• 28Oct

    Home Inspection Raleigh – Indoor Air Pollution 4

    Child Safety, Energy Savings, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Indoor Pollution, Mold, Pool cleaning service and waterproofing, Uncategorized 10,308 Comments

    Health Effects From Biological Contaminants

     

    Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of asthma. Infectious illnesses, such as influenza, measles and chicken pox, are transmitted through the air. Molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins. Symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever and digestive problems. You may need to read this foundation repair guide before continuing to make sure theirs no biological leaks in your foundation.

    Allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. However, that reaction may occur immediately upon re-exposure, or after multiple exposures over time. As a result, people who have noticed only mild allergic reactions, or no reactions at all, may suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular allergens. Some diseases, such as humidifier fever, are associated with exposure to toxins from microorganisms that can grow in large buildings’ ventilation systems. However, these diseases can also be traced to micro-organisms that grow in home heating and cooling systems and humidifiers. Children, elderly people, and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-causing biological agents in the indoor air. Mold, dust mites, pet dander, and pest droppings or body parts can trigger asthma. WHAT ARE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER ERROR FAULT CODES TELLING YOU?. This website offers design build services that mitigate the risk of biological contamination. Biological contaminants, including molds and pollens, can cause allergic reactions for a significant portion of the population that’s why it is important to run regular air conditioning maintenance, you can always get a Blast auxiliary but read the Blast auxiliary reviews before to make sure this suits your life. Tuberculosis, measles, staphylococcus infections, Legionella and influenza are known to be transmitted by air. According to experts like T.E. Spall & Son, this is why it is extremely important to maintain your HVAC system and air conditioning repair regularly. So, if you need maintenance for you HVAC system, you can visit sites like airsheenservices.com/ac-repair-services-in-cedar-park-tx/ to get professional help. Read more about it here.

    Combustion Pollutants

    Combustion appliances are those which burn fuels for warmth, cooking or decorative purposes. Typical fuels are gas, both natural and liquefied petroleum (LP), kerosene, oil, coal and wood. Examples of the appliances are space heaters, ranges, ovens, stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and clothes dryers. These appliances are usually safe. However, under certain conditions, these appliances can produce combustion pollutants that can damage your health, or even kill you. This is why a furnace service from Energy Pro HVAC or other appliance service is needed to properly install your appliances.

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    What are Combustion Pollutants?

    Combustion pollutants are gases and particles that come from burning materials (ref.: Salina Radon Mitigation). The combustion pollutants come from burning fuels in appliances. The types and amounts of pollutants produced depend on the type of appliance, how well the appliance is installed, maintained and vented, and the kind of fuel it uses. Some of the common pollutants produced from burning these fuels are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particles, and sulfur dioxide. Particles can have hazardous chemicals attached to them. Other pollutants that can be produced by some appliances are unburned hydrocarbons and aldehydes. Combustion always produces water vapor. Water vapor is not usually considered a pollutant, but it can act as one. It can result in high humidity and wet surfaces.

    Where do Combustion Pollutants Come From?

    Combustion pollutants found indoors include outdoor air, tobacco smoke, exhaust from car and lawn mower internal combustion engines, and some hobby activities, such as welding, woodburning and soldering. Combustion pollutants can also come from vented or unvented combustion appliances. These appliances include space heaters, gas ranges and ovens, furnaces, gas water heaters, gas clothes dryers, wood and coal-burning stoves, and fireplaces. As a group, these are called “combustion appliances.”

    Appliances

    As the specialist explained, vented appliances are appliances designed to be used with a duct, chimney, pipe, or other device that carries the combustion pollutants outside the home. These appliances can release large amounts of pollutants directly into your home if a vent is not properly installed, or is blocked or leaking. Unvented appliances do not vent to the outside, so they release combustion pollutants directly into the home. Many of these problems are hard for a homeowner to identify. A professional like JackRabbit Air Conditioning for Air duct Repair is needed.

    What are the Health Effects of Combustion Pollutants?

    The health effects of combustion pollutants range from headaches and breathing difficulties to death. The health effects may show up immediately after exposure, or occur after being exposed to the pollutants for a long time. The effects depend on the type and amount of pollutants, and the length of time of exposure to them. They also depend upon several factors related to the exposed person. These include the age and any existing health problems. There are still some questions about the level of pollutants or the period of exposure needed to produce specific health effects. Further studies to better define the release of pollutants from combustion appliances and their health effects are needed.

    The sections below discuss health problems associated with some common combustion pollutants. These pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particles, and sulfur dioxide. Even if you are healthy, high levels of carbon monoxide can kill you within a short time. The health effects of the other pollutants are generally more subtle and are more likely to affect susceptible people. It is always a good idea to reduce exposure to combustion pollutants by using and maintaining combustion appliances properly. Call Lake Country Repair provides heating and cooling repair in Mequon WI that can fix damages.

    Carbon Monoxide:

    Each year, according to CPSC, there are more than 200 carbon monoxide deaths related to the use of all types of combustion appliances in the home. Exposure to carbon monoxide reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Often, a person or an entire family may not recognize that carbon monoxide is poisoning them. The chemical is odorless, and some of the symptoms are similar to common illnesses. This is particularly dangerous because carbon monoxide’s deadly effects will not be recognized until it is too late to take action against them. Carbon monoxide exposures especially affect unborn babies, infants, and people with anemia or a history of heart disease. Breathing low levels of the chemical can cause fatigue and increase chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. Breathing higher levels of carbon monoxide causes symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and weakness in healthy people. Carbon monoxide also causes sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and disorientation. At very high levels, it causes loss of consciousness and death.

