Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Mold Removal Services | New Jersey

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Is your home a breeding ground for mold? One of the toughest things about dealing with mold is that infestations go much deeper than you think. It is for this reason that hiring a professional mold removal service is a good idea. They will help to ensure that every inch of your home is tested and cleared of signs of mold.

The only drawback of professional services is that many rely on conventional products for the removal of mold. These products may be effective in killing mold and mold spores but are also toxic to the environment and may impact your health. While you may have got rid of one problem, i.e. the mold, you may be presented with another – the use of toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and possibly your health.

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The green alternative

The good news is that there are many more choices today for mold removal thanks to developments in science and technology. As more consumers become aware of the impact of their choices on the environment, companies are striving to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions. The mold remediation industry hasn’t been left behind. Not only are there more eco-friendly products for the removal of mold in the market, but also more green mold remediation contractors to provide environmentally friendly solutions to your mold problem.

One of the biggest benefits of using an eco-friendly contractor is that you can be sure that the products used will not expose you to health threats. Many of these products are based on natural products. They are designed to be effective at killing mold and mold spores. They, however, will have minimal impact on other living organisms. These are an especially great option if you have young children or pets.

Another great benefit of an eco-friendly contractor is that you won’t have to worry about the impact of your choices on the environment. These contractors use green practices in everything they do. This includes their choice of mold removal agents and equipment as well as how they deal with waste from the project. You’ll be glad to know that getting rid of mold from your home won’t have to result in the destruction of the environment.

As you search for contractors to help you deal with the mold problem in your home, consider searching for a contractor that can provide you with a green solution. You and the environment will benefit from your choice.

Contact the professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing! (800) 593-8379

Morris County, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

Black Mold in Basement Could Be Causing Your Rash | Morris County, NJ

Do you have dry, itchy skin? Is your skin inflamed in some areas? Your skin condition could be an allergic reaction to black mold in your basement. No amount of topical lotion or tablets will help you get rid of your skin condition until you deal with the mold in your basement.

Black mold and allergies

Black mold is a type of fungus that is everywhere. However, when the conditions are right, a mold infestation can be established. These conditions include high moisture or humidity levels as well as the presence of organic matter.

Wet or humid basements present the perfect environment in which mold infestations can be established. When mold grows, it releases spores into the air. These spores are distributed throughout the home. These spores can be inhaled without knowing it.

Mold spores can cause allergic reactions in people once inhaled. However, because the symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to those of other allergies, many people are unaware that their allergies are the result of exposure to mold spores.

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Common mold allergy symptoms include scaling, congestion, runny nose, itching, dry skin and sneezing. They can also replicate hay fever symptoms as the spores are airborne. They can also make symptoms of asthma much worse. On rare occasions, mold spores can cause an allergic inflammatory response known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).

If you want to know whether your skin rash is the result of an allergic reaction to mold in basement, you should get in touch with your doctor. Skin tests, blood work and a physical examination of the rash will reveal the truth.

What to do after diagnosis

If your rashes are determined to be the result of an allergic reaction, you will be prescribed medication. You may also be advised to take antihistamines. These will help to deal with the inflammatory response caused by the mold spores.

This however, isn’t enough. If you don’t want to suffer the allergic reaction anymore, you should get rid of the mold. This means investing in mold inspection and remediation as soon as possible. This will ensure that the infestation is removed.

You should then take measures to ensure that the mold infestation does not recur in the future. This means keeping humidity levels low and ensuring your house is dry. You may, therefore, need to invest in a foundation repair or waterproofing.

Contact the professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing! (800) 593-8379

mold remediation

Have a Healthy Home with Professional Mold Remediation in Plainfield NJ

Mold Remediation in Plainfield NJ

Every homeowner believes their indoor living space is safe. When thinking of home improvement ideas, there is always an attempt to make these indoor living spaces more comfortable and welcoming. There is little concern about the indoor air quality (IAQ) yet this is one of the most important parameters in determining how safe any living space is.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that indoor air pollution is now among the top 5 environmental dangers. Among the main causes of pollution is mold and if your house has a basement or crawlspace, it is important to contract a professional mold remediation service. There are many mold removal kits in the stores, but these will never get the job done as comprehensively as when a certified mold professional does it.

