Category: Home Inspectors

How to Safely Work with Lead-Based Paint

Next to asbestos, the idea of lead-based paint puts a chill in the heart of potential homebuyers, current home dwellers, and particularly do-it-yourselfers remodeling their own homes.​ Awareness of the dangers of lead-based paint began in the 1970s, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement that ingestion of lead-based paint may cause severe learning disabilities, behavioral problems, seizures, and even death. These warnings are red flags for anyone owning an old home pre-dating 1978 when lead-based paint was banned from being sold in the U.S.

But lead-based paint on a home does not mean that the lead-based paint cannot be encapsulated with new paint or that it cannot be scraped, sanded, and then painted. It simply means that a different set of precautions must be heeded when taking on this project in order to do it safely for both the worker and for the home’s occupants.

Lead-Based Paint: Legacy of Protection and Poisoning

Lead has long been used as a component in paint, and as one of the chief components of water pipes, as far back as the Roman Empire. Among its many uses, lead was also used as an additive to wine, because of its slightly sweet taste, as well as an element contained in many cooking utensils and vessels.

Knowing what we know now about the poisonous capability of lead, it should come as no surprise that the effects of lead poisoning have been far-reaching. Some historians even suggest that the fall of the Roman Empire can be partially attributed to the presence of lead poisoning in so many of its leaders and citizens.

However distressing it may be to discover the presence of lead-based paint in a home, there are ways to live and work with it. The most important thing to remember is that as long as the paint remains solid, it will not harm you. Merely touching a painted surface or being in the immediate area of lead-based paint will not cause adverse effects.

People and Houses That Are Most Affected by Lead-Based Paint

Everyone, but mostly children, can be harmed by lead-based paint. Lead-based paint appears to mainly affect children age six and under, although adults may experience problems with pregnancy as well as neurological conditions, which range from the cumulative and chronic effects of exposure to lead, including acute conditions such as renal failure and encephalopathy. Thankfully, elevated blood-lead levels have dropped dramatically since 1978, due mainly to aggressive education efforts from the EPA, state, and local agencies

The Process of Installing Replacement Windows

Installing new replacement windows is a process that most homeowners go through only once or twice in their lifetimes, so it is normal not to have the slightest clue of what happens. Here is a highly generalized account of what you might expect when a full-service company replaces your windows.

Should You Stay Home?

If you can take off time from work or can work from home, do so. Whole-house window installation is highly invasive, affecting every room of your house. The window company will assure you that you do not need to stay home, but this is always a good idea to keep work in line and to keep an eye on valuables.

How Closely Should You Monitor the Workers?

The best advice for managing a work crew in your home is to be within calling distance if they have questions, but do not hover. You get the best results if the foreman can call on you as a resource (which, in practice, will not happen much) while giving the crew space to do their best work.

Before Installers Arrive

Touch bases with the salesperson or scheduler and confirm installation date and time.

Have unique needs? Place Post-it notes on the wall next to the windows to be replaced, specifying special instructions. For example: “Please save old window.”

Remove Old Windows and Begin Replacement on Day 1

Meet the job foreman and walk through the house, going over each window. This is your chance to catch any errors the window company may have made in ordering your windows.

If this is a multi-person crew, one set of installers will bring in windows as another set of installers removes windows.

Walk through the house on your own to ensure that installers have put down drop cloths inside.

Optional: Add drop cloths outside if you have flower beds that you wish to preserve. Inside, dust barriers might be set up, but this is not really necessary, as window installation does not create much dust.

As removal continues, installation proceeds. Ropes for the window sash weights are cut. Weights drop to the bottom of the window pocket. New windows are set in place and leveled with shims. With the window level, it is nailed into place.

Installers periodically move old windows outside; the stack of old windows grows.

The installers are now in a groove of removing and replacing. There is little need for supervision, but it is always a good idea to touch base with the foreman.

Depending on the size of the installation crew, by the end of the day, you might expect up to 10 windows to be done. You do not want any windows to be boarded over. Insist that each window space is replaced with a new window or left in place with the old window.

No tools should be left in your house. Rooms are broom-clean. Old windows outside are removed.

Types of Mold and How to Remove Them

There’s a fungus among us and it is mold. Mold spores are everywhere and when they find moisture and moderate temperatures (60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), they thrive and grow. While some fungi are beneficial, many can be dangerous to the health of humans and destructive to property.

The more common molds that most homeowners encounter can be classified into three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic.

Allergenic molds affect the 20 to 30 percent of the population who are susceptible to mold allergens. While extreme infestations can require removal by a professional, most allergenic molds can be removed with home disinfecting products.

Pathogenic molds cause disease and infection especially in young children and adults with compromised immune systems. Small infestations can be controlled with disinfectants but large colonies require professional removal.