    Nitrogen Dioxide:

    Breathing high levels of nitrogen dioxide causes irritation of the respiratory tract and causes shortness of breath. Compared to healthy people, children, and individuals with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, may be more susceptible to the effects of nitrogen dioxide. Some studies have shown that children may have more colds and flu when exposed to low levels of nitrogen dioxide. When people with asthma inhale low levels of nitrogen dioxide while exercising, their lung airways can narrow and react more to inhaled materials.

    Particles:

    Particles suspended in the air can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation. They can increase respiratory symptoms, especially in people with chronic lung disease or heart problems. Certain chemicals attached to particles may cause lung cancer, if they are inhaled. The risk of lung cancer increases with the amount and length of exposure. The health effects from inhaling particles depend upon many factors, including the size of the particle and its chemical make-up.

    Sulfur Dioxide:

    Sulfur dioxide at low levels of exposure can cause eye, nose, and respiratory tract irritation. At high exposure levels, it causes the lung airways to narrow. This causes wheezing, chest tightness, and breathing problems. People with asthma are particularly susceptible to the effects of sulfur dioxide. They may have symptoms at levels that are much lower than the rest of the population.

    Other Pollutants:

    Combustion may release other pollutants. They include unburned hydrocarbons and aldehydes. Little is known about the levels of these pollutants in indoor air and the resulting health effects.

    What do I do if I suspect that combustion pollutants are affecting my health?

    If you suspect you are being subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. And one of the best ways to improve any room is to use quality blinds and the best quality that we have ever had were from these blinds fitters in Nottingham as they installed some wonderful blinds for us that we are still very happy with. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave the house. You could lose consciousness and die from carbon monoxide poisoning if you do nothing. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Remember to tell your doctor that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important. Some symptoms from combustion pollutants — including headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, coughing, and watery eyes — may also occur because of common medical problems. These medical problems include colds, the flu, and allergies. Similar symptoms may also occur because of other indoor air pollutants. Contact your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

    How can I reduce my exposure to combustion pollutants?

    Proper selection, installation, inspection and maintenance of your appliances are extremely important in reducing your exposure to these pollutants. Providing good ventilation in your home and correctly using your appliance can also reduce your exposure to these pollutants. Additionally, there are several different residential carbon monoxide detectors for sale. These detectors alert consumers to harmful carbon monoxide levels in the home. They may soon be widely available to reduce deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning.

    Appliance Selection

    • Choose vented appliances whenever possible.
    • Buy only combustion appliances that have been tested and certified to meet current safety standards. Examples of certifying organizations are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the American Gas Association (AGA) Laboratories. Look for a label that clearly shows the certification.
    • All currently manufactured vented gas heaters are required by industry safety standards to have a safety shut-off device. This device helps protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning by shutting off an improperly vented heater.
    • Check your local and state building codes and fire ordinances to see if you can use an unvented space heater, if you are considering purchasing one. They are not allowed to be used in some communities, dwellings, and certain rooms in the house.
    • If you must replace an unvented gas space heater with another, make it a new one. Heaters made after 1982 have a pilot light safety system called an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). This system shuts off the heater when there is not enough fresh air, before the heater begins producing large amounts of carbon monoxide. Look for the label that tells you that the appliance has this safety system. Older heaters will not have this protection system. If you’re going to buy a modern heat pump, you can find heat pump installers in Hamilton here.
    • Consider buying gas appliances that have electronic ignitions rather than pilot lights. These appliances are usually more energy-efficient and eliminate the continuous low-level pollutants from pilot lights.
    • Buy appliances that are the correct size for the area you want to heat. Using the wrong size heater may produce more pollutants in your home and is not an efficient use of energy.
    • All new wood stoves are EPA-certified to limit the amounts of pollutants released into the outdoor air. For more information on selecting, installing, operating, and maintaining wood-burning stoves, write to the EPA Wood Heater Program. Before buying a wood stove, check your local laws about the installation and use of wood stoves.

    Ventilation

    To reduce indoor air pollution, a good supply of fresh, outdoor air is needed. The movement of air into and out of your home is very important. Normally, air comes in through cracks around doors and windows so is better to get repairs from professionals window fitters from this different resources online. This air helps reduce the level of pollutants indoors. This supply of fresh air is also important to help carry pollutants up the chimney, stovepipe or flue to the outside.

    • Keep doors open to the rest of the house from the room where you are using an unvented gas space heater or kerosene heater, and crack open a window. This allows enough air for proper combustion, and reduces the level of pollutants, especially carbon monoxide.
    • Use a hood fan if you are using a range. They reduce the level of pollutants you breathe if they exhaust to the outside. Make sure that enough air is coming into the house when you use an exhaust fan. If needed, open a door or window slightly, especially if other appliances are in use. For proper operation of most combustion appliances and their venting systems, the air pressure in the house should be greater than that outside. If not, the vented appliances could release combustion pollutants into the house rather than outdoors. If you suspect that you have this problem, you may need the help of a qualified person to solve it.
    • Make sure that your vented appliance has the vent connected and that nothing is blocking it. Make sure there are no holes or cracks in the vent. Do not vent gas clothes dryers or water heaters into the house for heating. This is unsafe.
    • Open the stove’s damper when adding wood. This allows more air into the stove. More air helps the wood burn properly, and prevents pollutants from being drawn back into the house instead of going up the chimney. If there is isible smoke or a constant smoky odor inside the home while using a wood-burning stove, this is a sign that the stove is not working properly. Soot on furniture in the rooms where you are using the stove also tells this. You should definitely do something about this, unless you are aiming for an antiquated look of furniture check us out. Smoke and soot are signs that the stove is releasing pollutants into the indoor air.

