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Mold In My Home – How Do I Get Rid Of It?

You have found some mold in your home and now you have questions. Is it possible for me to get rid of it, or do you need to call in a professional mold remediation company? 

There are situations where you can remediate, or halt the mold growth on your own.  Remediation is removal of contaminated and/or hazardous materials from your home.  If the problem is small, a good dousing of bleach should stop the mold infestation.  If the invasion is less than ten square feet, you can probably attack the problem on your own and do the repairs. 

There is one thing to remember though. Even though bleach can kill the mold, once the spore is dead it can still release harmful toxins into the air of your home. You must also consider that the fumes in bleach chloride are not the healthiest things for your lungs either.  The bleach you buy in the stores is watered down.  It has to be or it would be a public hazard to handle. And what does mold like? You guessed it, water.  While bleach can do some good, it is not the most reliable method of mold remediation. 

Antibacterial products are effective deterrent to mold growth. They will retard mold growth, but will not prevent dried (even dead) mold spores form floating in the air, releasing toxins and causing health problems in some people. However, once the mold and its’ source are removed, antibacterial gels can be a good deterrent to future mold infestations. 

So, how do you know if you got it all? Mold and mildew can seep into microscopic cracks and porous materials.  There are a lot of places in your house that are porous – concrete slabs, drywall, wood and brick, etc.   It may be worth it to call in a professional who handle this stuff on a daily basis. 

Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Center of Disease Control (CDC)  have explicit standards and instructions on how to remove mold.  A respirator  ( N-95 dust mask) should be worn at all times in the presence of mold per the EPA.  If the mold is spread over 30 square feet, the regulations state that you have a choice whether to call in a professional or to let a cleaning or maintenance company handle the job. More than 30 square feet and it is always best to contact a professional mold remediation company. 

Not only do you have to stop the mold, you also have to stop the entrance of moisture into your home. If you can keep the mold from growing back, your battle is won. The EPA has a list of registered chemicals and even biodegradable substances specifically for mold remediation . These are contained in anti-bacterial sealants that professionals must registered to handle and trained to use.  The professional mold remediation technician may need to use methods of sanding or other abrasive techniques to help the sealant stick.  Let them. You should be wary of companies that just want to spray a filmy substance before the moldy or dirt laden surfaces are cleaned and treated.  There are several tings to consider when dealing with mold:  Invasive treatment v/s non-invasive treatment. Treat or tear it all out. As a home owner, how would you know what is best?  It may be in your best interest to contact a local mold remediation company.

So how do you find a reputable mold remediator?  Visit their web site.  Make sure they are using EPA approved equipment, chemicals and HEPA filtration devices. Check their permits and references. Check for nationally recognized accreditations or associations.  Also keep in mind that with all the scare out there pertaining to mold in homes, there are some flim-flam artists out there ready to prey on worried home owners.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Thursday, July 29th, 2010.
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Posted in Basement, Interior

“S” Trap Under Sink
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In plumbing system, a trap is located below plumbing fixtures to prevent sewer gasses from entering the building. You will see in the attached video from a recent home inspection that there is what is referred to as an “S” Trap. In many locations, plumbing codes do not allow “S” Traps as they are prone to siphon out the water seal even if properly vented, thus allowing sewer gassed to escape into the building. The accepted type of trap is called a “P” Trap.

Posted on Monday, July 26th, 2010.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Plumbing

Kristine T. Kasson, MN

We have used Rick twice, once in 2005 when we bought our first home and again this year with the purchase of our second home. He is very professional and thourough. I like how his report is layed out with pictures. I like how he labels all the valves in the home. We never felt that he was in a rush and he came prepared to give us our printed report there on the spot. Rick will point out areas that need repair and suggest ways to fix them. I would recommend him to anyone buying or selling a home.‎

Posted on Friday, July 16th, 2010.
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Posted in Client Feedback

Mudjacking a Settled Slab

Mudjacking a Concrete Slab

If your driveway, sidewalk or patio has a large area of concrete that has settled unevenly and now has a pitch towards your home foundation and threatens to flow rain water towards the basement, you may have a candidate for mudjacking.

Mudjacking is a process that utilizes hydraulic pressure to raise or level concrete slabs and sidewalks.  A series of holes approximately 2 inch holes are drilled through the slab a pre determined locations.  A mixture of water, ground stone and cement is pumped through the holes with a special machine.  The stiff mud that is pumped under the slab will lift it to the desired location or slope. 

If you have a slab that is in relatively good condition with few cracks, mudjacking can be a more cost effective way of correcting the problem than replacing the slab.  Done correctly, the repair will last for years

Posted on Thursday, July 15th, 2010.
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Posted in Exterior Components, Inspectors Blog

Simple Steps To A Dry Basement!

There aren’t many things worse than walking across your basement, and suddenly getting your feet wet. Maybe the kids spilled something on the carpet or Fido had an accident. Then you realize there is a lot more water there than either could produce. 

