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.

ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines, What Are They?

ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines, What Are They?

Our homes are a representation of ourselves. They are a symbol of pride and for many a standing reminder of the American dream. It is a place of solitude and respite from the busy world around us. When we are sick, we stay there to get well. We relish the comfort of our abodes by keeping them clean and creating a safe environment.

A part of cleaning the home is the air quality. Replacing the air filters in our furnaces is great, but all homes, especially if it was occupied by prior residents, need the air ducts cleaned. GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration provides a process that follows the ASHRAE guidelines.

ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Their goal is to use education and technology to advance sustainable HVAC-R practices worldwide. Reducing the carbon footprint while preserving precious resources is the focus of ASHRAE and the worldwide global initiative.

Why Should I Choose GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration?

One glance at the website at http://gogreenprocleaning.com/water-damage-suffolk-county.php and you’ll see the reason the company is called GreenPro.

• Uses Only Bio-Safe and Bio-Friendly Products

Harsh chemicals like ozone and chemical biocides are often used to kill fungi and bacteria lurking in the air ducts after they are cleaned. These harsh chemicals have been proven to cause respiratory problems and can harm small children, including the unborn.

• Entire HVAC system cleaning

GreenPro understands the importance of a healthy environment inside your home or business. They will not show up with a large hose and get right to work. There is an inspection process, then an entire cleaning of the HVAC system. What is the point of cleaning the ductwork and the filter if you are going to blow dirt back into them once your system is turned on?

• Keeping Up with EPA Standards

GreenPro thoroughly cleans the HVAC system and applies an anti-microbial treatment to sanitize and disinfect only on nonporous surfaces. Only products that are registered as safe with the EPA are used. The EPA provides an air duct cleaning checklist for consumers. GreenPro provides all ten requirements with each service call.

For a complete, environmentally safe, and thorough air duct cleaning company contact GreenPro at (631) 940-8100 or visit the website at http://gogreenprocleaning.com/water-damage-suffolk-county.php to see all of our services and schedule a consultation. Don’t leave your family’s health in just anyone’s hands.

Dangers of Duct Condensation

Green Pro Cleaning is a company that can assist residents of Suffolk and Nassau County who are in need of real cleaning and restoration services. 

When it comes to addressing the issue of mold and water damage, it is best to seek a professional who knows what the condition of your home is currently in. If you come across duct condensation, be cautious. It may be mold. A visual survey of water damage outside the home or indoor evaluations is a big key. GreenPro can assist with an inspection. 

If you do surmise that water damage has occurred, here are some precautions to take:

• Do not touch wet or damaged things with your bare hand.
• Do not breathe in damp or odorous air.
• Contract a certified water damage repair specialist if a problem is suspected.
• Make note of where in the home there may be damaged.

By keeping these four things in mind while considering a cleaning and restoration company, it can help bring important awareness to the current situation that requires attention. 

There are many other things to consider about water damage like key ways to identify and note them for the restoration professional. Below is an important list of things to be aware of when it comes to issues of water damage in the home:

• Health effects and symptoms associated with water damage exposures include asthmatic issues, allergic reactions, and other respiratory difficulties.
• Problems of water damage in the home, office, or other building could result in clean up to rid areas of moisture and severely damaged areas.
• Eliminating all odors is a futile notion unless indoor moisture is completely controlled.
• The main source of water problems and leaks must be prevented to lessen water damage.

The best practice when going over these lists on how to lessen or control any more harmful things from occurring is to be prepared and understand your current situation.

 Reaching out to a company like Green Pro Cleaning is a wise first step in a complicated process of damage remediation and visual surveys to pinpoint any fungal growth in the home. 

You can find out more about what Green Pro Cleaning & Restoration can do for you by visiting us here. 

Things You Should Know About Water Damage

Important Things About Taking Care Of Water Damage In Your Home

When you have suffered some type of water damage in your home, you know it can be a big mess. Whether the damage is from flooding, burst pipes or an internal plumbing problem, getting the mess cleaned up can be a big and immediate concern. While homeowners may think just getting the water out is their only concern for their home, this would be a false assumption

Types Of Water Damage

For many people the original concern is to just get the water off the flooring areas and the furniture. While this is important, standing water in a home whether it is in the basement or on the primary floor area can cause extensive structural damage and health concerns.

Wall Damage

Standing water can start to erode the sheetrock or plaster from the walls. This generally will cause staining on the exterior of the sheetrock or plaster. However, internally it can compromise the materials and cause them to begin to disintegrate. This will also cause a bowing out of or warping of the sheetrock or plaster materials. This can also cause extensive damage to wall coverings like paneling, wallpaper and brick facades if the materials start to buckle as the wall material underneath becomes warped or damaged.

In addition, beyond the baseline of the sheetrock and plaster, the 2 x 4’s can start to bow as well. This can cause a structural concern for the home. When 2 x 4’s start to warp, they can cause wall cracking and ceiling cracking because the wall is now buckling in parts.

Electrical Damage

Standing water in a home also causes problems for electrical wiring and can cause shorts within the system. Electricity should be turned off to any area that has outlets submerged under water. Water is a conductor of electricity and electricity flowing through water is deadly. Water should be removed quickly from any area where electrical outlets are submerged to prevent safety hazards from becoming deadly. Then the water should be removed as soon as possible to allow for a drying out of all electrical equipment. Electrical outlets and devices should not be used until dry.

Mold And Mildew

Mold and Mildew can be the most problematic reason to get the water damage taken care of quickly. Standing water for any length of time can cause Mold and Mildew to form. Because these are live organisms they can spread quickly throughout interior walls and become a health hazard as well as a compromise to the structural area infected with the Mold or Mildew. If the water is removed quickly and the area is dried out properly Mold and Mildew usually does not have time to grow and cause any health concerns.