Month: March 2019

How to Test Your Home Air Quality

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For seasonal allergy sufferers, it is usually easy to know when Spring is in the air, because of the pollen it brings with it. However, year-round allergies could point to problems with the air in your home. But how can you tell if your morning sneeze attacks are one of Spring’s cruel tricks or a consequence of poor air quality? Well, the team at RestoPros is here to tell you how to test your home air quality so you can find some answers!

Test for Radon

  • There are two types of tests to measure radon: short-term tests, which measure radon levels in your home over a period of 2-7 days, and long-term tests, which measure radon levels for a period of 90 days or more. Both tests can include kits using passive or active testing devices.

Passive Testing Devices:

These testing devices don’t require power to function. Here are the most commonly used passive testing devices:

  • Charcoal Canisters 

    A charcoal canister is a short-term test (from 2-7 days.) Place your canister in a dry area of your home for the best results. Each canister contains activated charcoal. Over the course of a few days, radon will be absorbed onto the charcoal and then measured at a lab with a sodium iodide detector.

 

  • Alpha Track 

    Contrary to a charcoal canister, this is a long-term test. An alpha track test measures your exposure to radon during different seasons. Considering the affects changing weather and ventilation habits have on radon levels, this test provides a more reliable estimate of actual risk. An alpha track testing kit is also simple to use.

 

  • Electret Ion Chamber 

    An Electret Ion Chamber device is another reliable long-term test option. After placing it in your testing area, an electrostatically charged Teflon disk inside the test chamber is struck by the ions produced from the decay of radon. This strike reduces the surface voltage, which is then measured in the lab to calculate the radon concentration.

 

Active Testing Devices:

These devices require power to function. The main active testing device for radon is a continuous monitor or continuous working level monitor. Here is how it works:

  • Continuous/Working Level Monitors 

    These portable devices are designed to measure radon levels in your home for 2 to 7 days, making it a short-term test. Testing can be done with this device during any season, as long as it’s done within closed building conditions. This testing device gives hour by hour measurements of the radon levels in your home. In addition to the levels, this device also measures movement and power interruptions.

 

Test for Lead Paint

  • LeadCheck Swab Kit

    – Lead screening can be done by purchasing a swab kit from LeadCheck. The EPA recognizes this kit for its accuracy in testing wood and metals containing alloy and iron. This kit recommends the following steps:

 

  1. Swab the surface you want to test.

 

  1. Wait 30 seconds; if the tip of the swab turns pick or red, the test is positive for lead.

 

  1. If the tip of the swab does not change in color, the tested surface is lead-free.

 

  • Klean-Strip D Kit 

    Another EPA-approved test for both hard (wood trim) and soft (drywall) materials, this testing kit uses color-change technology to provide easy-to-read results. However, unlike the previously mentioned LeadCheck swab kit that only offers a negative or positive reading for lead, a Klean-Strip D kit shows increments of lead amounts. Here are the steps involved in using this kit to test for lead paint:

 

  1. Select an area of your home with low traffic, such as the wall behind a door or inside a closet to test for lead. Wipe down the testing area and your testing tools with the wipes provided in the kit.

 

  1. Once the area is wiped down, attach the paint chip catch card that is included in your kit to the wall.

 

  1. Then, use your scoring tool to start the cut right above the catch card.

 

  1. Next, remove the paint chip from the wall with the razor blade from your kit. While completing this step, make sure to remove any layers below the surface paint, as the house may have been repainted with non-lead paint.

 

  1. Now, cut the paint chip into about four small pieces and drop them into solution number 1 from your kit. Then, shake solution 1 for 10 seconds; then, add 5 drops of solution number 2, and shake again for 10 seconds.

 

  1. After shaking the two solutions and paint chips together, the solution will change color. Measure the resulting color against a color-coded viewer that is on the bottle. If the solution is darker than the test color, your paint probably has some lead in it. For further verification, there is another strip included in the kit that you can drop into the solution.

