ranges of 68 to 72 degrees and 25 to 50 percent relative humidity. Maintaining a proper humidity level isn’t always easy.

Normal household activities such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, washing clothes and dishes, drying clothes, breathing and perspiring can raise the humidity level too high. To avoid the problems of excess moisture it is necessary to limit or control the amount of water vapor in the house. This can be accomplished by modifying lifestyle habits and by using mechanical means such as exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, and air-to-air heat exchangers.