Why Is Mold Remediation Important?

If you are experiencing a musty odor in your basement or you can see a brownish growth on wooden surfaces in the basement, it is time to call in a mold expert. Mold growth is not easy to notice but the effects it has on your family’s health will cost you a lot.

Mold spores travel slowly to the upper levels of the house and cause respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation among other health complications. These allergens can cause fatal asthmatic attacks especially among kids, hence the need to deal with mold growth sooner than later.

Dealing with Mold Growth

Mold growth mainly affects basements because of their location below the surface making them susceptible to water entry. To comprehensively deal with mold growth, an expert will first find out the extent of damage and mark out the affected area. Once this is done, they will identify the water leak and work on how to deal with it.

The problem with DIY mold removal is the fact that it deals with the surface problem and does not focus on the underlying cause of mold infestation. Professional mold remediation goes beyond removal and instead deals with the moisture problem to ensure the homeowner does not have to deal with the issue again.

After the water leak has been sealed through an appropriate waterproofing system, the affected areas are removed. The next phase involves treatment of the affected surfaces and items with eco-friendly chemicals. A mold expert has the tools and gear necessary to handle these chemicals. They also know safety precautions to take to avoid the spread of mold to other areas during the cleanup.

Once the affected areas are cleaned, restoration takes place and testing is done to confirm there is no mold presence.

Contact us today!

mold removal

Tips to Help You Choose a Professional Service for Mold Removal in Plainfield NJ

Mold Removal in Plainfield NJ

Mold is a general term used to refer to fungi and fungi-like parasites that invade our property. They feed on any organic matter and thrive in areas with high moisture levels. Molds are therefore often a sign of water issues in a home.

Although many people would prefer to ignore their growth, molds are dangerous to our health. They can cause serious respiratory infections, asthma attacks, allergic reactions, skin rash and neurological disorders.

It takes much more than a bottle of bleach or vinegar to get rid of mold. Mold is resilient. There are spores and hidden mold all over the home. If you spot an infestation, chances are that it runs much deeper than what you see on the surface. A professional mold removal service will help to ensure that the mold is removed completely from your home and that you won’t have to fear a repeat infestation.

However, not all companies that claim to be professional will provide you with great services. The following tips will help you choose the best one for you:

  • Experience

It is important to choose a professional who has experience to perform effectively. They should be experienced in the mold removal methods they use. This will ensure safety and efficiency in the remediation process.

  • Referrals

It isn’t enough for the service to tell you that they have years of experience in their field. It is important for the company to have satisfied customers to show for their years of service. Check testimonials and success stories for evidence towards this. Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the business too.

  • Provide advice

The contractor should not only be focused on removing the mold that currently exists in your home, but also in helping you prevent an infestation in the future. An expert is concerned about your health and will give you more information on how to safeguard your home from a recurring infestation.

  • Free estimates

Many people don’t compare service providers since they are afraid of having to pay for estimates. However, many professional services will provide you with a free estimate. This will ensure that you’re able to compare their services with what others provide. You’ll therefore be able to get better value for your money.

Following the above tips will help you identify a professional company that will help you get rid of the mold for the long term. Get in touch with contractors today and begin your search.

mold remediation

A Few Facts about Effective Mold Remediation in Morganville NJ

Mold Remediation in Morganville NJ

Statistics can shock even the most hardened individual. Take for instance stats on toxic mold over the years. Of course, most homeowners appreciate mold is dangerous, but they rarely do anything to deal with the same.

Shocking Mold Statistics

A 2014 report by World Health Organization (WHO) says 50% of illnesses in the U.S are caused by indoor air pollution of which mold growth constitutes a large percentage. A Mayo Clinic report, on the other hand, says 93% of chronic sinus infections are linked to mold.

A study on CNN Money says over 30% of new homes experience mold problems within four years. The American Bar Association (ABA) adds that there has been a 200% increase in mold litigation over the last five years. As a homeowner, you can connect the numbers and appreciate there is an increasing presence of toxic mold in modern buildings.

