How to Maintain Good Air Quality with Pets

If you own a pet you know that they are just like members of your family. But if you suffer from allergies, they might just be the reason. Many, if not all, animals shed. Not just fur but also microscopic pieces of their skin; this is called dander and it greatly affects a home’s indoor air quality.

Depending on how much time your pet goes outside, at least 50% of your pet’s dander collects in the house. Even a dog’s saliva can dry up and collect on his fur before flaking off and circulating through a home’s HVAC system.

This dander can lead to poor indoor air quality, resulting in allergic reactions and other respiratory problems.  

If you have a pet you are most likely inhaling loose particles of their skin with every breath you take. In order to own a pet and stay healthy it is necessary to rid your home of built up animal dander. Here are a few steps to take to keep your home pet friendly and healthy.

No More Snuggles

Invest in a pet bed. Yes, letting your furry friends sleep with you is one of the perks of having a pet, but it is also one of the biggest sources for pet dander.

Buy them their own bed so that they can shed in peace without getting their dirty skin particles all over your pillow. It is also recommended to make all bedrooms in your house completely pet free to keep air quality at its best.

Invest in a Purifier

It’s hard enough to keep pets out of the bedroom, but what about the rest of the house?  That is why an air purifier is recommended for each of the rooms your pets frequent.

Dust Often

Dander can sit in the little crevices of your home the same way that dust does. By dusting often, you are ridding your home of settled dander particles that could be making you sick.

In addition, dusting will overall improve your home’s air quality helping you and your family to breathe healthier in your home.

Buy a HEPA Filter Vacuum

A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter vacuum is an effective tool for cleaning built up pet dander from carpets and also cleaning the air in your home. It is recommended to wear an allergy mask while using this vacuum since it will pull many microscopic particles out from your carpets.

Reduce Dander on your Pet

While pet dander is inevitable, keeping your pets hygienic by bathing and brushing them on a regular basis will greatly lessen their dander.

Maintain a Clean Litter box

This step seems self explanatory but many people do not even think about taking this step to avoid dander in the home. Make sure the litter box is placed in a well ventilated room in the house. Another option is to place it near your home’s air purifier.

By taking steps to avoid dander build up you will be reducing allergens in your home and be improving your home’s indoor air quality. And you’ll still be able to enjoy your pet’s companionship. 

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex
(919) 297-2715

 

Effects of Mold in the Workplace

One of the biggest setbacks in the workplace is when an employee is absent due to illness. One employee being out of the office is bad enough, but having several out for several days could hinder productivity.

Even worse is when several employees on the workforce are complaining of allergy-like symptoms and are unable to complete their work to their full potential.  For one, this means that productivity is affected and two, that there maybe an underlying issue causing this illness.

If multiple employees are complaining about similar symptoms you could be dealing with environmental issues in the workplace.  One of the most common issue: mold. A high concentration of mold in a workplace can lead to low indoor air quality which directly correlates to employee health.

Mold Basics

In order to find a solution to mold in the workplace, you must first understand what mold is. Mold is the general name given to many naturally occurring types of fungi that can grow both inside and outside.

Since it is such a simple organism, it does not take much for mold to grow, and once it does, it grows fast. Mold is everywhere all the time, but majority of the time it does not pose a problem. In fact, mold can be beneficial to the environment around us. We use mold for medications, aiding in gardening, and even in cheese.

However, mold can also create serious health issues if left in high concentrations. Did you know that mold can cause cancer, almost all sinus infections, and even multiple sclerosis?  If you have moisture and the right temperature, you will probably have a mold issue on your hands.

It is almost impossible to avoid mold growth in large commercial spaces because it can grow practically anywhere where there is moisture.  This includes air ducts, basements, and attics.  Remember: sun is not necessary for mold growth. Just moisture.

In order to prevent large mold outbreaks make sure you have regular HVAC checks to make sure HVAC systems are not leaking.  Additionally, keep an eye out for leaks or indoor spills.

Common Symptoms

While mold might be tricky to clear, it is pretty simple to notice the symptoms.   Regardless, though, if you are unsure whether or not employees have symptoms of allergies or symptoms of mold exposure, encourage your employees to see a healthcare professional. These are the most common symptoms of a mold allergy:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Irritation of skin, eyes, nose, and throat
• Hay-fever type symptoms

Remediation

The last thing you want is for your employees to be sick from mold exposure. Noticing a problem and contacting specialists is the first (and most important) step on your way to remediation.

