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You Can Control Mold at Home!

2/5/2021

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Can I Keep Mold Out of My Home?

The state of Florida can present a huge problem because of the humidity in this region. That humidity can cause mold to grow in the home. Mold in the home can destroy your home and your health. And if mold grows for any length of time it will cost a lot of money to remove it from your home. The good news is that you can effectively work to keep mold out of your home even in a very humid area like Florida.

Pay Attention to High Moisture Areas

The bathroom and kitchen are areas where moisture content is high. Mold will thrive in an area where there is excessive moisture. So when you’re taking a shower remember to open a window or turn on a vent. Every bathroom should have a fan installed in Florida. And wipe up any spilled water immediately don’t allow it to sit.

Take Note Of Indoor Humidity

The humidity level in Florida can reach very high levels outside. But that doesn’t have to be the case inside the house. An effective way to control mold in the home is making sure the humidity levels in your house are only between 30 and 60%. New model HVAC systems will help regulate the humidity level in the house. It might also help to use a portable home dehumidifier in those high moisture areas of the home. You can also use a digital hygrometer to check humidity levels in the rooms in areas of your home.

Check Indoor Plants Often

Who doesn’t love the look and the beauty that indoor plants add to your home? While they do provide a beautiful look and improve the quality of the air inside, you still need to look out for mold growth in your house because of the plants. Plants do help with air pollution but the moistness in the soil can lead to the growth of spores.  Healthy houseplants will definitely improve the air quality in your home.

Clean and Maintain the HVAC System

Keeping your HVAC system updated and clean will keep the moisture level down in your home as well.  This is another effective way to prevent mold from spreading in the home. Clean window air conditioners and central air conditioning equipment often. Clean air purifiers and dehumidifiers every three months. This is essential maintenance to get rid of accumulated dust and dirt which will feed mold growth. Installing new filters in the air supply duct registers will provide a fresh air supply. It’s also good to use portable HEPA filter air cleaners to remove airborne mold spores.​

Use Your Nose

Your nose is a great way to help you detect mold problems. If you smell mold it’s there even though it’s not visible to the eye. If you smell mold it very well may be in the walls, ceilings, attic and air-conditioning equipment. So if you smell mold start to make an inspection immediately.Inspect all areas of the house the roof, attic, ceiling, walls, wood furniture. Mold causes discoloration of wood and other building material so it will be easy to spot at times.

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It is possible to keep mold out of your home even in Florida. You just have to know what habits and practices to implement and when


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Symptoms of Black Mold in Your Florida Home

1/15/2021

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​Symptoms of Black Mold at Home

Black mold in my home? The thought of black mold growing in our homes is very alarming. What’s even more unsettling is when you see something you suspect is black mold growing in your home. Knowledge about black mold is power. Knowledge has the power to calm our fears and to help us deal with the current or potential problem of black mold. It’s important to know the health problems that black mold can cause, and how to handle the mold if you think you have it in your home.

What is Black Mold?

Black mold is a mold that is often a black color, although it can be greenish or gray as well. The mold can grow in homes in damp and humid areas. It feeds on organic materials and common household materials like drywall, carpet, insulation, or subflooring that has been exposed to moisture. As the mold grows it can release toxic substances. These substances can cause health problems. ​

How to Identify Black Mold?

Black mold that’s growing in a visible area is easily seen. There are times when you’re not able to see a mold problem that’s actually happening behind your walls or maybe in your installation. If this is the case, you would smell a mold problem. Immediately investigate the source of the moisture that’s causing the smell. The smell would be most likely a musty, earthy smell like dirt or leaves that are rotting. If mold is present the smell is especially strong.

Testing for Black Mold

​You can actually test for black mold in your home yourself. There are mold testing kits that are available at the hardware store or even on Amazon. The pricing can vary in range for the do-it-yourself project usually around $30-$50. When you do it yourself you can take samples from a suspected affected area, and then send them off to a lab to be tested.

Symptoms of Exposure to Black Mold?

Common symptoms of black mold exposure include itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, an irritated throat, and irritated nasal passages. It has also been reported that black mole can be the cause of headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and chronic fatigue. For individuals with allergies, they are more likely to be affected by black mold exposure. Children and the elderly along with those with a weakened immune system are definitely at risk of bad reactions to mold.

