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.

**

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

Photo: AdvantaClean

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

**

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

Photo: AdvantaClean

 

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.

**

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

Photo: Mojpe/243 Image, Pixabay.com

 

 

 

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.

**

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

Photo: AdvantaClean

 

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.

**

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

Photo: june66, pixabay.com

 

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.

**

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

Photo: markusspike, pixabay

Five Important Tips for Winter Home Safety

The Holiday Season is here in the Triangle, Fayetteville and the surrounding region, and the weather will be getting below freezing more and more frequently, with overnight lows in the 20’s and 30’s. These temperatures create a variety of challenges for maintaining homes and businesses, and keeping the occupants safe. Indoor air quality can decrease when the heating system runs every day, and those homeowners using natural gas or heating oil might have additional risks of carbon monoxide. Unattended homes and buildings over the holidays can create problems that can go unnoticed.  Basic prevention and assessment of indoor air is the best strategy for home and business owners in the Triangle. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex can help with preventive measures such as air duct cleaning, and our team of professionals can also assist remediate mishaps like water, fire, or smoke damage.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers five important tips for preparing a home or business for the North Carolina winter:

• The HVAC system should have an annual inspection this time of year: A local and reputable HVAC contractor should make sure the system is operating safely and efficiently before it is used on a regular basis for the long winter season. If the heating system uses any fossil fuels, make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working. An improperly operating or defective heating system can release colorless, odorless, and deadly carbon monoxide gas into the indoor air.
• Commercial and residential air ducts should be inspected and cleaned to ensure the best indoor air quality: The air ducts move vast quantities of air through the system, and over a period of time, dust and debris can accumulate in those ducts. A NADCA certified and experienced contractor like AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex can assess and clean them.
• Prevent pipes from freezing and bursting in extreme cold: Exterior and interior wall water supplies and drain pipes must not be allowed to get below 32 degrees or they can freeze. As water turns to ice, it expands and can cause pipes to break. Prevent freezing by keeping the indoor temperature at least 55 degrees. If leaving for an extended period, turn the main building water supply off, flush toilets, and run faucets dry.
• Check for exterior water leaks on the roof, siding, and around windows: While this is actually a good year-round inspection to do, it’s especially important if the building will be left unattended for any length of time. Minor leaks from these areas can enable mold growth inside walls and ceilings, which can spread rapidly if growing unnoticed in a tightly sealed building.
• Disconnect any appliances not being used during an extended absence period: Water lines to refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can begin leaking suddenly and spew a lot of water. Refrigerators, freezers and other electrical appliances left running can fail electrically, causing a fire. To eliminate the possibility of flood or fire, disconnect or shut off the water source and do not leave electrical appliances running while away for any period of time.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex specializes in helping home and business owners keep their indoor air clean and recover from fire, smoke, and water damage. We offer the best NADCA and IICRC Certified expertise, equipment, and customer service available in the Triangle. While remediation business is always appreciated, we also want all our friends and neighbors in North Carolina to avoid disasters and injuries.

**

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

Advanta Clean is the air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle and surrounding region.

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

Photo: James DeMers, pixabay.com

 

 

Five Leading Causes of Triangle Home and Business Water Damage

The upcoming fall and winter temperatures can bring increased potential for water damage in Triangle homes and businesses. It is also one of the busiest times of the year for people in North Carolina. Kids in the Raleigh area can now take advantage of cooler weather and the Holiday Season. In combination with the busy summer and vacations, not much attention is usually paid to certain types of building maintenance.

It is important to note that water damage from to small leaks within structural and plumbing facilities is one of the leading causes of family and business disruption and financial losses. A few simple strategies can help prevent water damage disasters and the mold that often comes afterward in these situations. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is the local service specialist in water damage and mold remediation. Our team has managed a variety of water damage conditions over the years.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers these five important tips for preventing water damage and mold:

