Month: February 2018

When is Asbestos Siding Dangerous in Winchester, VA?

Commonly used in homes and buildings in Winchester, VA from the 1920s until the 1980s, asbestos siding can still be found on many older homes. A naturally occurring mineral, asbestos was added to cement that was then pressed into siding shingles which came in a variety of textures and sizes. This resulted in a durable product that was fire-resistant and absorbed paint well. It was cheap to make and resistant to the elements. Upkeep was easy and cost very little because it was easy to clean and paint adhered to it.

The EPA banned the use of asbestos in the U.S. in 1989 for new building materials. Homes that were built before that time in Winchester, VA most likely contain asbestos in some form.

Is Asbestos Siding Dangerous?

As long as asbestos siding stays intact, it poses no real harm. If the asbestos siding is broken up, asbestos fibers are released into the air which is extremely dangerous. Mesothelioma and other cancers, asbestosis and other lung diseases are a grave danger with continued exposure to these fibers from asbestos-containing materials.

If you have asbestos siding on your Winchester, VA home, it is best to call an environment company such as Envirotex who is experienced and certified to handle asbestos materials. You should always test first because there are other products out there that look similar but contain no asbestos.

A trained and accredited asbestos professional will take samples for analysis. These professionals know what to look for at homes in Winchester, VA and because of the health risks involved, this should never be done by homeowners. If not done correctly, there is a risk of fibers being released into the air where family members could be affected.

When Should Asbestos Siding Be Removed?

No asbestos-containing materials are welcoming news for any homeowner, but asbestos siding is actually one of the easier ones.

There are products on the market that offer a wide range of new shingle siding that matches the curved and scalloped contour of many older asbestos siding shingles that are on homes in Winchester, VA. If your asbestos siding is mostly in good condition, you can replace these broken or cracked pieces.

Another option would be to encapsulate the asbestos siding and install new vinyl siding over it.

If you choose to completely remove the old asbestos siding, it is best to call in the experts. They have the proper clothing, respirators and gloves and equipment to remove it from homes in Winchester, VA safely, not to mention, they also have the means to dispose of it legally. Any issues with asbestos should always be left up to environmental experts such as Envirotex.

What Does House Mold Have to do With Your Family and Home in Northern, VA?

Mold is a fungus found both indoors and outdoors in the Northern, VA area. Indoor house mold that actively grows will damage whatever material it lives on which can impair the structure. What’s more, house mold can cause numerous health issues in humans including allergies and infections.

House mold can cause musty odors and black, brown, green, yellow, and fuzzy growths inside homes in Northern, VA. Mold growth can be visible on walls, around windows, and in shower stalls, but it can also be hiding behind drywall, under carpets, and in attics.

The presence of excessive dampness or water will allow mold to grow in Northern, VA homes. While you will definitely want to get rid of the house mold’s appearance and damage to your home, you will also need to get rid of the source of your problem. Whatever is causing the dampness in your house such as a leaky pipe, foundation seepage, damp bathrooms, or high humidity will need to be dealt with or you will have recurring problems of house mold in your Northern, VA home.

Small amounts of house mold can be cleaned up by homeowners, but large areas require an experienced environmental company such as Envirotex. Using a company such as Envirotex will assure you that all measures of removing house mold have been performed safely so that you and your family can return to your home in Northern, VA and breath easier.

Damp indoor environments in Northern, VA tend to trigger respiratory problems such as coughs, runny nose and itchy throat, wheezing and asthma symptoms plus headaches and other symptoms for people who spend a lot of time in these spaces. Spending time in damp and moldy homes can increase the risk of bronchitis and increase chances of developing asthma and allergies.

House mold is nothing to put off for another day. Depending on the amount of mold and the dampness in your home in Northern, VA you might want to have a mold inspection done because without a thorough inspection, you cannot be sure exactly where all house mold is growing in your home.

Let the professionals at Envirotex help you with your house mold problem so you can rest assured that you have illuminated the problem and the damage for your family’s safety.

Questions to Ask in Selecting a Mold Company in Northern, VA

Undetected water damage in your Northern, VA home can lead to mold damage and serious health problems. Tackling a mold-infested home is not for the do-it-yourselfer. You can endanger the health of your family and make matters worse. In your search for a qualified, licensed mold company in Northern, VA, you might want to ask some of the following questions—

  1. Does the company consider mold to be dangerous to you and your family’s health? An experienced mold company should know the toxic nature of indoor water damage and the dangers that mold can cause to one’s health.
  2. Does the mold company test the environment? Testing before and after mold remediation will verify rather the procedure was successful.
  3. Can they provide a quote for work to be done? A mold company in Northern, VA should be able to provide a written quote for all work to be done.
  4. Can they provide references? Check all references to see if other customers were pleased with their work and if they would recommend them.
  5. Do they document their work? Mold companies should document their work with digital photos.
  6. Is the area properly contained? If not, get rid of them immediately. Proper containment should include plastic sheeting and protecting the entrance into the containment site to avoid cross-contamination. Negative HEPA-filtered air machines should be exhausted outside the home in Northern, VA.
  7. Are they insured and licensed? Never deal with a mold company in Northern, VA or any company who is not fully insured and licensed.
  8. Do the mold company’s workers wear protective clothing? All workers on the job site should be outfitted with the proper hazmat suits, safety glasses, and respirators. To prevent cross-contamination, disposable shoe covers should be worn on site.
  9. How will the mold infected material be disposed of? Any mold-contaminated materials should be bagged and disposed of immediately after removal. These items should be double bagged to avoid cross-contamination. They should never be left on site.

Envirotex is a reputable mold company who services the Northern, VA and Washington, D.C. area. They will be glad to answer any questions and concerns you have regarding the mold issues in your Northern, VA home. Their first concern is for the safety of you and your family.