Cleaning and Removing Black Mold

Evidence of black mold should be cleaned immediately.  The EPA explains that the key to mold control is moisture control. Mold on hard surfaces can be cleaned with a bleach solution, commercial cleaning products, or soap and water. Be sure to wear proper gloves, eyewear, and a mask when cleaning the mold.  Proper ventilation is a must. Open doors and windows for air circulation. Ceiling tiles, drywall, carpet, and any other porous material that has become moldy should be thrown away. 

When mold damage is very extensive, a professional mold remediation specialist should be called on to do the job. Finding the source of any dampness and moisture and addressing this source is very important so that the mold does not regrow.
At the end of the day responsible and safety-conscious homeowners will address mold issues immediately. Any mold growth in the home can be potentially dangerous and should be addressed thoroughly and swiftly.

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Crawl Space Moisture Control

12/11/2020

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Why are crawl spaces a breeding ground for mold issues? Because of the high moisture and humidity in crawl spaces. Think about the location of the crawl space. It sits underneath your home right on top of the earth. The dirt and soil from the earth contain moisture. And this moisture forms very easily in confined areas. Homes in  Southeastern states report having this issue more often. The EPA says, “The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture.” www.epa.gov/mold So what are some ways to control moisture in the crawl space?

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Crawl Space Moisture Control Tips

Crawl Space Maintenance

First off it’s essential to inspect the crawlspace for damage and quickly repair it. Check your crawl space for holes or cracks that small critters, cockroaches, and mice use to enter this space. ensure there are no entry or exit points within the crawl space. Seal holes using foam insulation, caulking, or wood. Similarly, check out any leaks that may be sending drips of water into your crawl space. Be sure to fix any issues quickly. Cleaning the crawl space regularly will help.  

Do I need a Dehumidifier? - Yes 

Moisture can go through the roof and cause problems during hot and humid months. Don’t let it build up. Get a dehumidifier to collect the excess moisture in the air and leave your space nice and dry. A dehumidifier will regulate humidity levels in your crawl space. The energy-efficient, self-draining models are the best and widely recommended.

Vapor Barriers A Must 

Sealing your crawl space is important if it has exposed dirt floors. Exposed dirt floors cause ground moisture to seep into your home, which increases humidity levels. Vapor barriers will be an effective solution and prevent moisture from entering your crawl space. When done properly, encapsulation can reduce moisture levels in your crawl space by 50% and keep it dry for many years.

Insulate your crawl space

You will need to insulate the crawl space after the vapor barrier is installed. Rigid panels made of expanded polystyrene foam are highly recommended. This type of insulation is more reliable and won’t fail or harbor mold or pests when wet. Insulation creates a tight seal that keeps air out while protecting the crawl space from moisture and mold growth. Proper insulation can affect conditions inside your home, and will nicely, lower your energy costs. Crawl space insulation helps to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.

Vents need to be Covered

Make sure any vents are concealed with airtight covers to keep nuisances out. Uncovered vents allow outside air, water, and pests to easily access your home, which leads to problems like flooding, moisture, damage to your structural supports, and more. Vents to the crawl space need to be covered.

Install a sump pump

As part of your flood prevention initiative, have a sump pump installed at the lowest section of the crawl space. You never know when it could flood. In the unlikely event that large amounts of water get in, like after a heavy downpour or a burst pipe, the sump pump will remove the water before it collects and causes damage.

Be Vigilant

By giving regular time and attention to the prevention of moisture in the crawl space you will be able to avoid Unnecessary expenses to this part of your home.

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Simple Steps to Remove Mold Properly

11/4/2020

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Mold and Mold Remediation in the home is a very important part of homeownership. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to mold:

1.) Do things right the first time to prevent mold.

2.) Take care of mold issues immediately.


​The following, are basic adaptable steps that can be used to quickly remove remediate mold properly. 

The following are basic adaptable steps that can be used to quickly  remediate mold properly.  

Step 1: Educate yourself about moisture
Evaluating moisture www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm and mold growth is more than just what you can see growing on the walls or in the corners. Mold can also be invisible, growing behind what you can see. So you have to think and ask yourself, could there be mold in this area? 
First off, mold grows because of water or moisture.  So the next thing to do is become a master of moisture. Understand where it’s coming from and how it’s getting in the house. Mold can spread and grow anywhere in the home as long as moisture and oxygen are present.  It particularly likes to grow on drywall, tiles, wood, insulation, and fabrics. 

Step 2: Write down your findings of the mold problem and create a plan of remediation
Be sure to document the mold situation with photos and videos and even write down details. This documentation will be used to develop a remediation plan.  This documentation can be of great assistance to whatever company manages the remediation.  
  