Toxic molds produce poisonous chemicals called mycotoxins that intentionally harm any living organism including humans and animals. These are quite deadly and require a professional to kill the mold and dispose of any affected materials.

Once mold is discovered, you should hire a professional or use our guide to help identify the 12 most common types of fungi and develop a plan for removal. Once the mold is removed, it is essential to identify the moisture problem that led to the growth.

DIY Mold Cleaning Methods

If allergenic molds are caught early, you can easily remove them with household disinfectants. When using any of these products, make sure there is adequate ventilation in the area and wear protective gear like gloves, eye protection, and old clothes that can be washed in hot water to kill stray spores.

Chlorine bleach: Sodium hypochlorite or regular household bleach works best to destroy mold and remove any discoloration. It is quite harsh and should be diluted before using.

Hydrogen peroxide: Less harsh than chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide (three to 10 percent solution) will kill mold and lighten stains. While it does have a bleaching effect, it works more slowly than chlorine bleach but has no toxic fumes or residue.

Distilled white vinegar: Vinegar is acidic and slowly breaks down the structure of mold and kills it. Vinegar is non-toxic but mold stains may remain and additional scrubbing with a household cleaner may be needed.

Baking soda and borax: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and borax each have a high pH that inhibits the growth and survival of mold. Both products are inexpensive, non-toxic, and easy to mix with water. Borax is more effective than baking soda but not as effect as a stronger cleaning product.

How to Use a Vapor Barrier to Control Moisture in a Crawl Space

Combatting moisture is a part of life for most homeowners. While nearly everyone is familiar with moisture problems due to faulty or damaged roofs and walls, or from rainwater runoff that seeps into foundations or up through concrete foundation floors, homes built over crawl spaces deal with moisture from another source: water vapor that rises naturally from the exposed soil and becomes trapped in the enclosed crawl space.

Problems Caused by Moisture

Moisture is one of the main foes of a home’s structure—potentially causing both structural problems and health issues. Uncontrolled moisture can cause rot and decay in wood framing and other materials, and it fosters mold and mildew that can cause allergies and asthma. The amount of moisture that is present determines if you can finish a basement, for example. Moisture also determines what type of below-grade flooring you are able to install. At its most extreme, moisture can even determine if the construction of a home or room addition is possible at all. Where moisture is a known problem, vapor barriers are integrated into wall, ceiling, and floor construction to combat the effects.

Mold and Mildew

One of the most serious problems caused by moisture is mold, mildew, and other fungi. According to the CDC, mold can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation to people with sensitivities. And people with mold allergies can have much more severe reactions, including lung infections. Eliminating mold is difficult, and fully remediating mold-related problems is expensive. Mold’s effects go well beyond just harming people. As a direct byproduct of crawl space moisture, mold can blacken floor cavity insulation and structural elements. Because there is often no light and only minimal ventilation in a crawl space, the problem never improves unless preventive or remediation methods are enacted.

Rot

Structural elements of your house, such as joists, sills, posts, and beams, are made of wood. Being an organic material, wood will begin to rot when it comes into contact with water for prolonged periods.

Rodents and Other Vermin

Animals of many types are drawn to water and can infest your home. These pests include carpenter ants, termites, rats, mice, snakes—even skunks and armadillos.

The Best Cleaners for Your Outdoor Deck

Some experts recommend that homeowners should clean their decks at least twice a year—preferably in the spring and fall. The safest, most environmental way to clean a deck is to not clean it at all, eliminating the chance of toxic chemicals being introduced into the environment and water. Sure, you could raze the deck completely, getting rid of all of that moldy, mildewed wood, recycling it and making it someone else’s problem, and then start all over again by building a new one. But that’s not always possible, nor is it the best or most feasible choice.

Baking Soda, Vinegar and Dish Soap

Everyone’s favorite natural cleaners can be used on the outdoor deck to tackle mildew and algae. Here’s the recipe:

Box of baking soda

1 cup of vinegar

2 Tablespoons (T) of mild dishwashing liquid/soap (not the stuff for your dishwasher)

1 gallon of water

Sprinkle baking soda on affected areas of deck. Mix vinegar, soap, and water in a bucket, apply to one section of mildew-infested decking, and scrub with a brush until you see results. This method may have to be repeated for a thorough job.

Borax

Like baking soda and vinegar, borate is an all-purpose natural cleaner that is versatile around the house and yard. Using a ratio of one cup of Borax to one gallon of water, address small areas of your deck at a time, scrubbing with a brush to remove algae and mildew.

Bleach

It’s not the most environmental choice, but chlorine does a good job of tackling standing water, mold and mildew (if you have a swimming pool, you get it). Read directions and labels, use gloves and masks, and only with proper ventilation.