Mold Remediation Services

This is one reason you need a mold remediation contractor checking your basement regularly because it is prone to water leakage from outside. Telltale signs of mold growth include:

  • Musty odor indoors.
  • Increased respiratory problems in your family.
  • Black growth on your basement wall and floor, meaning you need to call in a professional immediately.

A mold removal contractor has the expertise and safety gear to carry out effective mold remediation in your property. This is one reason you should avoid the DIY kits in the stores. You might end up blowing more mold spores indoors while also jeopardizing your own health.

Here are the crucial steps involved in the intensive mold remediation process:

  1. Assessment

Before any project starts a contractor must come to your home and carry out an extensive inspection. They must identify where moisture leakage is emanating from in order to deal permanently with the growth. All affected services will also be identified.

  1. Moisture Containment

This is a step that is commonly ignored and you must emphasize it to your contractor to avert future mold growth. Techniques used here include sealing of foundation wall cracks, external wall proofing, and sump pump installation among other waterproofing methods.

  1. Cleaning and Removal

HEPA filters are used at this stage to ensure the spores are killed. The affected area needs to be isolated to avoid further risks of infections within the family. All affected porous materials must be removed and the surfaces repaired. Cleaning such affected areas must also be done after vacuuming to reduce chances of future growth.

  1. Drying and Testing

To fully avoid further mold infestation, a contractor must be dried to ensure all remaining moisture evaporates. The contractor will then test the surface for any further contamination.

It might sound like an easy project, but remember you don’t have the right gear and skills to do it. In essence, mold remediation must be left to professionals.

Crawl Shield

CrawlShield: Protection from Radon Gas and Mold Growth

CrawlShield

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has been proven to cause lung cancer. Exposure to the gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smoking individuals, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA further states that the gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US and accounts for approximately 21,000 cancer deaths per year.

Many homes across the United States suffer from radon gas. The gas occurs when natural deposits of uranium in soil, water and rocks breaks down. The breakdown process of the uranium releases radon gas into the environment that can seep into a home or business.

CrawlShield is an applied, heavy-duty liner barrier that encapsulates a crawl space. Having CrawlShield applied to your crawl space creates a healthy barrier to radon gas. The product helps reduce condensation, which frequently causes musty odors. CrawlShield also inhibits mold growth which can pose a significant health risk. Eliminating the risk of radon gas and mold spores creates healthier air quality in the home or business.

CrawlShield is an exceptionally strong, tear-resistant, durable product that is made entirely in the United States. It not only eliminates moisture in the crawl space but also creates an ideal layered surface for storage. White in color and 16 mils. thick, CrawlShield barrier brightens up a dark crawl space to create a more visually appealing area.

At New Jersey’s Select Basement Waterproofing, we specialize in professionally lining crawl spaces. Please contact us to learn about having CrawlShield laid in your crawl space.

crawl space vapor barrier

Enjoy a Healthier Home with a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

A Healthier Home Starts with Installing a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

According to the EPA, our indoor environment is two to five times more toxic than the outdoor environment. Since forty percent of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space, a crawl space vapor barrier is an improvement you should consider.

Often, people don’t want to venture into their crawl spaces, since they’re damp, dark, cold, and often unfinished. Since they’re humid, they can invite threats that go unnoticed until they become serious. These include mold and wood-boring bugs, which, in turn, might invite rodents and other pests.

A Solution for Moisture

Moisture naturally emanates from the soil, and a crawl space vapor barrier, sometimes called an encapsulation system, can mitigate moisture. It’s a thick, plastic liner installed over the dirt floor and up the foundation walls. We perform these installations at Select Basement Waterproofing and ensure:

  • The vapor barrier has a good “perm” rating number, which measures the transference of vapor through the product (the lower the number, the higher the product’s resistance)
  • Proper liner overlapping
  • Correct taping of seams and anchoring to the foundation

Other Remediation Suggestions

Of course, the list above is a simple overview. It’s also important to look at the overall site and offer other remediation suggestions. Insulation may need removal or replacement. Leaky pipes, dryer vents, or outside sources may be causing moisture and need repair. If there is mold, it will need removal before installing the crawl space vapor barrier.

crawl space vapor barrier Enjoy a Healthier Home with a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

If you suspect or know of outside sources of moisture intrusion, you may want to discuss remedying those as well. French drains, for example, are efficient systems for drawing water away from homes.