Step 3: Figure out how much of a mold problem you have to deal with. 
How much contamination are you really looking at?  Knowing the extent of damage will impact the approach to mold removal and clean up. The goal of mold removal is to remove all the mold growing within the home.  

Step 4: Remediate mold contamination
The cleanup process for mold remediation will look a little like this:

  • The water problem will be repaired. This will help prevent new mold spores from growing.
  • Isolate The contaminated area will be isolated.
  • Suppress dust. Do this by misting the contaminated areas.
  • Remove materials. 
  • Place materials in plastic bags. 
  • Clean. All non-porous materials and wood surfaces that are moldy must be cleaned. Cleaning of the affected area and egress. 
  • A Visibility test will be performed. 
  • The are will be dried completely. Fans, dehumidifiers, or raising  the indoor air temperature are a normal part of this process 
  • Replace. All materials that were moved should be replaced or repaired.

Step 5: Determine if cleanup has been successful. 
There are some final things that need to be done even after the mold is gone. Lastly, determine if your clean-up efforts have been successful. Here are some options and guidelines to follow.
  • The moisture problem has been fixed. Verify this by revisiting the home soon after remediation — you shouldn't see any signs of recurring water damage.​
  • No sign of visible mold, mold-damaged materials or moldy odors.
  • ​Homeowners should be able to occupy or re-occupy the home without physical symptoms or aggravated health complaints.
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When it comes to mold, the key is to implement a comprehensive moisture management strategy. Health issues from mold can be prevented and decreased by doing it right the first time. Following an immediate and thorough remediation plan is essential for getting rid of the mold.
Act Quickly!
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Moisture & Mold

10/12/2020

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When it comes to mold, moisture is one of the most important things to consider. Moisture is what all life needs to exist - and mold is no different. So that makes moisture control very important - whether you are having a mold remediation job performed or not.

A good example of this is a large condo job that us here at HERO Remediation are working on as we speak. The condo remediation project all comes down to moisture. Many of the residents are concerned when they don't see any issue on the surface, but our moisture meters, thermal cameras, and other tools indicate a different matter, and we recommend removing sheetrock to get to the actual issue. But once we open the walls and show them the damage and mold behind it, they understand why the moisture readings we found showed that we needed to remove the sheetrock.
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Moisture - Good & Evil

Moisture control is very important, as we can see. In fact, the EPA provides a very helpful Moisture Control Guide that you can use. But without going into an entire EPA document, here are some basics that can help you keep moisture under control:
  1. Use a dehumidifier. We live in Florida - so humidity is part of life here. If it is in your budget, consider having a professional dehumidifier put in your HVAC system. Some people rely on their AC system to dehumidify their home or building, but this is very often not enough.
  2. Keep your HVAC system running when you are away. Humidity in the air can cause a mold issue throughout your home or building in a matter of 48 hours - that's right, just 2 days. Often times, mold issues occur because people leave for the summer, go on a vacation, or otherwise leave their home for a while and turn off their HVAC system - leaving the home to have the same humidity as the outside of your home.
  3. Keep plants to a minimum. This one is a bit personal, and we are not saying that we can't have plants. But if we really love plants and fill our homes with them, it can become an issue. Especially small areas where a lot of plants are up against a window can turn that area into a steamy greenhouse. Also, consider having plants that don't require a lot of watering.
  4. Don't ignore maintenance. Seems simple, but if we let a "small" leak go for too long, that small leak can make big problems. Be sure to fix leaks as soon as they are found, and don't leave other maintenance tasks undone for too long.

Stay In Control

We call it "moisture control" because it requires us to control the moisture in our home. Keeping relative humidity below 60%, keeping leaks and water issues at bay, and calling a professional like HERO Remediation whenever there is an issue - and doing it early enough that the issue doesn't become worse.
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Winter Garden Mold Remediation - Attics

9/2/2020

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We find mold in all sorts of places here in Winter Garden and surrounding areas. We find it under sinks, in walls, in sub-flooring - and anywhere else you can think of. But one of the most common places where we find mold is in the attic.

Why is mold so often found in attics? How should it be remediated? Let's discuss:


What Causes Mold In Attics?

Mold occurs in attics for many reasons - below are just a few of the causes:

1) Lack of ventilation. This is by far probably the most common reason we find mold in someone's attic. Without proper ventilation, mold spores get the humidity and temperature levels they need to grow and populate. 

2) Moisture. This is an obvious one, but still needs to be mentioned. If you had a roof leak or other issue that allowed moisture to get into your attic area for a period of time, then mold only needs about 48 hours in that environment to start to get a foot hold. 