Professional mold remediation specialists will inspect the contaminated area, then use negative air pressure machines to clean the contaminated air.  After this step, everything is cleansed with a HEPA vacuum and then cleaned with antimicrobials. A clearance test is then performed to ensure that all of the mold has been cleared out of the workplace.

After a visit from a specialist, you can expect healthier employees which will mean a more productive work environment. If you suspect you have mold, be sure to take care of it as soon as possible. The longer you wait to solve the problem, the more of a problem it becomes.

 

 

 

 

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex
(919) 297-2715

6 Simple Ways to Prevent Mold from AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

Summer is almost here across the Triangle area, and that means closing up the house to save energy and keep cool as much as possible.  A sealed home, quite common in the hot months, can sometimes increase the chances for mold.

In our last AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex Blog, our team suggested the five most common places mold can grow in a home. Mold needs the following components to get develop: warmth, moisture and food. These foods include organic materials that are found in every home like wood, paper, drywall, dust and other porous materials. Now that our current readers know that mold likes to grow and thrive in the Triangle, let’s talk about how to prevent it.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers six simple ways to prevent mold in the Triangle home or business:

• Ventilation: This is one of the best ways to prevent mold from starting. Think of the rooms in a home that almost always have some type of moisture, steam or high humidity. They are usually the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. Using exhaust fans or opening a window when these rooms are in use, allows the humidity to escape and can help prevent the start of mold.
• Circulation: Mold also loves stale and musty air. Circulating the air throughout the house with fans, ceiling fans and air conditioners can reduce the chance for mold.
• Humidity: Periods of high humidity can cause certain types of mold to begin. Often the best way to prevent mold in high humidity situations is to use a dehumidifier.
• Dryness: If carpeting and or carpet padding gets wet and remains damp, it only takes about 24 to 48 hours for mold to start growing. Drying the carpet quickly is the best way to prevent mold.  Our team can help dry the wet carpet and if needed, we can manage the situation, and make sure everything is under control.
• Cleanliness: Keeping the home clean can reduce the chances of mold. Mold spores can be found anywhere, floating around outdoors and indoors. Keeping the surroundings clean is essential. 
• Sunshine: Open the curtains and the let the sun shine in. Mold doesn’t like the sun and letting the sun in can prevent mold in many areas of your home.

If mold is found in the home, or there is suspicion, AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex can inspect and test for mold in a Triangle home or business.  If mold is found we will safely assess and remove it following proper procedures to make certain the mold is contained and properly disposed.

Advanta Clean is IIRC certified and serve the entire Triangle area including Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina, Lillington, Sanford and Fayetteville/ Fort Bragg. Concerned about mold? Please call our experts at 919-434-7249 for a mold inspection today.

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AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your mold and environmental specialist in Southwest Wake, Chatham and Johnston Counties.

Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

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5 Common Places for Mold in a North Carolina Home or Business

With the heat and humidity of summer right around the corner across the Triangle and Southwest Wake County, mold can become a serious indoor problem and must be watched for in any increased wet conditions. Mold only needs warm temperatures to grow and thrive. It can be a problem during the winter months as well. Yet it is the warmer and more humid months of summer across our region of North Carolina that includes Fayetteville, Lillington, Sanford, Pittsboro, Cary and Apex, where it can grow at an even faster rate. Mold always grows best at temperatures between 60 F and 80 F, which is where most air conditioners are set during the summer.

In our last AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex Blog, we wrote about how mold can affect our indoor health and how certain allergic symptoms can lead our AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex team to look for an array of indoor mold situations. It is important to note that it can grow almost anywhere in our homes and businesses. There are common places where mold is most likely to be found as well. Now that spring is here, most owners usually do a good spring cleaning where they live and work. If mold, mildew, fungus or damp and dry spotting are found, it is important to call us to assess the home or building. Our certified and local AdvantaClean professionals can clean the mold and remove it properly with the least amount of disruption to home, life, and business.