    Correct Use of Appliances

    • Read and follow the instructions for all appliances so that you understand how they work. Keep the owner’s manual in a convenient place to refer to when needed. Also, read and follow the warning labels because they tell you important safety information that you need to know. Reading and following the instructions and warning labels could save your life.
    • Always use the correct fuel for the appliance.
    • Use only water-clear ASTM 1-K kerosene for kerosene heaters. The use of kerosene other than 1-K could lead to a release of more pollutants in your home. Never use gasoline in a kerosene heater because it can cause a fire or an explosion. Using even small amounts of gasoline could cause a fire.  That’s why  have  to be alert and need to install automatic fire suppression system with the help of ph el.
    • Use seasoned hardwoods (elm, maple, oak) instead of softwoods (cedar, fir, pine) in wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Hardwoods are better because they burn hotter and form less creosote, an oily, black tar that sticks to chimneys and stove pipes. Do not use green or wet woods as the primary wood because as for hardwood floors is important to keep them  clean. You can try contacting Modern Tiling services, as they can renovate your bathroom and kitchen. Never burn painted scrap wood or wood treated with preservatives, because they could release highly toxic pollutants, such as arsenic or lead. Plastics, charcoal, and colored paper, such as comics and wrapping paper, also produce pollutants. Never burn anything that the stove or fireplace manufacturer does not recommend.
    • Never use a range, oven or dryer to heat your home. When you misuse gas appliances in this way, they can produce fatal amounts of carbon monoxide. They can produce high levels of nitrogen dioxide, too.
    • Never use an unvented combustion heater overnight or in a room where you are sleeping. Carbon monoxide from combustion heaters can reach dangerous levels.
    • Never ignore a safety device when it shuts off an appliance. It means that something is wrong. Read your appliance instructions to find out what you should do, or have a professional check out the problem.
    • Never ignore the smell of fuel. This usually indicates that the appliance is not operating properly or is leaking fuel. Leaking fuel will not always be detectable by smell. If you suspect that you have a fuel leak, have it fixed as soon as possible. In most cases, you should shut off the appliance, extinguish any other flames or pilot lights, shut off other appliances in the area, open windows and doors, call for help, and leave the area.

    Inspection and Maintenance

    Have your combustion appliance regularly inspected and maintained to reduce your exposure to pollutants. Appliances that are not working properly can release harmful and even fatal amounts of pollutants, especially carbon monoxide. Have chimneys and vents inspected when installing or changing vented heating appliances. Some modifications may be required. For example, if a change was made in your heating system from oil to natural gas, the flue gas produced by the gas system could be hot enough to melt accumulated oil-combustion debris in the chimney or vent. This debris could block the vent, forcing pollutants into the house. It is important to clean your chimney and vents, especially when changing heating systems. Always hire an InterNACHI inspector to perform your home inspections, as they all must pass the most comprehensive, rigorous training program available.

    What are the Inspection and Maintenance Procedures?

    The best advice is to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer. The same combustion appliance may have different inspection and maintenance requirements, depending on where you live. In general, check the flame in the furnace combustion chamber at the beginning of the heating season. Natural gas furnaces should have a blue flame with perhaps only a slight yellow tip. Call your appliance service representative to adjust the burner if there is a lot of yellow in the flame, or call your local utility company for this service. LP units should have a flame with a bright blue center that may have a light yellow tip. Pilot lights on gas water heaters and gas cooking appliances should also have a blue flame. Have a trained service representative adjust the pilot light if it is yellow or orange. Before each heating season, have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for leakage and for blockage by creosote or debris. Creosote buildup or leakage could cause black stains on the outside of the chimney or flue. These stains can mean that pollutants are leaking into the house.

    Dave Park
    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
    Davepark@advantageinspection.com

    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh. . . performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 20 years, Advantage Home Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.

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  • 26Oct

    Home Inspection Raleigh – Indoor Pollution 2

    Child Safety, Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Indoor Pollution, Mold, Pool cleaning service and waterproofing 8,369 Comments

    Are you concerned about the effects on your health that may be related to biological pollutants in your home? Before you discuss your concerns with your doctor, you should know the answers to the following questions. This information can help the doctor determine whether your health problems may be related to biological pollution.

    • Does anyone in the family have frequent headaches, fevers, itchy and watery eyes, a stuffy nose, dry throat, or a cough? Does anyone complain of feeling tired or dizzy all the time? Is anyone wheezing or having difficulties breathing on a regular basis?
    • Did these symptoms appear after you moved into a new or different home?
    • Do the symptoms disappear when you go to school or the office or go away on a trip, and return when you come back?
    • Have you recently remodeled your home or done any energy-conservation work, such as installing insulation, storm windows, or weather stripping? Did your symptoms occur during or after these activities? You should really consider getting a home remodeling done soon.
    • Does your home feel humid? Can you see moisture on the windows or on other surfaces, such as walls and ceilings? Visit reliablewindowandsiding.net if you need to replace or fix your roof, windows or siding.
    • What is the usual temperature in your home? Is it very hot or cold?
    • Have you recently had water damage?
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    • Is your basement wet or damp?
    • Is there any obvious mold or mildew?
    • Does any part of your home have a musty or moldy odor?
    • Is the air stale?
    • Do you have pets?
    • Do your house plants show signs of mold?
    • Do you have air conditioners or humidifiers that have not been properly cleaned? This is a very important thing to look into, as you may need a new air conditioning installation via services like this air conditioning installation in Jacksonville. You may also schedule an auto tune-up with the help of air conditioning repair services.
    • Does your home have cockroaches or rodents?

    Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, such as the flu, measles, chicken pox, and tuberculosis, may be spread indoors. Most infectious diseases pass from person to person through physical contact. Crowded conditions with poor air circulation can promote this spread. Some bacteria and viruses thrive in buildings and circulate through indoor ventilation systems. For an example, the bacterium causing Legionnaire’s Disease, a serious and sometimes lethal infection, and Pontiac Fever, a flu-like illness, have circulated in some large buildings. If you believe you may have such disease carrying vermin in your home visit bedbugplug.com.

    Toxic reactions are the least studied or understood health problem caused by some biological air pollutants in the home. Toxins can damage a variety of organs and tissues in the body, including the liver, the central nervous system, the digestive tract, and the immune system.

    Moisture Control

    Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers and even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. Shower Door Direct may be a good solution to this problem. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.

    There are many ways to control moisture in your home:

    • Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing services. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes and around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
    • Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors, if you need a special carpet to avoid the bugs and pollution Carpet Stores Canberra offers the solution a innovative system to eliminate the biological pollutants from them. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs, which can be taken up and washed often. Platinum carpet cleaning is the best service and at this carpet cleaning company you will get professional and friendly service. Check out this Carpet Guru website to know the best ways to expunge the most stubborn of stains and molds. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it maybe necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.Concrete polishing is a new trend that has been discovered and widely used among home and business owners all across the country. There are several reasons why concrete polishing is a fantastic choice for new construction, existing property, and renovation projects that can be done with the help of professionals from Capital Construction. So why is concrete polishing do desirable all of a sudden? The answer can be found below.Continue reading to learn the various benefits and some information surrounding concrete polishing and concrete maintenance for residential or commercial properties. Also, you can check here the best source: Southside Concrete Polishing. Check out these Alpilean customer reviews.
    • Put a plastic cover over dirt crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
    • Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
    • Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers and kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
    • Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don’t become sources of biological pollutants.
    • Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation and storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. It’s also important to clean your custom wardrobe and keep your clothes organized. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation in living rooms or bedrooms, which have great furniture including a bed with USB ports to charge all your devices. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
    • Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet, the Southwest is hot and dry, the South is hot and wet, and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may not be left running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weather for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions. If you have been searching for trustworthy plumbers or air conditioning and heating service companies in Clifton NJ, click here.

    Checking Your Home

    There is no simple or cheap way to sample the air in your home to determine the level of all biological pollutants. Experts suggest that sampling for biological pollutants is not a useful problem-solving tool. Even if you had your home tested, it is almost impossible to know which biological pollutant(s) cause various symptoms or health problems. The amount of most biological substances required to cause disease is unknown and varies from one person to the next. Does this make the problem sound hopeless? On the contrary, you can take several simple, practical actions to help remove sources of biological pollutants, to help get rid of pollutants, and to prevent their return. But the salubrity of the ambience of your house can’t be kept clean with the efforts of just a single person. It is a collective effort to reduce pollution and keep the air immaculate. And to prevent any maladies arising from pollution, it is essential for one to choose wisely what kind of neighbourhood one dwells in. Builders like Seacrest Homes have one of the cleanest surroundings, which helps one contribute to developing their health significantly.

    Self-Inspection: A Walk Through Your Home

    Begin by touring your household. Follow your nose, and use your eyes. Two major factors help create conditions for biological pollutants to grow: nutrients and constant moisture with poor air circulation.

    1. Dust and construction materials, such as wood, wallboard and insulation, contain nutrients that allow biological pollutants to grow. Firewood also is a source of moisture, fungi and bugs.
    2. Appliances, such as humidifiers, kerosene and gas heaters, washers and clothes dryers, dishwashers and gas stoves, add moisture to the air.

    A musty odor, moisture on hard surfaces, and even water stains due to a leak you can fix with a leak detection system. All this may be caused by:

    • air-conditioning units;
    • basements, attics and crawlspaces;
    • bathrooms;
    • carpets;
    • heating and air-conditioning ducts;
    • humidifiers and dehumidifiers; and
    • refrigerator drip pans.

    What You Can Do About Biological Pollutants

    Before you give away the family pet or move, there are less drastic steps you can take to reduce potential problems. Properly cleaning and maintaining your home can help reduce the problem and may avoid interrupting your normal routine.

    Where Biological Pollutants May Be Found in the Home

    • dirty air conditioners;
    • dirty humidifiers and/or dehumidifiers;
    • bathroom without vents or windows;
    • kitchen without vents or windows;
    • dirty refrigerator drip pans;
    • laundry room with an unvented dryer;
    • an unventilated attic;
    • carpet on damp basement floor;
    • bedding;
    • closet on outside wall;
    • dirty heating/air-conditioning system;
    • pets; and
    • water damage (around windows, the roof, the basement). For repairs in St Louis you better visit St Louis Commercial Roofing Pros.