Pressure or Power Washer

In case you’ve never noticed, some people just love their pressure washers. Crank it up and blast it with the pressure washer, and what a thrill it is to watch the paint peel off the facade of your house or the dirt melt from the fence between your house and the neighbor. It’s all that firefighter/action hero stuff re-enacted in your own yard.

Mold on the Outside of Your Home

When you think of places where mold may grow, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Perhaps a damp, dark basement or crawlspace?  While this may be one of the most common places, your home’s exterior siding may also be susceptible to mold growth. 

Causes of Mold on Siding

Excessive humidity and moisture can create an attractive environment for mold growth on several kinds of siding, including low-maintenance vinyl.  Siding is designed to allow rainwater and other types of moisture to run off the exterior of your home, but sometimes otherwise durable siding can have mold growth under certain conditions.  Since some moldy types may need humidity to grow, warm and humid weather conditions can cause a mold outbreak on your siding. 

Vinyl Siding Mold Removal and Prevention

First, keep your siding clean of dirt and grime. You can use a simple garden hose or pressure washer to do this. Second, try to target the trees and shrubs that are located around your house.   Check to make sure they do not have any contact with your siding.  Regularly trim your trees and shrubs to minimize shaded areas that can encourage mold growth.

Finally, take steps to reduce the amount of moisture that comes into contact with your siding.  If you regularly water your lawn, be sure to adjust sprinklers so the water does not hit your house.  Check gutters in the spring and fall and make sure they are clean and in working order.  Clogged gutters can cause the rainwater to run down the side of the home and this can increase the moisture level.

Mold And Human Health

not conduct environmental investigations into mold complaints. Below is an abundance of information concerning mold.  If the mold is a potential result of structural defects in a building, you should contact your local code enforcement officer.

Basic Knowledge

Mold is a simple microscopic organism that is found almost everywhere – indoors and out. There are hundreds of different kinds of mold in the natural environment. Mold spores are very light and travel easily through the air – this is how people come in contact with them. Mold needs a food source and moisture to grow.

Mold food can include wood, paper, drywall, cardboard and other organic-rich materials. Mold can also grow on tile grout and plaster. It is rare to see mold growing on stone, plastic, metal or concrete surfaces. Common moisture sources include leaking pipes and leaking roofs, floods, chronically damp basements and condensation on cold windows and walls. Mold can be many colors (white, black, orange, green, brown), depending on the species present. Mold can be fuzzy or slimy to the touch.

Symptoms of mold exposure for sensitive individuals can include respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, a dry cough, wheezing, difficulty in breathing and burning/watery eyes. More serious health effects (constant headaches, memory problems) are very rare.

Unless environmental testing is requested by a doctor, it is usually better to spend money on a thorough mold clean-up. Mold sampling can be expensive, and in most cases, no matter what kind of mold is present, the recommendation would be to do a clean-up anyway.

Hire the Right Mold Remediation Company

Mold infestations can spread quickly, leading to foul odors, unsightly spots, and other consequences throughout your home. Mold can also cause serious health complications, especially for those with severe allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems. This means you should do everything in your power to remove the mold problem as soon as possible in the aftermath of flood or water damage. It’s a smart idea to allow a professional Mold Remediation company to handle the problem for you – doing so yourself can be risky and have unintended consequences if done improperly.

Mold remediation can be a daunting task. Where should you begin? And how can you get it done right at a reasonable price?  Truth is that mold remediation isn’t as complicated as it’s often made out to be.  And the right mold professional can guide you through the process while providing a necessary, cost-effective service.

What is the Cause of the Mold?

If the mold is visible, it’s probably not necessary to spend money on pre-testing. However, you will need to know the source(s) so it can be prevented in the future. Many remediation companies are primarily concerned with testing the air quality for mold spore counts and removing the mold. Although a good indicator of the indoor air quality as it relates to mold, air sampling and lab reports cannot help you figure out specifically where the problem exists. In addition, remediation contractors make the bulk of their revenue by removing the mold and restoring the home to safe conditions. This is great in the short term but will not prevent the mold from coming back.

Mold doesn’t always grow where it’s easily seen and it can be a real pain to find. After floods, spores that are trapped inside your walls can fester and grow, causing colonies to sprout where you can’t see them. You may spend hours, days, or even weeks cleaning mold off your walls, but even one missed colony can cause all your hard work to disappear in mere days when it returns again. Experienced mold remediation professionals know where to look for mold, how to detect it, and what to do when they do find it in order to make sure every last trace of the problem is treated.

Remediation, Removal, Abatement – What’s the Difference?