3) Too much ventilation. That's right - too much ventilation. An example of this is someone who has ridge and soffit vent which creates an upward flow of air and works properly. But then they also add gable vents thinking that more air equals better ventilation. But gable vents in that situation are like poking holes in a vacuum hose - and losing suction. Having ventilation that conflicts is often almost as bad as having too little ventilation.

How Should The Mold Remediation Be Done?

Every remediation job is different, but there are some basic parameters that we follow. First of all, we keep everything possible contained. We do not want any of the spores to leave the attic and enter your home. Having proper PPE is important - for you and our crew.

We also want to make sure that the visible mold is properly cleaned. We always use EPA approved products and methods to ensure that the mold is taken care of.

Then you will want measures taken to make sure that the mold does not return. Many products leave a film on surfaces to help prevent this, but you will also want to stop the conditions that caused the mold issue in the first place.

Winter Garden Mold Remediation Services

HERO Remediation provides Winter Garden Mold Remediation services and provides this service to the Greater Orlando area. So contact us today! (407) 608-9478​
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Windermere Air Sampling

8/11/2020

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Windermere Air Sampling
Windermere Air Sampling…Is It An Effective Way Of Testing For Mold?
​Mold is a big issue in many homes today so diagnosing the problem is very important. A qualified mold assessor normally tests for mold by carrying out a visual inspection first, and then taking a surface sample. Another test that can be done in conjunction with these tests is air sampling. Let’s take a closer look at what this involves and whether it is an effective way to test for mold.
 
Air samples are a good way to diagnose a mold source that has not yet been detected. Mold spores are impossible to see with the naked eye, so the sample is sent to a lab and analyzed. The results will reveal whether or not there is mold present in the home and, if there is, will show the severity of the problem.

Hero Remediaiton is fully licensed and has years of experience. If you need air sampling services in Windermere, then give us a call: 407-608-9478
How Does it Work?
What areas of the home are air samples normally taken? Obvious places include areas where mold is already visible. Samples would also be taken in areas of moisture intrusion or water damage and anywhere that has a musty odor, which could indicate mold growth.
 
There are various factors that can affect an air sample reading. Firstly, its best to carry out testing with doors and windows closed and any indoor-outdoor air exchangers switched off. The weather also plays a role, for example, it is not a good idea to take an air sample during severe thunderstorms or extremely high winds as these can affect the accuracy of the test. Air pressure changes can also alter mold spore levels which would change those levels indoors as well.

How Can You Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?
A healthy indoor air quality is essential to the well being of a home’s occupants.  There are a lot of simple ways to improve indoor air quality, one of those ways is regularly replacing your HVAC systems filters.  But, how often should they be changed to maintain a healthy environment in the home?
 
While you need to have your HVAC system serviced once a year, you should change the filter a lot more regularly.  Depending on the amount of use the system gets, every 3 months is ideal.  However, under certain conditions, you may want to consider replacing it more often than that.  When checking the filter, if you notice it is damaged or has become wet or damp, then it should be replaced immediately.  If not, dangerous toxins such as mold spores can be released into the air and dispersed through the house.
 
Changing the filter as often as once a month is beneficial for some homes.  This might be necessary for larger families or those with pets.  If anyone living in the home has allergies or if there are any smokers in the house, these are also reasons to change the filter more frequently.
 
Your homes outdoor environment should also dictate how regularly you change HVAC filters.  For example, if there is a lot of construction going on in the neighborhood, if you live in an agricultural area or even if there have been wildfires in the surrounding area, it would be wise to replace filters often. 
 
Replacing your homes HVAC filter regularly is a simple and effective way to maintain a healthy indoor air quality.  

Need air sampling in Windermere? Then contact us today!

​Lets Talk! (407) 608-9478
Central Florida's Water Damage Restoration
​& Mold Remediation Heroes
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Mold Remediation in Doctor Phillips

7/3/2020

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Mold Remediation in Doctor Phillips
Mold Remediation in Doctor Phillips - Should you hire a company like us, Hero Remediation, or should you try to clean the issue yourself? Hiring a licensed and professional mold remediation company is very important. A qualified mold remediation company like us are highly trained to make sure that the mold issue is gone, and we also know how to keep it from coming back.

This is very important, because according to the CDC, mold can have very serious health effects that can plague you for many years to come. But what are some things to consider before choosing to clean it yourself or to hire a professional?