• Freezing pipes and hoses can burst and start leaking when temperatures are less than 32 degrees: It does not have to get to 10 or 15 degrees to create problems. Any pipes on the outside of a building, or in unheated attics and crawl spaces, need to be insulated to prevent freezing. Garden hoses should be disconnected and drained before freezing happens, or the potential result can be damage to the plumbing inside the building.
• Locate and seal any roof, window, or siding leaks: These types of leaks tend to develop slowly and go undetected for periods of time, especially during dry and cool weather. These leaks usually become apparent with a wind driven rain event, such as a heavy rain or winter storm. An undetected leak can result in mold growth in sources like attics, crawl spaces, and inside walls. The only prevention strategy is monthly inspections to look for evidence of leaks or excessive moisture.
• Water supply hoses to appliances, sinks, and toilets need to be assessed and replaced as needed: These hoses are present nearly with dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, sinks, or commodes. They can slowly develop cracks and start leaking small amounts, or they can suddenly burst and create damage everywhere. A widespread recommendation is to replace appliance supply hoses at least every five years. As for sinks and toilets, regularly inspect the supply lines and shutoff valves.
• Today’s modern appliances do not last like they used to and can fail earlier than anticipated: All appliances that use water, including washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators, have internal plumbing and water valves. Due to manufacturing defects or age, usually at seven to 10 years, this internal plumbing can fail and leak. The best prevention is to replace external supply lines and regularly inspect for water leaks.
• Anywhere there is moisture, mold can grow: Mold and its food sources are present nearly everywhere in the environment, both indoors and outdoors. Moisture is the missing ingredient and with an ample supply, mold can grow and spread. Mold, on many occasions is a derivative of an acute water damage problem. It can start growing within 48 hours of any moisture.

In the unfortunate event a Triangle home or business has water or mold damage, AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is fully qualified and capable of remediating the situation properly and quickly with the right people, equipment, and training. In addition to years of experience across Apex, Cary, Southwest Wake and beyond, we are IICRC Certified in water damage restoration and mold remediation.

**

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

Photo: maialisa, pixabay.com

 

Five Essential Steps to Remove Scary Pollution in Time for Halloween

It is almost Halloween and the indoor air quality (IAQ) in many Triangle homes and businesses can get downright frightful. This is especially true considering that a wide variety of sources of indoor air pollution are common and widespread at this time of year.

Pollutants such as dust, soot, small particles, mold, and chemical residues tend to accumulate indoors on surfaces and in HVAC systems, particularly when ventilation with outdoor air is infrequent and inadequate. Most buildings in North Carolina are tightly sealed from outdoor air during the hot summer months and the coldest winter months, which makes fall and spring the best times to ventilate with fresh air. Through awareness of the sources of IAQ problems and steps to minimize them, Triangle home and business owners can make big improvements. Finally, getting the HVAC air ducts cleaned is critical in preventing recirculation of accumulated pollutants and improving indoor air quality.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex recommends these five essential steps to eliminating indoor air pollution and improving indoor air quality:

• AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex suggests removing and controlling the sources of indoor air pollution: Cleaning products, air fresheners, furniture and flooring materials can release toxic chemical fumes. Common household and business activities, including cooking, pets, printers, and copiers are sources of microscopic particles. Reducing the use of these certain products, along with using more effective cleaning methods, can go a long way toward improving IAQ.
  

• Use a top quality vacuum cleaner: Traditional vacuum cleaners that use a bag will exhaust or recirculate significant amounts of dust and other small particles back into the air. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum cleaners utilize filters that capture and prevent recirculation of nearly all fine particles. Vacuums with HEPA filtration are available in most stores and online, and are essential in removing the most prevalent sources of pollution.
  

• Assess and adjust techniques for dusting and vacuuming: Commonly used cleaning methods tend to spread and recirculate indoor air pollutants rather than remove them. Widely-used cleaners can contain toxic chemicals such as fragrances, chlorine bleach, and ammonia, and introduce more pollutants than they remove. It is important to consider alternative cleaners and changing dusting approaches.
  

• Ventilation with fresh air is important: Since many structures in the Triangle and surrounding areas are tightly sealed from outdoor air, mainly for energy efficiency, the indoor air can get increasingly unhygienic as weeks and months go by. Ventilation with outdoor air, by opening windows at least once a week, can allow pollutants to escape. In addition, HVAC systems can be modified to take in additional fresh outdoor air.
  

• Call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex to have HVAC air ducts professionally cleaned: Even after source reduction, effective cleaning, and ventilation are managed, the air ducts in a building will still accumulate dust and other debris over a period of time. The accumulated pollutants are then continually recirculated in the indoor air. This is because large volumes of air move through the system. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex specializes in air duct cleaning, and uses HEPA vacuums in the process.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex are knowledgeable experts in the Triangle that identify and correct IAQ problems, whether it’s at a home or business. Our professional team finds the sources of indoor air pollution, odors, and mold, and works with owners to improve air quality by providing information and services such as NADCA certified air duct cleaning.

Winter is coming and it is important to assess air quality. Please call us today at 919 434 7249 for service in the Triangle, Southwest Wake County, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Angier, Lillington, Sanford, and Fayetteville-Fort Bragg.

To all of our friends and clients: Happy Halloween Everyone!

**

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.

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

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

Photo: AdvantaClean