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Simple Fixes For A Cold Crawl Space

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Christmas may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean Jack Frost is done nipping. We never really know what he holds in his little bag of winter tricks, so keeping our homes prepared for colder weather is a lot like the gift that keeps on giving. If your home has a crawl space, one good way to be ready for lower temperatures is to ensure that it is clean and dry. A crawl space is generally the place underneath the house where electrical wiring, water pipes, and heating and cooling systems are located. If this area is ventilated, cold air can enter through the vents, and it is carried throughout the rest of the house by the stack effect. Plainly put, air travels upward from the crawl space and infiltrates the rest of the house. Along with the cold air, there is the potential for dust mites, mold, and offensive odors to be carried throughout your home as well. However, protecting your home and family against these threats in cold weather is as simple as following these few basic steps. Keep Crawl Space Vents Closed According to the Department of Energy, most building codes require vents in crawl spaces, but they can create issues with mold growth and moisture from damp outside air. Depending on climate and the type of floor in your ventilated crawl space, it is likely to be cold and wet in winter weather. Keeping the vents closed can prevent cold air from entering as easily. Not only does this decrease the likelihood of excessive moisture, but it will also help prevent dust mites from traveling into your home with the outside air. Mold growth can cause bad odors and pose potential health risks. A closed vent in existing homes, or an unventilated crawl space in new ones can decrease your family’s risk to health problems. Additionally, closing crawl space vents can save on heating costs, as a colder house usually translates into extended use of a home’s heating system. Insulate Your Crawl Space No one enjoys walking on a cold floor in the winter. Floors located directly above the ceiling of your ventilated crawl space can be insulated to prevent air from seeping through cracks in the flooring. However, energy.gov suggests insulating foundation walls as an alternative to floor insulation in both ventilated and unventilated crawl spaces. Rigid foam insulation board, as opposed to fiberglass, is recommended for this because it does not absorb water and is less likely to support mold growth. The experts at RCS can answer any questions you have about best practices for insulating your crawl space. Install Vapor Barriers Water vapors and condensation from winter weather conditions will cause a build-up of moisture in a damp crawl space. A simple moisture control fix is to have vapor barriers installed. Comprised of foil sheeting or plastic material, vapor barriers help to prevent moisture from evaporating into the air that moves from the crawl space into other areas of your home. They can also help to avoid wood rot, rusting on metal fixtures and pipes, and damage to drywall areas. Properly managing the amount of vapor allowed into your crawl space helps keep heating costs down because heating and cooling systems will not be required to run as long or work as hard. There is also less risk of electrical wiring problems resulting from excess moisture when vapor barriers are present. Cold weather can wreak havoc on your crawl space if appropriate moisture controls are not in place and if it is not properly insulated. Who really wants to come in from the cold, only to be met by more cold air and a foul odor inside their home? Managing the air flow into your crawl space, effectively insulating it, and installing vapor barriers can significantly decrease the likelihood of that happening. Maintaining a clean and dry crawl space can reduce heating and cooling costs, keep you and your family warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and keep the air you and your family breathe healthier year-round. Contact Restoration Certified Specialists in Santa Rosa, CA. today for your free quote on a crawl space cleanup.

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How to Moderate Humidity In Your Crawl Space

check humidity crawl space sonoma

In warm climates like Santa Rosa, keeping an eye on the humidity levels in your crawl space is important for a few good reasons. High crawl space humidity means moisture is usually present, creating an environment that is ripe for mold formation and growth, as well as rodent infestation. Rodents are attracted to warm, damp spaces that are protected from the elements. They can leave urine and fecal droppings containing germs that can exacerbate asthmatic or allergic conditions. A ventilated crawl space in a humid climate has a greater potential for mold growth than an unventilated space because vents allow moisture in the air to travel into the home, bringing with it dust mites and any other potentially harmful contaminants that might be present. The moist air can put stress on crawl space beams, causing rot in some cases, and seriously damage insulation, which weakens the structure of a home. Rodents can also travel through vents, and they can nest in your insulation or gnaw on electrical wiring, creating a potential fire hazard.

Insulate Properly 

It is recommended that insulation humidity levels remain lower than 70% in crawl spaces to limit the amount of moisture that is present. If moisture is prevalent in a crawl space, the tiny pockets in fiberglass insulation tend to fill with water, and any energy that might be retained is transferred instead, rendering the insulation ineffective. Using foam insulation as opposed to fiberglass in your crawl space can help to reduce the likelihood of excessive moisture as well as the transference of energy. HVAC units work harder, and energy bills rise.

Control Condensation

When condensation is visible on crawl space fixtures, your humidity level is too high for the air to hold the moisture in it. The space will become damp, inviting mold to grow and decreasing air quality in your home. Asthma or allergy sufferers will be the first to know that there is a problem. To avoid this, moisture controls like vapor barriers can be installed in foundation walls to seal out the moisture. Covering vents and doorways with waterproof covers prevents damp air from seeping in. A dehumidifier can also be used to help maintain low humidity and control condensation.

Check Humidity Regularly

A device called a hygrometer measures the humidity in a space. You can purchase one at Wal-Mart or Lowe’s for a reasonably low price to monitor both temperature and humidity in your crawl space. Check it regularly to ensure that humidity is not becoming too high. If you experience problems with mold or rodent infestation due to high humidity, contact RCS to help. Our crawlspace cleanup service is the perfect ticket for drying out or decontaminating your space. We can also install moisture barriers to prevent the problem from occurring again any time soon.