    Maintain and Clean All Appliances that Come in Contact with Water

    • Have major appliances, such as furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioners, inspected regularly by a professional that provides furnace installations in Norfolk. Change filters on heating and cooling systems according to manufacturer’s directions. (In general, change filters monthly during use.) When first turning on the heating or air conditioner at the start of the season, consider leaving your home until it airs out.
    • According to experts like this HVAC provider in Indian Land, NC, have window and wall air-conditioning units cleaned and serviced regularly by a professional, especially before the cooling season. Air conditioners can help reduce the entry of allergy-causing pollen. Make sure that you have a good air conditioner to maintain the quality of air, I suggest working with blaux portable ac. To do that, you can check out blaux portable ac portable ac for some good air-conditioning units.  However, they may also become a source of biological pollutants if not properly maintained. Clean the coils and rinse the drain pans, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, so water cannot collect in pools.
    • Have furnace-attached humidifiers cleaned and serviced regularly by a professional, especially before the heating season.
    • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any type of humidifier. Experts differ on the benefits of using humidifiers. If you do use a portable humidifier (approximately 1- to 2-gallon tanks), be sure to empty its tank every day and refill it with distilled or demineralized water, or even fresh tap water, if the other types of water are unavailable. For larger portable humidifiers, change the water as recommended by the manufacturer. Unplug the appliance before cleaning. Every third day, clean all surfaces coming in contact with water with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, using a brush to loosen deposits. Some manufacturers recommend using diluted household bleach for cleaning and maintenance, generally in a solution of one-half cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. With any household chemical, rinse well to remove all traces of chemical before refilling the humidifier.
    • Empty dehumidifiers daily and clean often. If possible, have the appliance drip directly into a drain. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Always disconnect the appliance before cleaning.
    • Clean refrigerator drip pans regularly, according to manufacturer’s instructions. If refrigerator and freezer doors don’t seal properly, moisture may build up and mold can grow. Remove any mold on door gaskets, and replace faulty gaskets.

    Clean Surfaces

    • Clean moist surfaces, such as showers and kitchen counters.
    • Remove mold from walls, ceilings, floors and paneling. Do not simply cover mold with paint, stain, varnish, or a moisture-proof sealer, as the mold may resurface.
    • Replace moldy shower curtains, or remove them and scrub them well with a household cleaner, and rinse them before rehanging them.

    Dust Control

    Controlling dust is very important for people who are allergic to animal dander and mites. You cannot see mites, but you can either remove their favorite breeding grounds or keep these areas dry and clean. Dust mites can thrive in sofas, stuffed chairs, carpets and bedding. Open shelves, fabric wallpaper, knickknacks, and venetian blinds are also sources of dust mites. Dust mites live deep in the carpet and are not removed by vacuuming. Many doctors suggest that their mite-allergic patients use washable area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpet.

    • Always wash bedding in hot water (at least 130° F) to kill dust mites. Cold water won’t do the job. Launder bedding at least every seven to 10 days.
    • Use synthetic or foam rubber mattress pads and pillows, and plastic mattress covers, if you are allergic. Do not use fuzzy wool blankets, feather or wool-stuffed comforters, and feather pillows.
    • Clean rooms and closets well. Dust and vacuum often to remove surface dust. Vacuuming and other cleaning may not remove all animal dander, dust mite material, and other biological pollutants. Some particles are so small, they can pass through vacuum bags and remain in the air. If you are allergic to dust, wear a mask when vacuuming and dusting. People who are highly allergy-prone should not perform these tasks. They may even need to leave the house when someone else is cleaning.

    Dave Park
    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
    Davepark@advantageinspection.com

    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh. . . performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 20 years, Advantage Home Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.

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  • 25Oct

    Home Inspection Raleigh – Indoor Pollution 1

    Child Safety, Home Inspection, Homeowner, Indoor Pollution, Mold, Uncategorized 6,152 Comments

    Outdoor air pollution in cities is a major health problem. Much effort and money continue to be spent cleaning up pollution in the outdoor air. But air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in the place you may have thought was safest — your home. Although sites like https://filterking.com/air-filter-sizes/19x20x1a can provide you with the best filters for your homes and offices, one must take some additional steps to ensure complete protection. Many ordinary activities, such as cooking, heating, cooling, cleaning and redecorating, can cause the release and spread of indoor pollutants at home, so is better to have the home organized, for this the use of different self storage methods, for example using baskets is a great storage option for keeping safe things like toys or sheets. Studies have shown that the air in our homes can be even more polluted than outdoor air. Many Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, often at home. Therefore, breathing clean indoor air can have an important impact on health. People who are inside a great deal may be at greater risk of developing health problems, or having problems made worse by indoor air pollutants. These people include infants, young children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Many factors determine whether pollutants in your home will affect your health. They include the presence, use and condition of pollutant sources, the level of pollutants both indoors and out, the amount of ventilation in your home, and your overall health. Check out these alpilean reviews.

    What are Biological Pollutants?

    Biological pollutants are or were living organisms. They promote poor indoor air quality and may be a major cause of days lost from work and school, and of doctor and hospital visits. Some can even damage surfaces inside and outside your house. Biological pollutants can travel through the air and are often invisible. Some common indoor biological pollutants are:

    • animal dander (minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin);
    • dust mite and cockroach parts;
    • infectious agents (bacteria and viruses); and
    • pollen.

    Some of these substances are in every home. It is impossible to get rid of them all. Even a spotless home may permit the growth of radon. You can get more info here on how to to reduce radon gas levels in homes.  These conditions can be found in many locations, such as bathrooms, damp or flooded basements that might need a water removal technician, wet appliances (such as humidifiers and air conditioners), and even some carpets and furniture. Modern materials and construction techniques may reduce the amount of outside air brought into buildings, which may result in high moisture levels inside. According to experts like Right On Air Conditioning and Heating – furnace repair, using humidifiers, unvented heaters, furnaces, and air conditioners in our homes has increased the chances of moisture forming on interior surfaces as suggested by commercial hvac contractors. You can visit the site to know more about HVAC units that have built-in humidifiers to avoid moisture forming in your home. This encourages the growth of certain biological pollutants. According to this information from an ac installation in Tampa, it’s better to check your unit before it gets worse. You can check it out here.  Saab Bio Power can guide in a better manner for resisting pollutants or pollution to achieve better environment. You can check out this website to learn more about HVAC services. Check out these Air conditioning services in Anthem if you need a professional to inspect your unit.