When most home or commercial building owners think of a mold remediation company, they only think about removal. However, the terms for a mold removal company and a mold remediation may be used interchangeably but are technically not the same thing. Mold remediation services are far more comprehensive than just removal; they offer expert guidance, restoration, and even certified assurance.

How to Get Rid of Black Mold the Easy and Cheap Way

What Are Those Black Patches in My Bathroom?

What is that stuff collecting in the corners? What is that mildewy smell? It must be mold again! There are many chemicals on the market that can kill mold, but polluting your house with additional toxic stuff might be counterintuitive if you’re trying to avoid health hazards. Don’t worry; there are several safe and natural ways to get rid of black mold in a bathroom or carpet. Save money by using common household products you may already have in your kitchen cupboard and avoid paying expensive service bills. If you have a small infected area, you can clean it up yourself without a professional.

Is Black Mold Dangerous?

Left unchecked, it can be a health hazard, causing potential respiratory problems and severe allergic reactions. Especially if you have a pet, a baby, or elderly folk in the home, it can be detrimental to their immune system!

Step-By Step Guide: How to Get Rid of Mold

Step 1: Find some eye goggles, a pair of latex or rubber gloves, and protective clothing that covers your whole body. Wear a filter dust mask to prevent inhalation.

Step 2: Contain the affected area. To do this, use duct tape and a plastic sheet to seal off vents or openings where air might flow in or out. You might place a small fan in an open window to direct the mold spores outdoors. Remember, mold can easily be transported to different areas in your house on pets or on the soles of shoes.

Step 3: Take a stiff brush and clean the area with mild soap and water. Throw away all porous items or materials exposed to the mold.

Step 4: Apply a disinfectant (one of the solutions listed below) to the area. Don’t forget to spray the surrounding area to kill mold spores you can’t see.

Step 5: If directed, rinse the area with hot water. Let it dry completely. If there’s excess water, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to suck it up. Vacuum thoroughly after the area has completely dried.

Cleaning Black Mold Yourself

Instead of calling in the experts and paying a hefty amount to have the mold removed, there are ways you can handle the problem yourself. Before you begin, here are some ideas for how to do it and what you’ll need.

Vinegar: The Cheapest, Safest Way to Remove Black Mold

Vinegar is a non-toxic and safe alternative. According to one study, a solution of vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% mold, and 80% germs such as viruses. Keep a spray bottle full of white distilled vinegar in your bathroom and kitchen for quick cleaning. Personally, I don’t mind the smell of vinegar but if you find it too strong and unpleasant, just add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender), and you will be able to tell the difference.

How to Remove Mold: The Good, the Bad, and the Smelly

Let’s go ahead and face the facts from the get-go: mold spores are everywhere. There’s just no way to completely eliminate them, and there’s always going to be SOME mold in our homes. Fortunately, with an ounce of prevention, you can keep it from becoming a serious problem. Limit the moisture in your home, and you’ll limit the mold growth—it’s as simple as that. Sometimes, though, despite our best efforts, mold proves to be a resilient and strong-willed foe, winning the occasional battle and proudly exuding its signature sour smell. In this article, we’re going to look at how to remove mold and win the war at large.

When to Bring in the Professionals

To begin, you need to know what you as a homeowner are capable of doing and when it’s time to call in the professionals. Mold removal inherently involves stirring up potentially dangerous spores and releasing them into the air, so if anyone in your home suffers from respiratory ailments or an immunodeficiency, don’t chance going it alone. The experts have the knowledge and the wherewithal to effectively quarantine the area and keep the spores from spreading throughout your house. If there’s mold in your HVAC system, you shouldn’t even consider taking it on yourself.

Next are size and location considerations. How large is the affected area? The EPA advises that any mold growth of 10 square feet or larger should be handled by specialists. What’s more, mold often grows in hard-to-reach places, such as behind walls and under floorboards, and to even access it requires a great deal of work. If, for instance, mold is growing on wood that makes up part of the irreplaceable supporting structure of your house (joists, studs, etc.), you’ll need to bring in a mold removal and remediation professional that can properly sand and encapsulate the growth.

What You Can Do Yourself

So you’ve got an affected area smaller than 10 square feet, no one in your home is particularly susceptible to the mold spores that will invariably be kicked up, and you can access the mold with no problem? Well then, let’s get to it!

First things first, remember to take proper safety precautions. You may be dealing with harsh chemicals, allergenic mold spores, and toxic fumes, so you should always wear gloves (preferably up to the middle of the forearm), goggles, and a respirator rated N95 or higher (found at any hardware store). You might look a little goofy, but it’s well worth it. Also important to note is that dead mold spores are no less allergenic and are possibly as harmful as their live counterparts. After attacking the mold, you’ll need to thoroughly wipe down all surfaces in the general vicinity and then use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to eliminate any remaining spores.