Test for VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

You can purchase test kits and different tools that will help you identify harmful compounds such as formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, and other VOCs. Here are a few options on the market:

  • Light-Aided Sensors 

    There are two main light-aided sensor options you can use:

  1. A Photo-ionization Detector, or PID

A PID blasts air samples with high-energy photons in the UV wavelength variety. During interaction with the UV light, VOCs take on this energy and release negatively charged electrons. This leaves them with a positive charge that is measured with the circuitry of the detector.

 

  1. A Nondispersive Infrared, or NDIR

    Similar to a PID, these sensors rely on gas molecules’ inclination to absorb light. After infrared light bombards the air sample, different gases absorb specific wavelengths of the light. The infrared sensor checks which wavelengths are missing after the light passes through the sample cavity. As a result, the NDIR device can tell which gases are present.

 

 

  • Semiconductor Sensors

Semiconductors are substances that conduct electricity under specific conditions. To assess air quality, they can be used in the following ways:

 

  • Gas-Sensitive Semiconductor, or GSS  

    Being sensitive to VOCs, a GSS will exhibit changes in its electrical conductivity in response to polluted air samples. The measurements of the differences in readings can determine the concentration of VOCs and ozone threats.

 

  • Metal-Oxide Semiconductor, or MOS  

    Operating similarly to a GSS, a MOS is sensitive to dangerous gases, such as ethylene glycol and carbon tetra-chloride. However, unlike a GSS, some MOS devices include heating elements that can increase the sensitivity to dangerous gases for a more measurable response.

 

  • Holographic Sensors  

    The holograms that make up these sensors contain specially selected materials that modify their refractive index when they interact with VOC molecules. Therefore, the VOC molecules are measured by the changes in the color of the reflection.

Check Your Home for Signs of Mold

Since mold is a common contributor to poor indoor air quality, it is a good idea to check your home for its presence. Here are some DIY tests to try:

  • Air Testing  

    With a petri dish from your mold testing kit, follow these steps to test your air for mold spores:

 

  1. Remove the petri dish from the plastic and place it on a level surface with the lid side up. Then, remove the lid and pour the mold growth medium (potato dextrose) into the dish.

 

  1. Next, put the lid back on the dish and gently swirl the potato dextrose until the bottom is completely covered. Once this is achieved, allow it to gel for one hour on a level surface.

 

  1. After the potato dextrose has gelled, place the petri dish on a level surface in the area you want to test. Remove the lid of the dish and leave it open to the environment for 1 hour.

 

  1. Once 1 hour has passed, replace the lid and let the sample incubate for 48 hours. When the 48-hour incubation period is over, examine the sample. If there is no presence of mold, re-check the sample at the 72-hour mark and the 96-hour mark to be sure you have not overlooked slow-growing mold. If mold growth is present, you can send the sample to the lab associated with your kit for further testing.

 

  • Surface Testing 

    You can purchase many different types of kits to test samples from household surfaces for mold. These kit tests can involve a swabbing or tape lifting Once you have followed the instructions from your testing kit to collect surface samples, you will send the sample in the provided return mailer to a lab for testing.

 

Call in The Professionals to Test Your Home Air Quality 

Although you now know how to test your home air quality on your own, it is always a smart move to let a professional air quality expert conduct a thorough inspection. With the vast array of factors that could be affecting your air quality, there is no better team to trust than the experts at RestoPros. Whether you need help with a mold problem or just want to improve your home’s air quality, call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website for quick and reliable service!

 

My Home Has a Mold Problem! Now What?

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So, you’ve had a professional mold testing done in your house and your worst suspicion has been confirmed. The very thought of this issue can strike fear into the heart of even the toughest homeowners. However, you can no longer deny the fact and it’s time to take some action. So, say it with me: My home has a mold problem! Now that you have accepted the worst, the experts at RestoPros are here to help with some advice about what you can do from here.

 

Supplies for Treating the Mold

In serious mold cases, most experts would recommend having professional mold remediation. However, if your professional mold testing expert has verified you can clean it yourself, here are some supplies you will need:

  • Protective Gear 

    You should have a mask or respirator, eye protection, rubber gloves, a fan, and a dehumidifier. You do not want to risk inhaling the mold spores you will be cleaning.