Once moisture is no longer a problem in your crawl space, you’ll be free to use it for storage or other purposes. In any event, you’ll gain peace of mind in knowing your home is a healthier place than it was. If you’d like a professional evaluation, contact us.

mold in morganville nj

The Impact Mold in Morganville NJ Can Have On Your Health

Mold in Morganville NJ Can Affect Your Health

Mold is a term used to describe fungi. Mold and its spores are widely distributed. They are a common component in dust occurring in homes and workplaces. They generally do not pose a health risk when in small quantities. They can however, be a serious health hazard to humans when in large quantities.

Mold in Morganville NJ is closely associated with damp and dark parts of the home. This is because moisture is required for active mold growth. Mold growth can be identified by fuzzy patches or growths of black, yellow, pink, green or brown that give off unpleasant musty odors.

Conditions Associated to Mold in Morganville NJ

Various health problems are associated with high levels of airborne mold spores. These include:

Allergies and Asthma

If you have allergies or asthma, mold spores can make your condition worse. Some people react to mold spores by developing an itchy skin rash, runny nose, cough, congestion in the chest, eye irritation or an aggravation of pre-existing asthma symptoms. These symptoms are classic allergic reactions. They can get worse if a person does not address the high levels of mold spores in the air of the home.

Respiratory Infections

People who spend extended time in damp and moldy buildings are likely to develop respiratory infections and bronchitis. Mold spores inhaled in the indoor environment are thought to attach themselves to the cells that line the respiratory tract. They can cause various problems in the respiratory tract as a result.

Fungal Infections

Inhaled mold spores can cause many problems especially in those who already have a suppressed immune system. Mold spores can grow in living tissues and result in various infections throughout the body.

When a person with a suppressed immune system gets exposed to high mold levels, he is likely to develop chronic conditions. Many develop infections of the sinuses, digestive tract, skin and lungs. Further problems may result depending on the type of mycotoxins produced by the molds affecting the person.

Mycotoxin Toxicity

Molds excrete compounds that are toxic. These toxins are known as mycotoxins. There are certain mycotoxins that are harmful and even lethal to humans as well as animals. Prolonged exposure to high quantities of mold producing harmful toxins can pose a significant threat to people in your household.

Clearly, mold in Morganville NJ has a serious impact on human health. It is therefore important to ensure that your home is free of mold by fixing any damp problems in your foundation. Contact us today for a FREE Estimate on mold remediation and removal.

foundation repair in new jersey

Foundation Repair in New Jersey: 4 Key Misconceptions

Foundation Repair in New Jersey

Fixing a broken foundation is a hard concept to understand as it is. Then the world adds myths and misconceptions about foundation repair in New Jersey. Here are a four misconceptions debunked.

Misconception #1: You don’t need foundation repair because concrete cracks.

It is true that concrete cracks. It is not a matter of if but when. The concrete sidewalk or your concrete patio is not as important. However, when it comes to your concrete foundation, when it cracks it needs to be fixed. Cracks in your foundation ultimately weaken the structure and need to be fixed. Even nonstructural cracks can cause problems with water infiltration, mold growth, and pests.

Misconception #2: Small cracks are no big deal.

Even small hairline cracks can cause problems with your foundation. The most common problem with hairline cracks is water. Water doesn’t need a large opening to enter your home. Those small cracks can be letting in water and causing an array of issues including mold and mildew, or letting in bugs, rodents, or soil gases like radon. If you look at it that way, small cracks are a big deal.

Small cracks also can be a sign of future problems. If ignored, small cracks can become big cracks and lead to even bigger foundation issues. Foundation cracks may seems as if they are staying the same but over the years the nonstructural cracks can become structural cracks if the soil outside the foundation changes.

Misconception #3: Foundation Repair doesn’t really fix the problem.