    This issue is also very serious if we are talking about cleaning services used in offices. The chemicals used for cleaning should be safe for people with allergy. Learn more about A2Z Building Maintenance if you are looking for a reliable commercial cleaning service in Toronto. MORE™ Stone & Quartz Cleaner now truly is a 3-in-1 daily cleaner and protector formulated specifically for cleaning and protecting natural stone and quartz surfaces. Neutral pH formula is safe for everyday use and will not degrade the sealer. When marble is first installed it will look shiny and polished and the various patterns in the marble stone will give it the beautiful and unique look that only a natural stone has. There is a price that must be paid for the unique look and beauty of this natural stone. Marble must be properly cleaned and maintained on a regular basis to keep it looking shiny and new. Also since marble is a soft stone the shiny polished look must be periodically restored by polishing it. Read the post if you want to know more about MORE Surface Protection.

    Cleaning, maintaining and protecting the polished look of marble is extremely important. Marble must be protected from all types of harsh cleaning products, soaps and acidic cooking products. Many people do not realize how easy it is to etch marble tiles with just normal shampoos, shaving creams or acidic food products. Normal everyday cooking products such as lemon juice, vinegar and wine can stain and severely etch the polished finish and you can do a beautiful remodel with the professionals from this website  https://bathroomrenovationsedmonton.ca/!  This kitchen’s marble is etched or stained it is impossible to remove these etch and stain marks with normal cleaning products and procedures. Only gentle stone cleaners should be used on marble surfaces and all spills and contaminates must be immediately wiped away to prevent them from etching the polished finish.

    Sealing marble is extremely important especially on floors, counter tops and showers, since some parts of the house suffer with flooding and that’s where services as Idry Restorations could be really helpful to help with issues like this. Marble is not as dense as granite so spills and stains can be absorbed by this stone. Sealing marble will protect it from absorbing stains and contaminates. Also by sealing it you will protect the finish from becoming etched with acidic products. Sealing is not a total solution for preventing etch marks and it definitely will not prevent the marble from scratches and the dulling effects of foot traffic on floors. Sealing still is a great way to protect the stones natural beauty from becoming etched and absorbing stains and contaminates. Even with the most stringent care and maintenance plans marble will still loose its shiny and glossy appearance over time. Scratches and micro abrasions in the finish will cause it to lose the shiny, glossy and reflective appearance it had when it was first installed. Marble must be polished on a regular basis to restore the shiny and glossy appearance that it had when it was first installed. Read more about alpilean.

     

    The Scope of the Problem

    Most information about sources and health effects of biological pollutants is based on studies of large office buildings and surveys of homes in the northern U.S. and Canada. These surveys show that 30% to 50% of all structures have damp conditions which may encourage the growth and buildup of biological pollutants. This percentage is likely to be higher in warm, moist climates. Some diseases and illnesses have been linked with biological pollutants in the indoor environment. However, many of them also have causes unrelated to the indoor environment. Therefore, we do not know how many health problems relate only to poor indoor air. Try this alpine ice hack.

    Health Effects of Biological Pollutants

    All of us are exposed to biological pollutants. However, the effects on our health depend on the type and amount of biological pollution and the individual person. Some people do not experience health reactions from certain biological pollutants, while others may experience one or more of the following reactions:

    • allergic;
    • infectious; and/or
    • toxic.

    Except for the spread of infections indoors, allergic reactions may be the most common health problem with indoor air quality in homes. They are often connected with animal dander (mostly from cats and dogs), with house dust mites (microscopic animals living in household dust), and with pollen. Allergic reactions can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening, as in a severe asthma attack. Some common signs and symptoms are:

    • watery eyes;
    • runny nose and sneezing;
    • nasal congestion;
    • itching;
    • coughing;
    • wheezing and difficulty breathing;
    • headache; and
    • fatigue, alpilean reviews does it work.

    Health experts are especially concerned about people with asthma. These people have very sensitive airways that can react to various irritants, making breathing difficult. The number of people who have asthma has greatly increased in recent years. The number of people with asthma has gone up by 59% since 1970, to a total of 9.6 million people. Asthma in children under 15 years of age has increased 41% in the same period, to a total of 2.6 million children. The number of deaths from asthma is up by 68% since 1979, to a total of almost 4,400 deaths per year.

     

    Dave Park
    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
    Davepark@advantageinspection.com

    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh. . . performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 20 years, Advantage Home Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.

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  • 08Jan

    PCB Testing – “Something in the Air” by Tom Petty

    Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Mold, Pool cleaning service and waterproofing, Realtors, Technology, The Maverick Builder, Uncategorized Comments Off on PCB Testing – “Something in the Air” by Tom Petty

    “Something in the air” takes on a whole new meaning today than that magic spring night in the 60’s or the Tom Petty song.  Mold, Fungi, Radon, Chinese Drywall and now PCBs.

    Polychlorinated biphenyls or PCB’s have been around since the 1940’s.  They where manmade chemicals that were widely used in construction materials and electrical products, you can visit their website here.  They were banned by Congress in 1976 because of a “concern” about their health and environmental effects.

    The use and disposal of PCBs before the phase-out resulted in their widespread presence in our soil, air, water and food. Despite the federal ban, they remain present today in caulking and sealants used in the construction or renovation of older buildings before 1978.

    So why did the EPA announce guidance about this cancer causing chemical in September of 09?

