CPR Nashville Blog

Are All Molds the Same?

Mold can be found in a multitude of locations and has been a problem for centuries.  In recent years, mold has developed into more of a problem. Not because it’s become more widespread, but instead because knowledge and awareness about it has increased. Mold growing in your home is never a good thing, as it will perform the same function here that it performs in nature (breaking down anything it senses is decaying). Don’t let your home fall into this unfortunate category!

Categorizing mold

The most common categories of mold are:

• Allergenic molds—They contain allergens, which can cause allergies in humans.
• Pathogenic molds—They can cause severe health problems in people who are undergoing chemo, people who have HIV, and those with weakened immune system.
• Toxic molds—They produce harmful toxins.  They are very rare and are known to cause grave health problems, including death in rare circumstances.  The two main types are stachybotrys and memnoniella.

Mold in Your House

Many different types of mold can be found in homes, and different health problems accompany each one.  While many different kinds can be found, we’ll just focus on a few of the most common types here:

• Cladosporium—Although more commonly found outdoors, it can thrive in any damp, dark environment (your toilet is a common breeding ground). Because it’s an airborne mold, it can be very difficult to eliminate completely. Surfaces where it’s found should be scrubbed vigorously with bleach and wiped dry. One thing to remember though. Bleach will not kill the seed if it is growing on a porous surface.
• Penicillium—This is commonly found growing on our food (it’s that little fuzzy green, white or blue fuzz). It’s another airborne mold and can be difficult to eliminate. To prevent it from becoming a problem in your home, be vigilant in throwing away food at the first sign that it’s beginning to spoil.
• Aspergillus—It’s one of the most common molds in the world; it’s also one of the most dangerous. This fast-growing mold often appears after a basement flood or large plumbing leak but can also form anywhere there’s extremely high humidity and organic matter for it to use as a food source. It should be cleaned up with bleach and proper safety precautions such as gloves, a mask and potentially even eye protection. Like we mentioned before, bleach will not kill the seed. Also, the EPA states that if the area where mold is found is larger than 10 square feet, someone trained in mold remediation should do the cleaning.
• Alternaria—Although more commonly found outside, it’s an airborne mold that can easily find its way into your home. It often settles in carpets, clothing and on flat surfaces. It needs far less water than other molds to grow, making it possible for it to grow in more areas. It can be found in the same areas as aspergillus and can be removed in much the same way as well.

Mold is all around us. It plays a vital role in our ecosystem; however, it can play an equally detrimental role in our homes. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of the areas in our homes to which mold gravitates in an attempt to better prepare us to treat and remove it.

When mold is discovered, decisive action must be taken immediately. Call the professionals at Choice Property Restoration. Our technicians can inspect your problem areas, determine the extent of your mold issue(s), the type of mold you’re dealing with and what’s causing the mold problem in the first place.  We’re always here to help!

Air Duct Cleaning for Clean Air

With summertime allergies adding to the sniffing and sneezing throughout the day, you want you air in you home to be as clean as possible.  Even with the humidifiers and air sprays you purchase, there are still particles floating around that are impossible to see.  Your air ducts can help or hurt this situation depending on how well they are taken care of.  If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment with the professionals call Choice Property Restoration today!

When should your air ducts be cleaned?

Even though it sounds like something that should be done often, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that you don’t have air ducts cleaned on a routine basis, but only when it’s needed.  However, if you have a fuel-burning furnace or fireplace, it is important to have the ducts checked out for functioning issues to prevent any chances of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

How do you know that it is time for cleaning?  One of the main warning signs is when you see mold growing inside of the ducts or on parts of your heating and cooling system.  You may not be able to see the mold growing, so your technician will be able to spot any that is hidden during a full inspection.  Sometimes mold that is found is just a false alarm, so be sure that whomever your hire is experienced.  If you have the type of air ducts that are insulated, they will need to be replaced and not just cleaned.  You also need to have checks for insects and rodents, and be aware of any extra dirt that may be coming into your home.  It is important to also make sure that after cleanings and repairs that your ducts are functioning properly.

Can unclean air ducts affect the health of my family?

Even though the average member of your family may not feel the symptoms of dirty air ducts, people with allergies or other illnesses may be more sensitive.  This will worsen as you allow problems to go without being fixed.  This is another reason it is important to hire a professional.  This can prevent mistakes during cleaning and minor repairs from becoming worse later.

Remodeling Tips for a Successful Project

Thinking of remodeling a room in your house? Before doing so, consider these tips to make the remodel as smooth sailing as possible.

At Choice Property Restoration, we are known for coming into your home after it has suffered a natural disaster, whether it is a flood, a fire, or a tornado, and restoring it to its previous state. Our construction professionals share over 35 years of experience working to repair and restore damaged homes, and we are extremely detail-oriented in our work. Not only do we use our expertise to perform restoration work, but we also offer remodeling services on ordinary homes. Our remodels include kitchens, bathrooms, basements, offices, and family rooms. Planning for a remodel takes some thought, and we would like to share some re from Better Homes & Gardens.

• Remember the big picture. When you are planning your budget for your remodel, do not forget to include long-term maintenance, energy-efficiency, and repair expenses. Also allow for extra money in case an emergency arises.
• Plan ahead. Selecting your products early can prevent delays from happening. Planning ahead can help you stay on budget as well.
• Be a good boss. Treat your remodelers well. The perfect clients can be honest, easy to get along with, and appreciate the work being done by the construction team.
• Know what you are getting into. Be prepared for frustrations to arise during the remodeling project. Living in a construction zone means you will be dealing with unexpected snags, delays, and inconveniences on a daily basis. Knowing there will be possible problems ahead better prepares you for the reality. Just keep in mind the project will come to an end, and you will have a beautiful, newly remodeled room.
• Pitch a temporary camp. If your kitchen is being remodeled, living without this important room for a few weeks can be difficult. Set up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house away from the construction zone with a refrigerator and a microwave oven so that you can continue to cook your own meals at home.
• Pack away your valuables. It is a good idea to protect the valuable items in your home before the remodeling project gets started. Take down pictures and pack up all breakables. Protect your immovable fixtures like chandeliers and built-in cabinets. Cover all flooring with cardboard sheets to keep it in good condition.
• Communicate effectively. If anything occurs that is unsatisfactory to you, let our company supervisor know immediately so that we can deal with the issue. We cannot read your mind, so informing us when something is wrong is important in doing the best job we can.
• Prioritize luxury items. It makes no sense to install a whirlpool tub if you are not the kind of person who likes to take baths. Instead, spend the extra dollars on something you will use every day, such a luxury shower with dual heads. The same thing applies when you are planning out a kitchen. Will you really use a desk in your kitchen, or does it make more sense to utilize that space better with more cabinets?

Ready for a remodeling project at your house? Contact Choice Property Restoration today to talk to our staff about giving you a new kitchen, bathroom, or other room in your home.