Hey NJ! Here Are Warning Signs That Your Home Has Mold

Hey New Jersey! Are you concerned with the atmosphere in your home? If you’re feeling ill in your home and can’t figure out why, you may have mold. 

Mold are a type of fungi that grow in multicellular structures called hyphae. Mold can cause you to feel sick in many different ways. 

Most mold is easy to spot, but sometimes growths just look like a dirty surface.  A quick way to test for mold by dipping a swab diluted with 1 part bleach and 16 parts water, and dab it on the wall where you suspect the mold. You’re gonna want to wear gloves. If it lightens and/or keeps coming back after you clean it, it’s probably mold.

According to FEMA, mold exposure can cause many different health effects including respiratory problems such as wheezing, asthma attacks, sinus and nasal congestion, hacking and dry coughs.  It can also cause the following:

Eye Irritations- redness, itchy eyes, burning

Nose and Throat Irritation-  sneezing fits, bloody noses

Skin Irritations- Rashes, Hives

Nervous System issues- Aches, pains, memory loss, mood swings, headaches

These issues can worsen with prolonged exposure. You can even develop depression and anxiety from long term mold exposure.

Mold grows from moisture. It lives in humid, damp and often dark environments.  Areas that are poorly ventilated are prone to growing mold. Some common areas to find mold are bathrooms, kitchens, around leaky faucets and pipes, basements, wet carpeting, ceilings and walls that have had leaks, potted plants, windows, washers and dishwashers.  You can also find mold on personal belongings that gather water such as sponges, wash cloths that sit in sinks or tubs, cups, thermoses and damp lunchboxes. 

It is important to hire a professional if you suspect you have mold in your home. Choosing the right mold company is very important, so that the mold can be completely removed from your home or place of business. Nash Everett has been expertly removing mold from water damaged homes for many years and have these tips for helping you find the perfect mold company for you:

1-Not all “remediation” or mold removal techniques are created equal. Simply spraying a chemical or  “fogging” is not a mold remediation. Industry and government guidelines all adhere to strict standards that must be followed. Don’t be fooled by the “ Spray and Go” guys. It simply does not work.

2-Check references. Any reputable company should be able to provide you with contact information from past or current customers who are willing to speak with you.

3-Communication is key. Pay attention to how quickly and thoroughly your contractor responds to your question and needs. Make sure your proposal is clear and easy to understand.

4-Your mold remediation contractor should supply you with all certifications, licensing, and insurance before moving forward with any project.

5-Trust your instincts! Does the contractor/company maintain a clean professional appearance. Do they provide a business card and identification upon arrival. You want a mold removal company who respects your home. First impressions mean a lot.

6-Finally, don’t be lured in by the lowest cost proposal. There is a good chance that corners will be cut. We always do our best to provide the best service at reasonable cost.

If you suspect you may have a mold issue in your home, Nash Everett specializes in Mold Removal in Red Bank. They can also do a healthy home evaluation. This evaluation includes if you are in the process of buying a new home and mold is found during the inspection.  They can also assess musty odors in your home, elevated humidity issues, and water intrusion, 

Have you ever had your ducts cleaned? In addition to mold, dirty ducts are another leading cause of health issues in the home. Did you know that indoor air is 2-5 times more toxic than outdoor? That’s a pretty scary thought. Contaminants live in your ducts of your home.  These include: dust mites, pet dander, hair, bacteria, cigarette smoke, chemicals, construction debris and mold.  Every time you use your air conditioner or HVAC system in your home these contaminants are being distributed in the air.  Having your ducts cleaned not only improve your air quality, but save you money in the long run because less energy is being used.

When was the last time you had your dryer vents cleaned? Did you know that an estimated 2900 clothes dryer fires are reported yearly in the U.S?  These fires have resulted in over 100 injuries and 5 deaths a year, as well as over 35 million dollars in property damage. 

Nate Everett also specializes in dryer vent cleaning in the Red Bank area.  He recommends having your dryer vents cleaned professionally, at least every 3 years.

Keep your home environmentally safe by having it assessed for mold, having your air ducts cleaned and having your dryer vent cleaned by a professional.