    The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency “announced a series of steps that building owners and public school administrators should take to reduce exposure to PCBs that may be found in caulk in many buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978.

    tom-petty-on-stage[1]

    Call out the instigator
    Because there’s something in the air
    We’ve got to get together sooner or later
    Because the revelution is here!         . . .

    The press release acknowledged the growing amounts of evidence of levels of PCBs in caulk used in older buildings with discussion as to the health concerns related to this “banned” cancer causing chemical.

    But, the press release seemed to be carefully crafted such that it did not use the words “must” or “shall” in their discussion for actions and related testing.

    Advantage Inspection Raleigh

    . . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. Visit AffordableBlinds.com for the best window tinting of your property.

    Is this a serious issue? 

    Also the “EPA recommends testing peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk for the presence of PCBs and removing the caulk if the PCBs are present at significant levels . . .”

    In referring to high air test levels, the EPA also stated that “building owners should be “especially vigilant” in implementing and monitoring ventilation and hygienic practices to minimize exposures . . . ”

    How are people exposed to PCBs?

    Though PCBs were banned from production in 1978, they still typically exist in low-levels in our environment.  They are in the food we eat, the air we breathe and in dirt and dust outside.  They build up in our bodies over many years.

    This long-term build-up of PCBs is what potentially causes harm. The levels of PCBs in our environment and in the bodies of people in this country have decreased significantly over time but on the industries it is still of upmost importance to plan PCB inspections. Luckily, 3D Engineering Solutions counts with cutting-edge technologies to make this process as efficient as it can be. Visit https://www.3d-engineering.net/engineering-services/3d-scanning-digitalizing/industrial-ct-scanning/industrial-x-ray-inspection-services/ to learn more.

    So why all the fuss now?

    Food is a main source of exposure to PCBs. Fish (especially fish caught in polluted waters) contains small amounts of PCBs, as do meat and dairy products.

    Indoor air and dust may also be a significant source of PCB exposure from PCB-contaminated caulk, electrical products, other building materials or products that contain PCBs.

    What about caulk in single-family houses or other places? epa-1[1]

    EPA has found PCBs in large scale apartment complexes and public buildings. To date, EPA has not found PCBs in caulk in single-family houses.  They do note that generally air concentrations are below the public health exposure levels developed by EPA.

    Run through the fields and the houses
    Because there is something in the air
    We’ve got to get together sooner or later
    Because the Revolution is here!     . . .

    – Tom Petty

     So where does this leave you?

    Unless you sleep with old caulk gun, lick your window sills or snort contaminated dust,  PCBs should not be a great concern.  On the other hand if you work or live in a room where window caulk is peeling and falling on the floor, call an inspector for testing and recommendations before you “break out” into a song . . . you heartbreaker you!

     

    Dave Park

    Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
    “    more than just an inspection company!”
    www.adrdu.com

    Full Press Release http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk

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  • 09May

    Tips for Planning a Successful House Remodel

    Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Realtors, Uncategorized 26 Comments

    With the products from https://affordableblinds.com/cellular-shades/blackout-cellular-blinds/ I gave a twist to my kitchen remodeling project using the blinds and window treatments they offer, easy to install, and use as well as being very beautiful in appearance. If you want to take that to the next level, then you might also want to check out Granite Transformations (for best countertops).

    You are renovating because you want your house to look more beautiful and feel more comfortable, and you can get it done easily with a custom home builder. Consider your home renovation plan as a business plan or as your special project you are starting from scratch, using an online is the solution for you, works from within the browser and that can convert all your Revit files into a spectacular 3D visualization.

    RKC Construction 9923 Paseo Montalban #B, San Diego, CA 92129 (619) 449-5899 is a one-stop shop when it comes to the interior and exterior of your home, look at here now how they can turn your existing home into your dream home.

    Get help from Home Remodeling Utah and remodel it. Dogs shed everywhere, and tile floors are no exception. If you hire an architecture he plan for you, but if you want to save money the first step is to visit the website for the TV bed store they have amazing furniture and with a really good quality, and take charge of the project and do it to yourself. You should also use insulation materials like the soundproofing materials during your home renovation,  Fiberglass is a great option and it is noticeable due to many home builders are using it as their insulating option.  In this article we are sharing some DIY ideas on, how to renovate your house on budget? As the roof ages, the asphalt shingles become worn. 

    The key to renovating your house on budget yet beautifully is primarily to plan the entire process effectively. Whether you’re simply cleaning up old floorboards for a home renovation project, or need precise thickness and squaring for furniture, a top-notch bench top planer, learn more information about thickness planer. Contact roof repair Lombard company today to schedule your free consultation with one of our trusted residential roofing contractors. You could also ask them to help you upgrade your old roof. The following sections will demonstrate how you can divide your entire renovation plans into sub-plans, according to the space you have and renovate your home effectively. If you want latest ideas about Home Renovation see here. And If you are looking to find out top 10 ways to renovate your house beautifully yet economically then read below:

    Divide and Conquer

    As mentioned earlier effective planning is the key to effective renovation. If you are renovating yourself then you need to focus on both the bigger picture and the smaller parts. You might have heard the phrase “whole is greater than the sum of its parts”, you can apply the same strategy to your home renovation project and devise a renovation plan for each area in your house. If you hire an architect for renovation, he will assess your requirements and then renovate accordingly. In this case since you’re in charge, you will brainstorm your requirements, write your end goal for each space in the house and decide the overall goal, and then move on to:

    Budgeting

    Since you want to renovate your house economically it is important for you to decide the total expenditure requirements/limit. According to home remodeling by Sjb Construction Inc. It is important to remember in budgeting that you cannot overestimate your budget, keep your budget underestimated and then move on to researching for things you need like construction equipment rentals as well as construction materials. They also consider measures to avert damages from natural disasters such as getting a Soft Story Retrofit. Also, you have to consider what you need when you’d expand your home for usable space. People hire the services of a Dirt Contractor to use heavy equipment for moving such large debris and soil. Visit Archute to hire an  affordable and good architect who can guide you in your remodeling project.

