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Handling the Removal of Asbestos Safely in Arlington, VA

The use of asbestos in the United States has fallen significantly; however, if your home was built prior to the 1970s, you could still possibly have some sort of asbestos materials in your Arlington, VA home. If this is the case, under most circumstances, you should have asbestos removal to rid it from your home in Arlington, VA.

Asbestos was used in many building materials and consumer goods in Arlington, VA because it was durable, fire-resistant, and cheap. Because of the adverse health risks that have been associated with asbestos, the U.S. government has now banned it in most situations. Unfortunately, most older homes have some type of asbestos lurking somewhere, and because you more than likely don’t know what to look for, it is best to call in the professionals from Envirotex Environment Services so they can inspect your home in Arlington, VA for these harmful materials.

Where Asbestos is Most Likely Found in Arlington, VA Homes

• Roofing shingles and siding
• Sheetrock
• Textured popcorn ceilings and ceiling tiles
• Vinyl flooring tiles
• Plaster
• Concrete
• Caulking
• Electrical breakers
• And much, much more

Handling asbestos-containing materials in Alexandria, VA homes can be extremely dangerous, more so when the materials are worn or damaged in any way. Asbestos removal should be done by professionals who know what to look for and have the specialized equipment to do the job correctly and safely so that when you reenter your home after the job is complete, you and your family will come home to a safe environment.

The asbestos removal process at your home in Alexandria, VA will start with turning off HVAC units and sealing the vents to prevent any asbestos fibers from circulating. The work area will be sealed off. HEPA filter vacuums and wet method cleanups will be used to clean the workspace. Technicians should wear special coveralls, shoe coverings, gloves, and respiratory masks during the asbestos removal.

After the asbestos removal, all asbestos-containing materials will be removed from the Arlington, VA home, clearly marked, and in leak-tight containers and taken to a dump site for hazardous materials.

If you have any questions or safety concerns about asbestos in your home, give the team at Envirotex a call. They will be glad to come to your home in Alexandria, VA and discuss your asbestos removal needs with you and your family.

Why Would Homeowners in Fairfax, VA Need Mold Inspections?

During mold inspections at homes in Fairfax, VA, the person doing the inspection is looking for mold growth in the home. This person should be a qualified mold inspector who has had the proper training and experience under his belt with mold inspections.

Mold inspections are looking for evidence of current or previous mold growth. Previous mold growth may indicate a recurring water leak that was never fixed properly.

People within a Fairfax, VA household may have allergic reactions or become sensitized to mold when mold growth is present in the home. Some mold may not be out in the open where you can see it. It could be hidden behind your walls or under your carpet, crawlspaces and basements, or your attic. If left unattended, this mold growth can lead to excessive wood rot and other structural issues. Mold growth can also cause health issues for family members and is extremely harmful to those who have asthma or other respiratory problems.

Having mold inspections ensure homeowners that they either are mold free or have a mold issue which should be dealt with as soon as possible. Typically speaking, if you have mold, you will begin to smell a musty odor in your home where the mold is prevalent.

During mold inspections, the mold inspector will be looking for a moisture source that is needed for mold to grow. Without a moisture source, you have no mold. Unless the moisture source is found within your Fairfax, VA home, even removing the damaged moldy materials will only illuminate it until the moisture source causes the mold to take hold again inside your Fairfax, VA home.

There are several common reasons to have mold inspections for your home in Fairfax, VA which include—

  • Family members who have an allergic reaction such as sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes when they are in a particular area of the Fairfax, VA home.
  • Once mold remediation is complete, another mold inspection should be done to verify the moisture source has been fixed, and no residual mold growth was left after the mold remediation.
  • Whenever you plan to rent or purchase a new home, mold inspections assure you that there are no existing moisture or mold issues in the building. Also, if you are selling your home, it is advised to have a mold inspection as your written evidence that there were no issues at the time the new homeowners took occupancy.

Mold inspections are a great way to have peace of mind that you are providing your family with the best air quality and that the structure of your home is sound and stable and free of moisture issues.

What is Involved During Mold Inspections for Northern, VA Homes?

A mold inspection consists of a mold inspector coming into your Northern, VA home and doing a visual inspection for mold growth, air sampling, surface sampling, checking for water leaks, and checking your air conditioning for mold. The size of your Northern, VA home will determine how long mold inspections will take. Samples that are collected will be sent to a third-party, independent lab for analysis. The mold inspector will then give you a report based on the lab results.

During the mold inspection, the focus will be on the presence of mold growth and water damage on building materials and personal belongings within the home in Northern, VA.

When should you have a mold inspection for homes in Northern, VA?