Mold…Should You Remove It Yourself?
With all the information we receive on a regular basis about the health hazards of mold - a homeowner might wonder if its OK to remove it themselves.  While there are a variety of factors which determine this, a homeowner should be able to clean up mold themselves if the area it covers is less than 10 feet.  However, before you start such a task, here are a few things to keep in mind:
 
Mold cannot grow without the presence of water.  This means that there may be an underlying issue such as a water leak that you will need to diagnose and treat first, otherwise, the mold problem will keep recurring.
 
You can remove mold from hard surfaces with EPA approved detergents/cleaners.  Scrub the area thoroughly and make sure the area is completely dry before you apply any paint, if not, the paint could start to peel.  Do not apply caulk to a moldy surface either. 
 
There are some areas where mold and mildew are very difficult to get rid of, carpeting is one of those areas.  If a carpet in your home has mold, it is better to replace it.  When mold forms on soft furnishings such as curtains and cushions, it is extremely difficult to remove the stains it leaves behind.  If you desire to keep them, it would be best to seek advice from a furniture restoration company.
 
Before you start the mold cleanup process, make sure you have the proper protective clothing and wear a respirator to prevent inhaling mold spores.  Keep other household members away from the area unless they are wearing protective gear also. 

What if the Area is More than 10 Square Feet?
If this is the case - then hire a professional mold remediation company in Doctor Phillips like us. We will make sure that you get the mold remediation you need - when you need it. 

Lets Talk! (407) 608-9478
Central Florida's Water Damage Restoration
​& Mold Remediation Heroes

Licensed Mold Assessor MRSA​3389 | Licensed Mold Remediator MRSR3569

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The Importance of an Orlando Mold Assessment/ Mold Inspection

6/9/2020

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Orlando Mold Inspections
Florida is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. The warm weather is great for many reasons - but there is an unfortunate downside as well. The warm weather that we enjoy is also one of the reasons we have mold issues here in Central Florida. Here in Orlando, it is a constant battle. So what should you do if you think that you have a mold issue? Well, it is best to start out with a mold inspection or assessment. But what is the difference?

Orlando Mold Inspections
A mold "inspection" is primarily to see if there is a mold issue present in a home or business, and is primarily for discovery purposes. Our mold inspections are thorough and detailed, but we also make our mold inspection reports easy to read. Many people ask us what is included in our mold inspections. While there are no two mold inspections that are the same, we want to help you get a basic idea of how we perform our mold inspections. These parameters apply to both residential and commercial properties.


What is a Mold Assessment?
A mold inspection is performed by a qualified mold assessor, such as us, We are Florida State licensed mold assessors. The purpose of a mold assessment is not only to discover and inspect any mold or conditions conducive to mold in a home or other type of building, but also to identify the cause, work out what needs to be done to correct it, and even work with the remediation process to make sure it is done properly.

Important Things You Need to Know About Mold Inspections
Mold inspections should be performed by a qualified mold inspector/tester who has had specific training and notable experience in the mold field. Training and experience are necessary, as mold is a serious health hazard and should be handled only by the most qualified professionals.

Mold inspections are initially non-invasive, which means we do not do any destructive testing. We look for evidence of past or present organic growth. Once something has been discovered, we can start to get into the issue more seriously – finding the water source, seeing if it was a continuous issue or a one-time occurrence, and other factors. If the situation calls for it, and the client has thought about it thoroughly and given permission, intrusive testing may be done to fully inspect the issue.


Why Would I To Hire A Mold Inspector?
Common reasons people hire a mold inspector are:
  • If you see an issue, such as organic growth in your attic or other areas
  • You don’t see anything, but there is a strange smell in your home
  • You are having allergic reactions while you are in your home
  • Other people are having a reaction in your home

​Contact us today for your complete mold inspection!

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What you can do to protect yourself and your family from getting the Coronavirus

4/5/2020

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Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub

Cover your coughs and sneezes using the inside of your elbow to prevent airborne transmission

Maintain a social distance of 6 feet or greater from other people

Stay home and self-isolate from others and refrain from unnecessary outdoor activities

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Winter Garden Mold Remediation Companies
Lets Talk! (407) 608-9478
Orlando's Water Damage Restoration
​& Mold Remediation Heroes
WATER  |  MOLD  |  STORM

Water Restoration & Mold Remediation in Winter Garden
1261 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Suite 220, Winter Garden, Florida 34787
Licensed Mold Assessor MRSA​3389 | Licensed Mold Remediator MRSR3569
​© 2021 Hero Remediation LLC

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