    Research

    You will be surprised at the number of options you have once you start your research. The beautiful lamp that you liked at a high end store can be purchased at a lower price from elsewhere as well, or that roof can be economic with that right roof replacement services. So, when renovating your house on budget please remember that if you research to find the furniture you like what you would find at Maker&Son catalog, the paint you want or the decorations you would like in your house, you are likely to find most of the supplies at an inexpensive price. You can contact Lineage Tree Care for more ideas on how to improve your house. Take advantage of online shopping, thrift stores and second hand furniture shops and see how far you will go. For step by step instructions on how you can decorate your house beautifully yet economically please read below:

     

    Doors Create the First Impression

    The first impression of your house is your door. If you are unable to change the door completely and if your existing door is in a good condition then you should repaint your door. Your doors could also affect the lighting of your room, and you could benefit from this great technique interior designed Amy Lau uses, “When dealing with a dark room, whatever color is used on the walls, I paint the ceiling, trim, and doors the same color but 50 percent lighter. Too much of one shade can overpower a space.” So, when renovating on a budget if you are repainting your door try to use different shades according to the concentration of light in your house to optimize the lighting of your house the way you want to.

    Bathroom Renovation

    Make sure to either get the best sewer repair and cleanup in dallas to help you fix the leaky pipes or read the tips they have on their website for the cleanups you can do by yourself at home. You would be surprised at the number of inexpensive yet quality products you can purchase to renovate your bathroom and bathroom remodeling Edmonton Do It All Contracting is award-winning for renovations in Edmonton and surrounding areas since 1997. which are perfect for this purpose. If you are looking to install new toilet fixture, you can check our Toto Toilet, and if you are not planning to install any new items, you can fix up your existing toilet by changing the paint, changing cabinet paints and by fixing the pressure of shower etc. Take a look at this huge selection range of mirrors

     

    Paint Affects Lighting

    As mentioned earlier painting affects lighting and when renovating your house you might opt for a new paint. In that case if you are already on a budget purchasing different colored pallets might seem counterintuitive. If you are on a tight budget then opt for a black and white palette, it will give your house a modern sophisticated look and you will have the guarantee that you can never go wrong with white or black.

    Small Rooms don’t have to Look Small

    If you are renovating to make a small house look bigger than an inexpensive and beautiful way of achieving that goal is to use Affordable Blinds and mirrors. It’s an inexpensive technique but it’s used by one of the most famous architects of his time, Sir John Soane, who used mirrors in the breakfast room of his London house. 

    Kitchens and Storage

    If you are decorating/renovating your house then you are probably trying to de-clutter and maximize your storage as well. Utilizing your kitchen to its maximum capacity can help you minimize your storage problems. In order to do this on a low budget you can either DIY kitchen cabinets or storages from recycled material at your house, or take advantage of thrift shops in your area. If you ever need help with Kitchen Boss Design Center can remodel your kitchen exactly that you have imagined. If you want to get rid of annoying mosquitoes in your home use mosquito killer amazon,  it has a UV light that lures the bug above the fan, sucks them in and the sticky glue boards make sure they don’t escape.

    No one knows your kitchen space better than you do and your storage needs building DIY storage kitchen cabinets will not only help you save money and reuse old materials at your house but it will also ensure that you’re building exactly what you need. If you already have cabinets which are enough for storage then you don’t need to replace them you can just repaint them and add granite Denver to make your kitchen look as good as new.

    Also consider any plumbing or leaky pipe issues you might have stumbled upon throughout the years. If you’re looking for great plumbers, here is the best plumber Gatton”>plumber Gatton. Use for my hot water system installation. Deciding to renovate your home is much like peeling off a financial band-aid and while people often try to go for the budget solutions – studies have shown that plumbing issues account for 15-18% of all household repairs over a lifetime. So, we recommend that you check with your local plumbing professionals about whether your kitchen needs an upgrade on the pipes, faucet, and more as well as the condition of the grease trap pumping system so that you can fix it earlier rather than later. If you need to hire a reputable contractor that can do that for you, then visit sites like lavergneplumbing.com/plumbing/.

    Light Comes through the Windows

    According to Marc Appleton, “half the experience of living indoors is seeing the outdoors” So when remodeling your house install large windows. However, you might not have the budget to change your windows in that case play around with paint and paint your windows a shade lighter than the rest of the room to maximize the light coming through the windows.You can add some nice blockout curtains adelaide for more privacy. If you really want light to come through into your home then consider getting a skylight in our roof for some natural lighting throughout the day. Many home owners will add hopper windows to promote natural light and improve air circulation in smaller, darker spaces, EZ Window Solutions provide hopper window for this. These sometimes get damaged by weather, so if you ever have trouble just contact the emergency roof repair in raleigh nc for some great service. 

    Floor Renovation

    If you are on a budget then floor renovation might seem expensive, and if you cannot find a flooring installation under your budget then you should invest in renovating everything else according to your floor design, and you can also use resources as Scottsdale hardwood floors to improve your floors at affordable prices.

    The key to renovating or redecorating your house beautifully yet inexpensively is to devise a goal for yourself, and paint an entire picture of what you want and then step by step renovate each part of your house like mentioned above.

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