  • Before buying any home in Northern, VA, it is best to have a mold inspection to be assured there are no mold issues. Also, if you are selling your home, it ensures the buyers that your home is mold free with the documentation to protect yourself if anything would happen in the future once the new homeowner takes ownership of the home in Northern, VA.
  • If your home smells musty, a mold inspection will tell you what is causing the smell and where it is coming from.
  • If any family members are having allergy-like symptoms, this could be from mold growth. It is highly recommended that you have the air quality in your home tested.

What Mold Inspections Involve—

  • The exterior of your home is inspected for any moisture intrusion.
  • Samples may be taken and sent to an independent lab for analysis.
  • A moisture meter may be used to identify the amount of moisture content in building materials.
  • Thermal Imaging Camera may be used to detect if there is a temperature differential behind your ceilings and walls that might indicate leaks at your Northern, VA home.
  • Attics and basements may be inspected for leaks or any condensation.
  • Your HVAC system might be checked for mold because when your system is running, it can cause particles in the air.

Once the mold inspection is complete, and if it is determined you have mold issues, a plan should be mapped out for you to have mold remediation. Call the team at Envirotex for their help with any mold issues you have within your Northern, VA home.

What to Do When you Find House Mold at your Northern, VA Home

House mold is a type of fungus whose sprouts form tiny spores and float about in the air. Unfortunately, these spores choose to make their home in moist places within your Northern, VA home causing house mold growth in those areas.

Another common type of house mold found in Northern, VA homes that generally sits on the surface of damp walls and shower grouting and doors is mildew. This looks like tiny black spots and can usually be cleaned with a brush and mold killer.

Other house molds in Northern, VA can be more damaging from increased infestation within the home and do quite a bit of damage. Damp walls, carpets, and other flooring can be a breeding ground for house molds. Once this happens, you should call in a professional environment company such as the team at Envirotex.

Letting professionals deal with any house mold issues you have reassures you that once they come and remove the mold from your home, test for air quality, and advise you of any moisture problems that you need to address, you should be good to go after that. Not taking care of moisture problems such as leaks, no ventilation, or cracks in your foundation can guarantee that any mold removal will only last for a limited time, and the house mold will eventually come back.

House mold in Northern, VA homes can be dangerous for your family. Many health issues come from house mold. Breathing in mold spores that are in the air can make any person in your family who has respiratory problems that much worse. People who have asthma who are around damp basements are bound to have more asthma attacks than living in a well-ventilated, dry home.

Some house mold is not detectable by the human eye because it starts to grow in behind walls. Typically, you will notice a musty smell in your basement, attic, or bathroom at your home in Northern, VA. This is a sure sign that you have a mold problem, and you need to address it as soon as possible. Never put it off because it doesn’t take house mold long to grow throughout your home, causing a lot of damage and not to mention a lot of health issues for your family members.

When in doubt, call the team at Envirotex Environment Services for any mold concerns you have at your Northern, VA home.

Helpful Information About Black Mold for Homes in Alexandria, VA

Homes in Alexandria, VA will most likely see black mold in areas of the house that are mainly warm, humid, and damp. Homes with basements or crawlspaces that could have leaks or other moisture sources are more susceptible to toxic black mold growth. Other common areas where you might find mold are showers, around heating and cooling appliances, carpets, and ventilation ducts.

Toxic black mold is dark black, whereas other types of molds can be green or gray in color.

Black mold in Alexandria, VA homes can be hazardous to one’s health. Depending on the period of time and the number of mold spores that are inhaled, someone who has been subjected to mold can have the following systems—

  • Headaches
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Fever
  • Irritation to the eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Rashes
  • Chronic coughing
  • Mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and mouth
  • Itchy skin
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bleeding of the nose and in the lungs

To guard against black mold growth at your home in Alexandria, VA always have proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where there is constant condensation from showers, doing laundry, and cooking. Inspect your home regularly for any signs of black mold growth.

Whenever you find black mold growth at your home in Alexandria, VA, you should call in a professional such as the team at Envirotex Environment Services to remove the mold from your home. Professionals have special equipment which can detect mold that could be lurking behind your walls or under your flooring. They can also inform you about where your moisture source that is causing the mold is so that it can be dealt with, if not, the black mold will likely grow back in time at your Alexandria, VA home.

Preventing and controlling black mold growth at your Alexandria, VA home is the best defense against health risks to your family and the damage it can cause to your home. When faced with an infestation of black mold, always call in the professionals. If you have any questions, call the team at Envirotex. They will be glad to help.