 

  • Cleaning Chemicals 

    If the intense list of protective gear was not a clear indication, mold is not something you can clean with everyday cleaning supplies. On the contrary, you will need to procure non-ammonia detergent, chlorine bleach, and white vinegar to mix your cleaning solution.

 

  • Cleaning Tools 

    Make sure you have plenty of rags and more than one scrub brush (both of which should be disposed of after you finish treating the mold). You should also have a large pail and a plastic garbage bag.

 

Steps for DIY Mold Treatment

1. Dampen the Area:

This is an important first step to keep mold spores from releasing into the air. With a damp rag soaked in plain water, coat the affected area.

 2. Remove as Much Mold as Possible:

With your scrub brush and detergent, remove as much of the mold as you can, and dispose of the brush.

 3. Mix and Apply Your Bleach Solution:

In your large pail, mix together 1 ½ cups of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. Use a new rag to generously coat the affected surface with this mixture. Once this is done, let it soak for 15 minutes.

 4. Scrub the Solution into the Affected Area:

With a new scrubbing brush, scrub the area with the bleach solution thoroughly and rinse with clean water. Repeat this bleach step until all visible mold is gone.

 5. Eliminate All Moisture from the Treated Area:

Use your fan and dehumidifier to dry the area thoroughly to prevent new mold growth.

 6. Wash Your Clothes:

Unless you chose to wear work clothes that you don’t mind disposing of, wash the clothes you wore for the mold treatment immediately. Place them in a plastic bag to transport them to the washing machine. Add ¾ cup white vinegar to the water to kill the mold spores on your clothing.

 

My Home Has a Mold Problem! What Else Can I Do?

If you have followed the previous steps and removed the mold on your own, you have already saved money on professional mold removal. The best thing you can do for the long-term safety of your home is to enlist the help of mold remediation experts you can trust. Let the knowledgeable team at RestoPros take it from here. Call us at (855) 587-3786 or fill out a service request form online to conquer your mold problem today!

 

How to Prevent Mold Growth

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Mold growth is a nightmare to any homeowner. Not only can it eat away at surfaces in your home and produce putrid odors, but it can pose some serious threats to your health. Defend your home and bank account from some serious damage with these tips from RestoPros to prevent mold growth in your home!

 

  • Keep an Eye on the Humidity Levels 

This could mean getting a hygrometer, which will measure the moisture levels inside your home. Ideally, you should keep the humidity level below 60 percent to prevent mold growth.

 

  • Use Exhaust Fans and Vents

If you don’t already have one, you should install a bathroom exhaust fan. Ducted to the exterior of the house, these fans draw out stale, humid air from your bathroom. You should also use the exhaust fan in your kitchen every time you cook to keep excess moisture at bay.

 

  • Keep Drip Trays Clean

If your refrigerator, AC unit, and dehumidifier have drip trays, make sure you drain and clean them regularly to protect them from mold growth.

 

  • Keep Your Bathroom Walls Dry  

Wipe down the walls in your bathroom after bathing or showering. The moisture that sits on the walls of the shower or tub can lead to mold growth.

 *Pro Tip: We recommend keeping a shower squeegee in your shower to make this an easy habit to adopt. You can find an entire shower squeegee kit on Amazon with rubber blade replacements, hooks, and holders.

 

  • Invest in a Dehumidifier  

A whole-house dehumidifier attaches to your furnace and treats the air throughout your home. This is a sound investment for homeowners living in very humid climates. If you have occasional dampness in your home, you can purchase a portable dehumidifier.

 

  • Invest in an Air Purifier  

Air purifiers are an inexpensive and simple way to help eliminate mold spores in the air. Place air purifiers in damp areas of your home like bathrooms, basements, and attics, as well as entryways and windows.

 *Pro Tip: HEPA filters are the most effective filters for air purification. They can remove over 99 percent of pollutants from the air.