AdvantaClean suggests five common places for find mold that could grow in a home or business:

• Behind bathroom walls: Walls in the bathtub or shower can be especially susceptible to mold around and under the shower head neck and faucets. Over the years, water can drip behind the ceramic tiles. Possible signs of mold behind the wall include holes in the tile grout, cracked tiles, or if tiles start to become lose and possibly fall off of the wall.  
• Window sills: During spring cleaning, mold might be found around and under the window sills. Condensation occurs during the winter because it is colder outside and warmer and more humid indoors. During the winter, condensation builds up on windows and drips down into the walls and window sills.
• Carpets and carpet padding: Carpets take a lot of abuse including spilled liquids, dirt and minor floods. Dirt can be food for mold and water of course is where it starts. Water can get onto and under carpets from any number of reasons that can include drips, weather and problems like a leaking hot water tank.
• Wallpaper: There are signs that could indicate mold behind wallpaper. These signs include torn wallpaper, damp spots, discoloration or peeling edges.
• Other common places: Check for mold under sinks, on shower curtains, around air conditioners, ductwork, and door gaskets on front loading washing machines. Areas like  attics, basements, crawl spaces, chimneys, cavity walls, refrigerator drip pans and ceiling tiles should be assessed too.
  

Mold can grow wherever there is water, dampness and condensation. If there is mold or the suspicion of mold, call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex. Our local team of professionals can inspect and test for mold in a home or business. If mold is found we will safely remove it, following proper procedures to make certain the damage is contained and removed properly every time. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex is IIRC certified and we serve a wide area of the Triangle and surrounding region. If concerned about mold, or if it is sighted; call us immediately at 919-434-7249 for an inspection today.

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Southwest Wake, Chatham, Lee, Cumberland and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

We are the premier air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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4 Important Signs That Mold is Present in a Triangle Home or Business

There are approximately 30 common types of mold found in North Carolina homes and businesses that can cause health problems, and there are thousands of mold spores in the air especially as we head quickly to spring. Sometimes the mold can be seen, but many times mold is hidden in walls, under bathroom tiles, and under the carpet.

It is important to note that mold can cause health problems and should be addressed when found. Thankfully, AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex has ways to detect and identify a suspected mold problem in the home or business.

The best and most effective way to take eliminate mold is to call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex. Even if there is just a suspicion of mold, our professional team can inspect and test for mold and take care of any mold problem before it gets worse. If and when mold is found, we will take a culture of the mold and test it to determine the amount within a home or business.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex suggests four important signs that mold might be present in a home or building:

• Sickness and poor health symptoms: Many times, if mold is present, there will be health symptoms that include nasal and sinus congestion, cough, sore throats, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, asthma or worsening of asthma, nosebleeds, headaches, skin and eye irritations and upper respiratory tract infections.  Many of the mold symptoms resemble normal allergies or a cold. If people living in the home feel better outside or at work and the symptoms return when at home, that could be an indication of mold in the home.
• Musty odors: Mold usually has a smell to it, but that is not always the case; mold produces or gives off gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC). The smell that is most closely associated with mold is a musty odor. Some have compared it to the smell books get when they are wet. The wet pages are turning moldy. If there is an unusual persistent musty odor, there could be a chance mold is present.
• The physical appearance of mold: In the shower stall, mold looks different than normal soap scum. If you should see small black specs starting to form on the tiles or the shower curtain, that could be black mold starting to form. Under sinks is another place you might see mold.
• Other signs of mold: Are there continual damp spots on walls, ceilings or carpets? These areas could easily be places where mold could be growing. Other signs can include bubbling, peeling or cracking of the paint or wallpaper, or white patches under carpets, behind furniture and in cabinets.

Mold can be in plain sight or hide behind walls, under floor tiles and carpeting. Serving the entire Triangle area, Sanford, Lillington, Fayetteville and beyond, AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex can test for mold with one simple call. If mold is found, we will safely remove the mold following proper procedures. Our experts will make certain the mold is contained and disposed of properly and on time. If mold is suspected, call us at 919-434-7249 for an inspection and test.

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your mold and environmental specialist in Southwest Wake, Chatham and Johnston Counties.

Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

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Five Ways to Assess Fire and Smoke Damage in the Triangle

Accidental fire and the resulting smoke damage are challenges for any home or business owner in North Carolina. It can even be more challenging when the cleanup gets off to a slow start or doesn’t progress in quick order. If smoke residue and ash, is left sitting around for any length of time, it begins to cause permanent discoloration and odors for flooring, furnishings, and other building contents. In addition, odors from fire and smoke will tend to linger and stay unless cleaned up quickly and properly, and mold is another possibility. The solution to all these problems is to call AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex, the local professionals who are knowledgeable, experienced, and certified at handling fire and smoke damage. Triangle home and business owners are fortunate to have this team right here working in the Triangle, Fayetteville, Lillington and Sanford.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers five ways to quickly address fire and smoke damage:

• AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is available anytime, including weekends and holidays: Our people and equipment are always on call and ready to respond to the situation. Time is perhaps the most important consideration when it comes to cleaning up odors, water damage, and smoke damage resulting from fires. We are also experts at mold inspection and remediation, which is a common issue after fires, and can work to prevent a mold problem from emerging.
• Our experts are experienced in cooperating with insurance claims adjusters: Claims adjusters are the insurance company representatives who interact with insured property owners and their contractors to process claims. We know their operating methods and expectations, and will work with them to get the work done quickly and keep further damage under control.
• Our team is IICRC Certified: Certification by the IICRC means AdvantaClean is using the most current and proven methods to remediate fire and smoke damage. It also requires us to adhere to high standards of business ethics and customer care, and our people always get ongoing education to maintain a high level of competency.
• We are experienced professionals in cleaning and removing fire and smoke damage: Soot, ash, and smoke residues are no ordinary cleaning task, with specialized expertise and equipment needed. The area needs to be cleaned quickly and completely to prevent further damage to a building and contents. We get to work immediately and know exactly how to do it correctly in every situation.
• AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex removes mold: Water is typically used to extinguish a fire. This can quickly lead to mold growth. We are experts in mold detection and removal, and can ensure that mold will not be an ongoing problem after a fire.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is the Triangle region contractor of choice for remediating fire and smoke damage. The aftermath of a fire must be cleaned up quickly and correctly to minimize damage. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is IICRC Certified, works fast, and provides the right people, equipment, expertise, and great customer service to get the job done right. Call us immediately to clean up fire and smoke damage.

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AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists, local and responsive!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

Tags: smoke and ash cleanup, fire, fire damage, smoke damage, smoke, ash, residue, toxic, hazardous, chemicals, acidic, reactive, time-sensitive, Cary, Apex, Raleigh, North Carolina, Triangle, Wake County, IICRC Certified

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Five Important Dryer Vent Cleaning Suggestions in the Triangle

Most people in the Triangle are focused on routine when it comes to doing laundry and other various  household chores. Modern appliances make it simple and easy, and there are always so many more duties to think about and get done on a daily basis; yet it is important to maintaining home appliances and mechanical systems. It is important to note that even something as simple as vent tubing at the back of the dryer to the outside, is a significant cause of home fires.  This fact is often overlooked as flammable lint and debris accumulate over time. This greatly increases the possibility of clothes not drying properly, and the chance of fire. Businesses across the Triangle have this risk too, especially commercial laundry facilities at hospitals, nursing homes, dormitories, apartment buildings, and other facilities housing large numbers of people. Mid-winter is a great time of year to have the dryer vent cleaned by professionals. Call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex to get the job done right. We are the Central North Carolina experts to call for residential and commercial dryer vent cleaning.

Our expert team at AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex suggests these five important considerations for dryer vent cleaning in the Triangle:

• Be aware of common signals: There are a few factors that signal the dryer vent, or the dryer, isn’t working properly. If laundry is still damp after running a full cycle, if the dryer gets very warm when used normally, or if the lint trap is frequently empty or without much lint, the vent is very likely plugged and a fire hazard could be present.
• The lint trap will not stop all lint: People tend to think that all of the lint running through the system gets caught in the dryer’s lint trap, but the fact is that a lot of fine particles bypass the lint trap and enter the vent tube. Normal operation of the dryer and clearing the lint trap before every load will not completely prevent dryer vent problems, although it certainly slows down the process.
• AdvantaClean is the best solution: Some dryer vents are very long, and make numerous twists and turns along the way. Specialized equipment is the only way to reach some areas, and some parts of the vent system are easily damaged. In addition, there are usually some trouble spots in need of extra attention, and our team knows where to find them.
• There are hazards involved: Most dryer vent systems have sheet metal, screws, and sharp edges that can be dangerous. However, the most significant DIY hazard is probably not getting the job done right, missing the trouble spots, and ending up with the same fire risk as if nothing was done.
• Improperly installed dryer vents are common: This part of a residential or commercial structure is all too often constructed in haste, by unskilled workers, and is not usually visible to the building owner. In many cases, vents are installed or configured without a building permit, and without an inspection. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex can identify and correct this issue.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is the best team of professionals in the Triangle to clean  dryer vents and HVAC air ducts.  A good rule is to have them both done at the same time. Contact us today to keep every home and building safe.

