Unique Things to Do with a Crawl Space

With the price you're paying for your home, making sure you get the most out of your square footage is essential. Many people have crawlspaces that are simply unused when there are many creative ways they can repurposed. Instead of just letting your crawlspace be wasted space, here are some ideas of what you can do instead: 

• More Storage Space 

Renovating your crawlspace into a basement is the perfect solution when you need extra space in your home. This opens up a wide variety of possibilities, from using it as simple storage to converting it into a family living space. In fact, a crawlspace isn't much different than a basement already, as it is just shorter and lacking a finished floor. To successfully convert your crawlspace into a basement, excavation, insulation, and a vapor barrier will be required. 

• Extra Bedroom 

Having an extra bedroom in your home is always a great idea. However, unlike converting your crawlspace into basement storage, a bedroom will require more renovation. First of all, you need to make sure your furnace is up for the task so it doesn't get too cold. Also, you need to be especially careful of moisture, which can lead to mold. This calls for having a professional contractor you can rely on for quality service. 

• Playspace For Kids 

If you have kids, you know they sometimes need extra space to play and make a mess. Converting your crawlspace into a kid's playroom is the perfect solution. This way your kids can have the space they need to explore without getting in your way and making a mess in your living space. 

• Art Studio Or Workshop 

Converting your crawlspace into an art studio or other kind of workshop is also a great idea. In this instance, you may not need to renovate as fully as you would for a bedroom as you won't have the same requirements. This is something which you might have difficulty making space for in the rest of your home, so this is an ideal choice. 

Whatever you decide to do with your crawlspace, calling GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration should be your first move. We're capable of addressing the most common issues you'll find with your crawlspaces, which includes moisture, debris removal, and lack of insulation. 

We can even provide service to crawlspaces that have odors from bacteria. If you're ready to make the most of your space, don't hesitate to contact the experts at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration.

Four Tips for Fall Cleaning

Autumn can signal a time for us to get our homes ready for the long winter ahead. Pulling out sweaters and flannel sheets and putting away summer items for the winter sleep can be quite the task. Many people feel they often forget to do something before the cold weather hits, however, by following these tips you can be sure you and your home will be ready for the cold streak ahead. Let's take a look at four tips that can help you prepare for winter.

Clean the Gutters

Since the days are now getting shorter and the nights cooler. Leaves are beginning to fall at a rapid rate. Now makes the perfect time to get your roof gutters cleaned out. Autumn rain will soon mix with leaves and you will want to ensure your homes does not accumulate water damage from overfilled or faulty gutters.

Furnace Filter

Your furnace has sat all summer long, unused. Dust and dander have collected upon it and this includes the filter. Always be sure to replace your filter before starting it up in the coming weeks.

For those who suffer from allergies or asthma, cleaning the filter is a necessary process for the health of their lungs. If you are unsure about what type of filter your furnace requires, be sure to employ the help of a profession. Places such as GreenPro Cleaning can help you obtain information on how to correctly replace your furnace filter.

Clean your Furnace Vents

Cleaning your vents can be a large project. Many of us often overlook the importance of cleaning the HVAC system in our homes. However, to keep dust, dander, and debris from floating around your home at a minimum, and to ensure proper heat flow, it is vital that you get your vents cleaned before the cold hits. A professional company can aid in the proper cleaning of your HVAC system. Many places like GreenPro Cleaning can give you an estimate of cleaning cost and finish the job in minimal time.

Clean the Attic and Garage

Dust tends to gather in the attic and garage. Cleaning these areas before the holidays can ensure the cozy comfort of your home all winter long. Not only will cleaning these areas reduce dust and make the air more breathable, but you can also go ahead and drag out the holiday decorations beforehand.

If you are interested in a professional cleaning of your attic, crawlspace, and duct system. Be sure to Contact Us! 

What Mold Type is Most Common Indoors?