The Course of Mold Inspections for Homes in Leesburg, VA

Generally speaking, mold inspections are done by professionals who come into your home in Leesburg, VA to look for mold growth. Some important things to keep in mind about mold inspections.

  • Mold inspections need to be done by a qualified mold inspector such as the ones at Envirotex who have the experience along with the proper training.
  • The inspector will be looking for a moisture source that is causing mold growth during the mold inspection at your Leesburg, VA home. Water is essential for mold to grow. No water issues, no mold issues. A mold inspection will tell you where your source of moisture is coming from, so this issue is addressed. If not, even once you clean the mold, it will only come back.
  • Special equipment will be used so that the inspector can determine if you have any mold growth underneath the carpet or behind the walls. This protects your Leesburg, VA home from any significant structural damage that oftentimes is caused by excessive mold growth.

Common Reasons Why Leesburg, VA Homeowners Need Mold Inspections?

  • If you plan to rent or purchase a new home, a mold inspection will confirm whether or not there is an existing moisture or mold problem.
  • To verify that moisture has stopped and no residual mold growth is still lurking inside your Leesburg, VA home from a previous known water or mold problem.
  • Home inspections should be done when any family member has an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes, or a runny nose when they are in a particular area of the home in Leesburg, VA.

If you are experiencing any mold growth in your home, leave it alone and call in the professionals at Envirotex Environmental Services as soon as possible. Mold can cause havoc to your family member’s health, and that is definitely something you want to avoid. Trying to remove unidentified mold can be extremely dangerous. Professional mold inspections can determine the type of mold growth that is lurking inside your home and advise you on the best way to rid your home of any mold.

Precautions That Should Be Taken Before Asbestos Testing in Leesburg, VA

Homes in Leesburg, VA built before 1980 may contain asbestos in older flooring tiles, ceiling tiles, siding, roofing shingles, flashing, pipe cement, joint compound used on seams of sheetrock, and insulation around boilers, ducts, sheeting, pipes, and fireplaces. Even some newer homes in Leesburg, VA may also contain asbestos. Homes may contain vermiculite attic insulation which is contaminated with asbestos. The only sure way to know for sure if your home has asbestos-related materials is to have asbestos testing for your Leesburg, VA home.

A visual inspection with the naked eye will not identify asbestos. If you believe you might have asbestos in your Leesburg, VA home, enlist a professional asbestos testing company such as Envirotex who can safely and accurately determine the presence of any asbestos-containing materials.
Even once you have asbestos testing, it does not mean you need to go ripping out any asbestos materials in your home. In some cases, asbestos can be left alone as long as you are not planning on disturbing the related materials and the materials are not deteriorating. Any asbestos-related materials should always be monitored for signs of deterioration and damage.

Asbestos testing by a certified environmental company will determine what options you have for removing the asbestos from your home in Leesburg, VA. Any asbestos should be removed by a professional asbestos removal company. Encapsulants are materials applied in liquid form to provide a seal against the releasing of any asbestos fibers and may be used in specific areas where there is no damage to the asbestos materials. However, the only permanent solution to ridding asbestos from the home is asbestos removal.

To ensure your family member’s safety, your asbestos testing professional should be able to guide you in the best direction so that no asbestos spores are floating around the home.
In the meantime, if you suspect asbestos materials, some precautions to take until asbestos testing is done include—

  • Leave undamaged suspected asbestos-containing materials alone.
  • Keep children away from any areas in the Leesburg, VA home where you suspect asbestos-containing materials.
  • Never saw, sand, scrape or drill holes in any suspected asbestos-containing materials.
  • Never dust, vacuum, or sweep any debris that might contain asbestos.
  • If you suspect you have asbestos flooring, avoid using abrasive pads or brushes or power strippers to remove old wax.

To ease your mind, call the experts at Envirotex today if you suspect any asbestos-containing materials at your Leesburg, VA home.

Building Materials and Asbestos Removal in Leesburg, VA

If you have an older home in Leesburg, VA, you may be wondering if asbestos is lurking somewhere in your house and when asbestos removal is necessary. Asbestos was used frequently in homes constructed between the 1940s and 1970s. These building materials include—

  • HVAC duct insulation
  • Plaster
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Caulking
  • Vinyl tile floors
  • Roofing shingles and siding
  • Blown-in attic insulation
  • Basement boilers and pipes

Building materials in your home in Leesburg, VA which contain asbestos-related materials are not all dangerous. If you leave it alone and not disturb it, you should be fine. It is a hazard when homeowners who are not aware of what materials are in their homes that contain asbestos and they go to remodel their home and start tearing materials out, and asbestos spores are released into the air. This can be extremely dangerous for members of your family. To prevent the release of asbestos spores, never sand, hammer, drill, or disturb and asbestos-related materials.