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Beating Bathroom Mold To The Punch

moldy bathroom santa rosa

As the adage says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This statement by Benjamin Franklin still rings true today in many life situations. One place where prevention is definitely worth the trouble is in your bathroom, where moisture and dampness can create unhealthy and unsightly mold. Obviously, you can’t expect the one room in the house that is most prone to moisture and frequented by everyone to remain completely dry. Still, there are ways to ensure that the wet conditions that do occur don’t cause you unnecessary grief or money. This article will discuss some preventive measures you can take to beat mold to the punch while keeping your family healthy. First, you need to know how to track down existing mold in your home.

Sources of Mold

Understanding how to prevent mold begins with knowing where it comes from in the first place. The truth of the matter is that this fungus is a part of the Earth’s natural environment, and its airborne nature makes spreading easy. Warm environments like Sonoma are ideal for mold spore growth, and those spores can enter your home on outside air through your HVAC system. By the time mold shows up in your bathroom, it has likely already been forming in other damp areas in your home, such as a ventilated crawl space below the bathroom. If you suspect that mold is forming somewhere else first, contact your local mold remediation specialist to locate and remove the source. Because it offers perennial dampness for mold to thrive, its formation can become a bigger problem in the bath than in other rooms, especially if there is no exhaust fan for ventilation. Leaks from pipes, sinks or toilets are additional sources of mold growth, and damp rugs, porous grout, wood, and wallpaper are common culprits as well.

Preventing Future Infestation

Since mold formation can begin in other rooms besides the bathroom, the whole house should be included in your prevention regimen. Here are some tips for avoiding additional growth once you have located the source and reduced the threat.
  • Replace HVAC filters on a regular basis and try to use HEPA filters when possible. This will keep the vents cleaner, which results in cleaner air for your family to breathe. When you can see mold growing within the intake vents and around the air ducts and drip pans, it's time to call a professional. Annual maintenance on the whole system is also recommended.
  • Know the signs of mold growth in air ducts: A strong musty or mildew-like smell throughout the house or feeling irritation in your nose, throat, and eyes when your air conditioner is on are all indicators of mold growth. Experiencing allergic symptoms including a runny nose, rashes, and watery eyes are giveaways of the possibility of a problem, as well as unexplained headaches, feeling nausea, fatigue, and dizziness only when you are home.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and keep furniture and drapes dusted.
  • If you live in a warmer climate, humidity can be a contributing factor in mold growth, so investing in a dehumidifier can help prevent future issues.
  • Wash or replace your mildew-resistant shower curtain frequently. Vinegar applied to the curtain and allowed to air-dry after each use helps to reduce mildew growth as well. You might consider adding an oil to cut the smell.
  • When you shower or bath, use your bathroom ventilation fan and leave it running for at least a half hour after you’re done.
  • Keep bottles of shampoo or shower gel dry and on a shelf outside the shower.
  • Drying glass and tile surfaces after use will help to deter mold and mildew growth.
  • Routinely check for growth under the sink, on shower doors and fixtures, and around the exhaust fan.

Prevention in a Newly Built or Remodeled Home

If you are having a new home built or remodeling your bathroom, make sure that you have moisture controls in place. In humid climates, vapor barriers should be installed on the outside walls, and insulation should be along inside walls. Foam is usually a better insulation for bathrooms, basements and crawl spaces in warmer climes. Talk to your contractor and plumber about installing a wall for pipes inside the exterior wall. In an existing home, replace the caulking around your tub. If you are using a recessed tub, (one that is attached to three walls) your contractor can make sure that it is properly sealed along each wall. Since it seems prevention truly is the best medicine, you should make it a priority for keeping your bathroom free of mold and other contaminants. Know the possible sources of mold in your home and start a prevention routine that includes keeping vents clean and dry, cleaning the bathroom at least once a week, and making sure moisture controls are used. Following these simple health promoting tips can allow ou, your family, and your guests to breathe a little easier while beating mold to the punch.

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Health Risks of Long-Term Mold Exposure

Mold Likes To Hide

We all know that mold in the home is something that needs to be attended to right away. While people generally understand that mold can be toxic to their health, they may not know all the health-related symptoms that are associated with a mold infestation. In this article, we will review the most common health risks of mold exposure along with why you should choose Santa Rosa’s RCS for your mold removal services.

Who is susceptible to mold toxicity?

Mold has the potential to cause illness in all individuals who are exposed to it. The severity of the reaction depends on the individual's current health status and pre-existing conditions. Those who have a compromised immune system, such as individuals with pre-existing health conditions, seniors, children, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to mold-related illnesses. This is why it is so critical to identify and remove all mold as soon as it is found, preferably before it has a chance to spread.

What are the common symptoms of mold sensitivity?

Individuals who are sensitive to mold will typically have symptoms similar to that of an individual with allergies, and as such will respond to mold in a similar manner. While mold sensitivity presents a similar reaction to those who have allergies to pollens, mold exposure is far more dangerous to one's health. Those who are sensitive may experience:
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Dry or watering eyes
  • Headaches
  • Nasal and chest congestion
  • Skin irritation
It is always recommended to visit your health provider for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If you have mold removed from your home or business, be sure to consult a health care professional.

What are the long-term effects mold can have on my health?

Exposure to mold may affect the health of your upper respiratory system. If you have asthma, COPD or any other pre-existing lung illness, the presence of mold can significantly increase the frequency and severity of associated symptoms. Several studies have additionally linked mold exposure to an increased chance of children developing life-long asthma.

Why choose us for your mold removal needs

As a locally owned and operated business in Sonoma County, we care about the health of our community and its residents. If you suspect a mold infestation or have found mold in your residential or commercial building, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our experienced and certified technicians are trained and prepared to seek out, identify and remove all mold present. By identifying the mold species, we are able to effectively dispose of all traces while working closely with you in implementing preventive techniques and tips to ensure recurrence is avoided. Knowing the effects mold can have on your health and finding the right team to remove it is the first step in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all. Understanding the associated risks with mold exposure can save lives.

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