 When we purchase or rent the places we call our homes, we do not often immediately think about mold. Oddly, even that many people think that mold is the direct result of a home, but it is not. Look at how quickly food molds, whether wet or dry. This can happen to your home as well.

  

A home that is built, regardless of its age, is susceptible to mold problems.

Please be aware that mold that is left untreated can be a hazard and deadly, but not all mold is harmful in the household.

  

Below is a list of the most common types of mold that appear in homes, what to look for and what to do next.

  

• Alternaria- an indoor and outdoor mold that appears near damp areas such as sinks, showers, and lightly lit areas outside the home.

• Aspergillus- a very common indoor mold that affects the respiratory system.

• Aureobasidium- an indoor and outdoor mold that affects wooden furniture, surfaces, wallpaper, and walls that have been painted. This mold is identifiable by its pink and black color.

• Chaetomium- an indoor mold that is found within drywall that has been damaged by water. This mold will produce a musty odor within homes.

• Cladosporium- an indoor and outdoor mold that grows within warm and cool areas such as wooden floors, carpet, cabinets, and worn fabrics.

• Fusarium- an indoor home that mainly affects carpeted homes that are in cold and wet conditions.

• Penicillium- an indoor mold that affects insulations, furniture that has water damage, and carpeting. This type of mold is known to spread very quickly.

• Stachybotrys Chartarum- an indoor mold known as Black mold that is toxic. This mold is normally located in damp pipes and air ducts while accompanied by a musty smell.

• Serpula Lacrymans- an outdoor mold that is found on wooden surfaces.

• Trichoderma- an indoor mold that affects damp carpets and wallpaper.

• Ulocladium- an indoor and outdoor mold that comes about after something similar to a flood.

  

What You Can Do?

  

After noticing and attempting to identify a mold growing within your home or apartment, the problem can be treated relatively quickly, and it is a simple process. A renter or homeowner can typically take care of common indoor molds, but it is best to work with a professional because of the health risks that are imposed.

  

Allow a professional service company such as Green Pro Cleaning & Restoration to search for any wet or damp surfaces or pipes. When it comes to mold, Green Pro Cleaning & Restoration are prepared and specialize in air duct cleaning, attic & crawlspace cleaning, and water damage. When we fear mold in our homes, we must act fast in order to cause health risks to ourselves or family members and to make sure we can retain our home.

Signs of Mold Indoors

Identifying and Removing Indoor Mold

Indoor mold is a common but frustrating phenomenon that can stem from a variety of moisture issues including but not limited to leaks typically inside walls or hidden in parts of the home that go unnoticed. 

Because mold can often be found in non-common areas such as basements and can stem from condensation, or issues with a home’s foundation it’s important to familiarity oneself with the signs of indoor mold.  Although mold will not always leave warning signs these are a few things to keep in mind to keep your home mold free. 

Respiratory and Pulmonary Distress: 

One of the most common symptoms of household or other indoor mold issues is that people will begin having an array of respiratory issues to include asthma and allergy issues. Some complaints include chronic cold symptoms, compromised lungs or airways, itchy throat, eyes, or rash and other allergy symptoms. 

Must or Mold Smell: 

Often but not always, a dwelling with a mold or moisture issue will have a damp smell or moldy smell that some people describe as similar to the smell of old or moist paper. Even when a smell is not present or cannot be identified by people visiting or living in the building will sometimes report nausea and shortness of breath. 

The appearance of Fungus: 

Although often mold does not present in well-trafficked areas which can make it tricky to spot, when fungus appears it’s a good indicator that mold is present. Fungus on walls, pipes, floors and in carpets can take on a dark, cloudy or bumpy appearance. 

Testing for and Getting Rid of Mold: 

If you believe that there is mold in your home, office or other building it’s important to seek the help of professionals. GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration have years of experience handling water damage including mold. 

GreenPro Cleaning staff will take the time to walk you through what you should do and how they can help. Call to make your appointment today.