 

  • Protect Your Household Plants  

The moist soil in plants provide the perfect breeding ground for mold, which can then spread to other areas of your house. Add a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you feed your plants. The oil of this tree withstands the fungi in the dampest rain forests and will defend your plants against moisture as well. You can find this tea at most natural food stores or order it online.

 

  • Fortify Your Home with Mold-Resistant Products  

If you are building a new home or renovating an old one, there are mold-resistant products you should consider using. Mold-resistant drywall or Sheetrock are fantastic options. You can also use mold inhibitors for paints.

 

  • Direct Water Away from Your Home  

The ground around your home must be sufficiently sloped away from the foundation. If it isn’t, water can collect and seep into your basement or crawlspace. You should also maintain your gutters. If your gutters are full or damaged, your roof can develop leaks. Have your roof gutters cleaned and inspected regularly to keep water away.

 

  • Improve Your Air Flow

The EPA states that the air holds less moisture as temperatures drop. If your house does not have good air flow, that excess moisture can appear on surfaces in your home. Avoid this by increasing circulation. This includes keeping doors between rooms open, moving furniture away from walls, and opening doors to closets that are colder than the rooms they are in.

 The Best Way to Prevent Mold Growth:

Let a Professional Tackle the Problem!

You now know how to prevent mold growth, but it never hurts to seek the help of a mold expert. The team at RestoPros have proudly helped homeowners defend their home against mold for years. For reliable services and expertise you can trust, call us at (855) 587-3786 or schedule an appointment on our website today and let RestoPros tackle your mold problems!

 

Mold vs. Mildew: Spotting the Difference

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Exposure to dampness or mold is the estimated cause of a quarter of all asthma cases in the United States. Even for non-asthmatic homeowners, living with a mold or mildew problem can pose serious health threats. Answering the mold vs. mildew question starts with learning what to look for. The experts at RestoPros are here to share our advice on how to spot the difference.

Mold vs. Mildew: Similarities

  • Environments

-Both mold and mildew are types of fungi that flourish in moist, humid conditions with scarce light.

-Both mold and mildew grow when spores or seeds find their way into environments that are conducive to colony growth.

  •  Affected Hosts

-Neither mold nor mildew can grow on synthetic materials such as plastic and metal-based products.

  •  Odors and Physical Symptoms

-Both mold and mildew produce a similar musty odor.

-Both mold and mildew can cause similar physical symptoms to humans who are exposed.

Mold vs. Mildew: Differences

  • Appearance

-Mildew can be downy or powdery. Downy mildew starts as yellow spots that become brighter and then turn brown in color. Powdery mildew is whitish in color and slowly turns yellowish brown and then black.

-Mold is black, yellow, or green with a fuzzy or slimy texture. Severe mold growth looks like moss and can cause rot in its effected host.

  •  Growth Patterns

-Mildew is a type of mold that has flat growth patterns. Unlike mold, mildew remains on the surface of its host where is can be easily removed. Mildew is drawn to moisture and grows on damp surfaces like your kitchen, bathroom, and basement. You can find mildew growth in toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and on bathroom walls.

-Mold is a fungus that grows in patches which penetrate beneath the surface of its host. Mold grows on living sources, including food, drywall, paper, and wood. Mold can often grow on your ceilings, window sills, and walls.

  • Effects on the Host

 –Mildew can harm the food or plants upon which it grows, but usually does not cause any lasting damage to other surfaces such as tile floors or bathroom mirrors.

 –Mold can damage entire structures because it penetrates beneath the surface of its host.

  • Effects on Exposed Humans

 –Mildew can cause similar allergic reactions to those caused by mold, such as coughing, sneezing, headache, sore throat, and respiratory problems. However, mildew is much easier to eliminate because it remains on the surface of its host.

 –Mold can pose a serious threat to your health. It can trigger sinus problems, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, sore throat, migraines, itching, rashes, fatigue, and even depression. Mold is difficult to remove because it penetrates below the surface of its host.

 

So, now you know some signs to look for when answering your mold vs. mildew question, but what should you do about your problem? Contact the experts at RestoPros for immediate mold testing and remediation today!