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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Five Important Reasons to Make Sure Air Duct Cleaning is Done Right!

Air duct cleaning, expertly done by a competent NADCA certified firm like AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex, can bring multiple benefits. The most important one is the improvement of indoor air quality and efficient operation of the HVAC system in a home or business. The weather in North Carolina, especially the long hot summers, causes these systems to run for many hours per day, moving huge volumes of air through the ducts and various other components of the system. Filters don’t catch everything, so eventually dust and debris accumulates in the system; this in turn gets recirculated into the indoor air, and HVAC system efficiency decreases.

To complicate the problem, the consumer can get confused with the wide variety of special offers done by a variety of vendors. These special offers and scams are showing up prominently on the internet, on Facebook and other sources. And they come in the “value” circulars as coupons, usually via the USPS.     The best way to fight the inexpensive and inferior offers consumers that see is to call professionals at AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex. We are the quality NADCA certified air duct cleaning team can be found in the Triangle, Lillington, Fayetteville, Sanford and more.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers five reasons to avoid using coupons and special offers for air duct cleaning:

• Air duct cleaning may not actually be necessary: It is important to inspect for obvious signs the HVAC system needs cleaning. If an accumulation of dust or other particles is evident near air duct inlets and outlets; if dust is everywhere on the contents of the building, or if the air is noticeably dirty, then the air ducts most probably need to be cleaned. If these signs are not present, air duct cleaning may be avoidable. If the need is uncertain, or the owner wants it done regardless, a professional inspection is very affordable using AdvantaClean.
• Coupons and special offers are often just a “bait and switch” tactic: Considering the equipment, the expertise, and hours required to perform an effective air duct or HVAC system cleaning, the low price offers of $25 or $50 dollars to do an entire home or business are just too good to be true. HVAC system problems identified by these types of contractors may be phony or exaggerated, and are usually intended to create extra charges; most or all of them unneeded.
• Proper cleaning of air ducts under NADCA standards always ensure good results and cleaner air: The methodology involves looking at every component of the HVAC system where air passes over, including coils, fans, filters, and heat exchangers. Special equipment such as brushes, air whips, compressed air nozzles, and a HEPA vacuum system are used to remove dust, debris, and other contaminants.
• Always use a NADCA certified company to avoid scams and extra expense: AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is a certified member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and adheres to a long list of standards for inspection, evaluation, cleaning, and restoration of HVAC systems.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is the best air duct cleaning contractor in the Triangle, considering our years of experience, great customer service, and use of specialized equipment with well-trained staff. We do the job right and help North Carolina home and business owners improve indoor air quality and heating/cooling system efficiency. Call us today for air duct cleaning done right.

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist throughout the Triangle, as well as Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina, Lillington, Sanford and Fort Bragg. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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4 Leading Causes of Mold in the North Carolina Winter

Mold is a chronic problem that can arrive any time of year in Triangle homes and businesses. Mold is a serious issue in the North Carolina winter when moisture grows and flourishes. It can be 20 degrees one day and 70 degrees the next. Cold season roof leaks can allow water to get into attics, ceilings, and inside walls, and can often go unnoticed for a long time. The recent cold and snowy Triangle weather may have caused an abnormal accumulation of ice on the roof, resulting in water intrusion from melting. Also in winter and during extremely cold weather, any drain or water supply pipes that are susceptible to freezing can crack and leak; this can happen slowly and go undetected inside walls and ceilings. The bottom line is moisture intrusion or excessive humidity into a building can easily turn into a mold problem. When that happens, a qualified member of the AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex team is often needed.