This misconception is referring to a common scenario. A foundation repair contractor will come to assess the basement situation. There will be a problem zone on one side of the foundation. Even though the problem area is only on one side of the foundation, the foundation repair contractor suggests an entire foundation solution. The homeowner will choose to only do one side of the foundation where the problem currently exists. The foundation repair contractor can only do what the homeowner authorizes him to do. They try to educate the homeowner as much as possible about the potential of a return visit to fix the rest of the foundation in the future. The homeowner sometimes misses the big picture and thinks that the work that was done didn’t really fix the problem. But the truth is he chose to only fix one portion of the problem.

If a homeowner hires a reputable and knowledgeable foundation repair contractor and follows his advice to provide the proper solution to repair the foundation, it will work. Contractors guarantee their work. And if you do partial work on the foundation, only the area where the work was done will be on warranty.

Misconception #4: Foundation Repair is too expensive.

While many homeowners think they can’t afford foundation repair work, the truth is they can’t afford not to. If your home needs foundation repair work, and you choose to ignore it, it will get worse before it gets better. If you fix the problems when they are small, it will cost much less. If you wait until the problem is massive and dyer and your home on the verge of collapse, then it will be expensive.

If you ever want to sell your house, you will have a hard time selling with foundation repair issues. You will have to fix them before you sell.

Honestly, the best practice is to inspect your basement and keep it in good health throughout the lifetime of your house. The basement environment impacts the environment of the rest of the house. The foundation is the most important part of the house. If it is not sound, the whole structure of the house is in danger.

Contact us for a FREE Estimate!

buying a home in new jersey

Structural Problems to Look For When Buying a Home in New Jersey

Buying a Home in New Jersey

When you are house shopping, it is easy to forget to about the foundation. However, making sure the foundation is in good shape and structurally sound may be one of the most important steps when buying a home in New Jersey.

Inspect the foundation

First look at the foundation, and watch for any cracks inside or out. Small vertical cracks may be nonstructural but could potentially cause water infiltration. You can watch for mold or water stains to show the crack does leak. These nonstructural cracks should be fixed prior to moving in just to save you from dealing with major water issues come winter.

The horizontal cracks in a foundation wall are signs of structural damage. Also stair step cracks in block wall foundations or bulging or bowed walls are also signs of structural foundation problems.

Watch for signs upstairs

You can also watch for signs of settlement issues upstairs. If the doors and windows stick or if there are cracks in the sheetrock upstairs in the walls or the ceiling, you may have a foundation problem. Cracks can also be in the trim around the windows and doors. That is a sign the foundation is moving.

Look into the history of the site

Even newer houses can run into potential structural problems if the house was built on unstable ground. Do your research to see what the property was used for in the past. Past gravel pits, old landfills and dumps can be the cause of major foundation problems. Most developers will know not to build over past pits, but sometimes they don’t. There have been issues where developers will bury large tree stumps or garbage on the building site creating massive problems when those decompose. It will create holes in the ground and create an unstable ground.

Watch for water issues and signs of water build-up

Water issues in the basement should never be left alone. Always fix the leaks and other water issues in the basement because not only does it cause mold, mildew, and poor indoor air quality inside the home, but it also is the culprit of foundation damage. Leaving a basement leak or a leaky crack in the foundation will eventually start to deteriorate the foundation wall making it weak and fragile. Water damage to the foundation wall can result in spalling where the concrete starts to break off the foundation wall. Water infiltrating the basement is also a sign there is water build up on the outside wall. If there is water building up in the soil outside, then it is creating hydrostatic pressure, a common cause of structural damage in foundation walls. Basement waterproofing and proper outside drainage systems will relieve hydrostatic pressure and potential structural problems.

You can negotiate in the contract to have the seller solve these foundation issues before you buy the house. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy the house because most of these issues can be fixed. With a professional foundation repair contractor and/or basement waterproofer, you won’t have to worry. Just make sure it gets in the final agreement to either have them fix the issue or drop the price of the house so you can fix the issue after you buy it. It is a good idea to elicit the help of a foundation repair contractor if you suspect foundation issues. They will be able to provide an inspection and quote to help you negotiate and understand what you are really getting into. This information will help you make your decision.

If you’d like a FREE Estimate for foundation repair when buying a home in New Jersey, then please contact us!