Whenever in doubt, you should always call in a professional such as the team at Envirotex Environment Services. They can test for asbestos materials at your Leesburg, VA home and give you a plan for any asbestos removal that needs to be addressed.

Asbestos removal should always be left to the professionals regardless of how much or where the asbestos is located in the Leesburg, VA home. A professional asbestos removal company knows what to look for and has the proper tools to conduct asbestos removal, which will include HEPA vacuum and respirators, which keep your home in Leesburg, VA safe.

Asbestos-related materials can be extremely dangerous, especially for those Leesburg, VA homeowners who are unaware of what to look for and where. It is best to have your home tested for asbestos and then make a plan for asbestos removal.

Unfortunately, you can’t see asbestos, only professionals who have years of experience can determine if the materials contain asbestos, and they have the proper equipment to test for asbestos.

If you suspect asbestos in your home in Leesburg, VA, call the team at Envirotex Environment Services and let them help put your mind at ease. They are certified, licensed, and insured with years of experience and are equipped to handle safe asbestos removal and any other environmental issues you may have at your Leesburg, VA home.

The Pros of Mold Testing in Leesburg, VA

Some homeowners who can visibly see mold at their homes in Leesburg, VA wonder if they should still have mold testing. There are pros of mold testing which will be explained later, but for now it is strongly recommended that you do mold testing for any homes in Leesburg where these situations apply—

  • The home in Leesburg, VA is a rental property.
  • Whenever you buy or sell a home in Leesburg, VA
  • If you home smells moldy but you can’t see any mold.
  • If any of your family members are having unusual health concerns.

Mold is usually found in Leesburg, VA homes that have foundation leaks, roofing leaks, plumbing leaks, or humid basements. The pros about mold testing are that if you do it before any remediation, the testing will give you the type of mold in the home and where the mold is coming from. If you don’t find the water problem that is causing the mold growth and fix the problem, it will only come back at a later date.

Once the remediation is complete, a mold testing will determine if the job was done completely and no mold was missed and the air in the Leesburg, VA home has a normal level of mold spores.

If you are renting the home in Leesburg, VA, your mold testing report will protect you in court if you have a disgruntled tenant. The same applies when you sell your home. You have documented proof.

If you have any questions regarding mold testing or remediation, call the experts at Envirotex. Envirotex handles all your environmental needs including—

  • Mold testing and remediation
  • Asbestos testing and remediation
  • Lead paint testing and remediation
  • Meth labs and clandestine drum lab cleanup
  • Selective demolition

Never put off taking care of any mold issues in your home or having mold testing if you suspect any mold. Mold can cause serious illnesses for family members and can damage the structure of your home in Leesburg, VA if not taken care of immediately.

Finding Hidden Mold with Mold Inspections in Manassas, VA

Most strains of mold spread naturally throughout homes in Manassas, VA. Typically, if you see mold in one area of your home, there is a good chance it is elsewhere in the house as well. No doubt, if you see mold on your walls or the carpet, the chances are that mold is also behind your walls as well as under your carpet.

Finding hidden mold is difficult, and that is why you should hire the professionals at Envirotex Environmental Services for a mold inspection at your Manassas, VA home.

Hidden mold in your house that is overlooked, in time will spread; and eventually, you will be able to see it. By then, you will have a mold infestation that could have been avoided at an earlier stage. That is why it is imperative once you find any signs of mold in your Manassas, VA home, you have a professional mold inspection to determine if there is any hidden mold.

Hidden mold is generally found in places such as—heating, air conditioning and ventilation ducts, inside walls, and underneath flooring, above ceiling tiles, under wallpaper, in attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces.

Mold inspections are well worth the investment. So many times, homeowners will see a wall where there is noticeable mold growth and will do a home remedy to get rid of it. However, have they gotten rid of it? Probably not. It is always best to have mold inspections at first sight of any mold growth in your home in Manassas, VA.

Only ridding your home of mold that you can visibly see might be wasting time and money if there is other mold growing in your home. The mold will continue to grow and spread to other areas of the house.

With specialized equipment, mold inspections performed by the team at Envirotex Environment Services will find all hidden mold within your home in Manassas, VA and then map out a plan for you to rid the home of all mold.

The team at Envirotex can identify and remedy the moisture source that has been causing the mold growth or refer you to someone who can fix your moisture problem, depending on the cause. Once the mold growth has been located throughout your house in Manassas, VA during the mold inspection, addressing the water source is the first, next step; otherwise, removing the mold without fixing the water issue, is just prolonging another disaster down the road.