Here are the four leading causes of mold problems during a North Carolina winter:

• Undetected roof leaks can create moisture: These leaks can occur during wet and cold weather; melting snow can easily go through the roof instead of draining away. This situation usually occurs near the edge of the roof. When this happens, water can get inside walls. Check the attic at least once a week for signs of moisture, and look for stains on walls and ceilings. Early detection of moisture can often prevent a mold problem.
• Frozen pipes can thaw quickly and leak slowly: Triangle and Central Carolina winters are often very unpredictable. It could be below freezing one day and 70 degrees the next. Most leaks may not be sudden or obvious. Those leaks can be hairline cracks as well, leaking slowly where the potential for mold growth is high. The appearance of water stains on drywall can provide clues of a problem, but these sources of moisture are often very difficult to detect. The best mold prevention is to ensure the indoor temperature is 55 degrees or higher, and that pipes are insulated.
• Condensation can occur on colder surfaces exposed to warmer indoor air: This condition can happen in unexpected areas, such as underneath carpeting on a cold floor. Condensation can also occur on the back side of drywall, wallpaper, paneling or other wall coverings, especially during the cooler weather. If these areas stay moist, mold will often develop on the surface. In many cases, there will be little or no staining or other evidence of a problem until a smell is noticed. The best prevention is air circulation and proper wall insulation.
• Plumbing connections to appliances can be a problem: Rubber, plastic, and other flexible hoses that connect washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances to water supply plumbing are well-known areas of possible moisture any time of year. Any area near the leak can eventually accumulate excessive moisture to create mold. Periodic inspection of these connections and replacement of the flexible hoses are the best preventions.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is the contractor of choice in the Triangle when it comes to correctly assessing, cleaning up a mold problem, and helping home and business owners prevent mold. Think of us as the local mold specialists. We utilize a network of laboratories and testing partners to identify mold problems, and use specialized equipment with highly trained people to do the job right and keep mold from growing and spreading.

Call us today with any mold problems; from the Southwest Wake County to Lillington to Fayetteville and beyond, we will be there when the need arises.

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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5 Critical North Carolina Winter Indoor Moisture Problems

Excessive indoor moisture and humidity are well-known problems North Carolina and throughout the Southeast summer. Lack of ventilation and the constant use of air conditioning between June and October enable very humid air to become trapped indoors; this can create mold growth and other problems. However, it is important to note that high indoor humidity and moisture levels can cause even more problems during winter. Condensation can occur on cold surfaces; walls, windows, and doors that are cooled by cold outdoor air as well. If the moisture is not corrected, this can eventually cause structural damage and poor indoor air quality. It’s important for Triangle home and business owners to know about moisture and all the problems it can cause, as well as how to get indoor moisture issues fixed.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers important advice on five very common indoor moisture problems during North Carolina’s winter months:

• Condensation on windows, exterior-facing doors, and walls: Moisture occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces inside a building. Poorly insulated windows, doors, and walls are common sources. Condensation causes water to accumulate in these areas and enable mold to grow, or if undetected or not corrected over a period of time, causes important building structural components to deteriorate.
• Mold growth in moist areas: The essential ingredients for mold growth are present in most indoor environments, as mold microbes are everywhere. They only need a food source and moisture to flourish. The food source, in the form of wood products and other cellulose-rich building materials such as drywall and furniture are abundant, and moisture is often the only missing ingredient. Remember, moisture accumulates indoors and mold can grow.
• Dust mites and insects thrive in elevated humidity levels: Dust mites are known to cause allergy and asthma symptoms for many people in homes and businesses. Even if mold isn’t present within an overly humid environment, dust mites will be plentiful enough to significantly reduce indoor air quality. And the problems become more serious when mold is present.
• Crawl space enclosures and dehumidifiers: Crawl spaces can be a source of excessive indoor moisture during winter months if the ground is moist. This moisture continuously evaporates and enters the indoor air, and mold can grow if the air is warm.  AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex can detect and resolve crawl space moisture problems with encapsulations. If the problem is not so severe, running a dehumidifier may be a solution.
• The key fact to solving indoor moisture problems: Moisture sources should be identified and controlled, and relative humidity levels should be maintained in the 40 to 60 percent range. Some common moisture sources are condensation, slow plumbing leaks, poorly ventilated bathrooms, damp crawl spaces, attics, and indoor activities such as cooking.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex specializes in helping home and business owners improve their indoor air quality, test, remediate and eliminate mold, and encapsulate crawl spaces. We offer the best available expertise certified by multiple standards-setting organizations. Add to this the best equipment and customer service available in the Triangle, and there’s no reason not to call now to solve building moisture and indoor air quality issues.

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May you and yours have the most joyous of Christmas Seasons and Happy New Year!

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is the regional environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all regional service needs, from the Triangle to Sanford to Lillington to Faywetteville.

We are the air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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