You realize you have a basement leak!  Now What? 

Sometimes it can seem like keeping your basement dry is a never ending battle, but, keeping your basement dry may not be as hard as you think. There are some simple steps you can take that will keep your basement dry and comfortable.

While it may sound like a little thing, as a home inspector I occasionally come across outdoor water spigots that were leaking.  Even what you may consider a slight drip can develop into several gallons of water per day, running down the foundation wall.  A simple fix could have prevented the problem. 

Gutters and downspouts need to be kept clear of all debris.  Check them for any damage that would prevent water from flowing properly through them.  Rainwater spilling out on a concentrated area can create and erode low places in your grade and allow water to concentrate against your foundation wall and in time can deteriorate the concrete or concrete block joints.  It will also start seeping through cracks in your basement wall and cause a basement leak.

Where the water exits at the bottom of the downspout is a critical area. It must be allowed to flow away from the foundation. This can consist of a simple splash block or a drain pipe extension as needed.

Make sure the grade around your house slopes away your foundation wall. Sometimes that is not an easy task, but is a must to keep the drainage water away from the foundation. Any low areas found next to your foundation should be filled and graded away from your foundation. 

Fix any plumbing leaks as they happen. This may seem like a no-brainer task, but in some cases, these leaks are really hard to notice. Discoloration of flooring is sometimes the only indication of a possible leak.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010.
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Posted in Basement

Make the best of a Gloomy, Dreary Day – Prep Your Deck

Since we have had a string of dreary days, now is the time to get out there and prepare your outdoor living areas for the summer outdoor entertainment season. While you want to use the sunny days for fertilizing the lawn, planting flowers, etc., don’t waste those gray, overcast days, which are great for other outdoor projects. One task that can be tackled on a dreary day is prepping and cleaning your deck to get it ready for staining.

Staining your deck is one of the best ways to protect your investment from the elements, It will be easier to maintain and look better longer. However, you won’t get the best results by laying down a coat or two of stain without proper preparation of the deck surface.  Every deck staining project should start with a proper cleaning and preparation. Although you may want a perfect – sunny weekend to stain your deck, prepping can be done at any time.  Take a look at these simple steps below to help achieve great-looking results that last:

Get all of your tools and materials together. To make your project flow, and save time, have the following within reach before you start your project:
* Broom or leaf blower
* Ladder (for decks off ground)
* Rags
* Tarps
* Buckets for mixing
* Synthetic brushes (2 to 4 inches)
* Rollers
* Long handles for rollers
* Roller frames and roller grids
* Cleaning product. Your local Rochester or Southeastern MN hardware or building supplies store offers a variety of wood cleaning and stripping products to help clean and brighten surfaces dulled and grayed by the sun, dirt and rain.

Check your deck surfaces to make sure they are both safe and sturdy.  Be sure to inspect for areas that may have bad wood, dry rot, loose nails, loose spindles and broken boards. Replace boards as needed and secure any loose nails and spindles.

Prepare yourself, the deck and the surrounding area. Make sure you follow all safety precautions prescribed by the cleaning product manufacturer before starting your deck cleaning project. Wear gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and old clothing – shorts are not recommended when using chemicals. Before starting, cover any areas you want to protect, wet down plants and shrubs, and wet your deck surface with water.

Clean, scrub and renew your deck. Work the cleaner into the wood, starting from the bottom up to reduce streaking. Be sure to keep surfaces wet with water and let the wood cleaner stand for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. Once you have your deck cleaned, the wood should dry for at least 48 hours before applying any stains or paint.

For the most part, cleaning the average sized deck, (300 to 500 square feet) deck will take you five to six hours. And, since Mother Nature won’t harm your work, cleaning can be done on a gloomy day. Once you have your deck properly cleaned you should stain it within 30 days. After 30 days, you may have to do a light cleaning with bleach and water before staining will do the trick. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Is Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer?

Just like any of the other systems in our homes, our air conditioners need periodic maintenance to keep them running smoothly.  We want the air conditioner to work when we need it right?  Too often though, people wait until the temperatures soar to find out that the old unit just won’t fire up.  Summer is coming and soon we will all want our air conditioners to run at peak performance to keep us comfortable.  Careful inspection of the air conditioning system prior to peak use can help you to head off problems ahead of time.

First, the more you use your air conditioner, the more often it should be checked.  Filters are a good place to start.  Cold air moves harder that hot air.  If your air filter is plugged, the fan has to work harder to move the air.  If the air isn’t moving, the air conditioner has to work harder to meet the desired temperature in the home.  Buy a good air filter and make sure to change them at the manufacturers prescribed frequency. 

At the condenser, (outside), make sure that there is adequate clearance for air flow around the unit.  Three feet above and one foot at the sides, minimum clearance will allow the air to flow freely.  Also, make sure that the cooling fins are free of debris and damage.  If the fins are clogged with dryer lint or grass clippings, air can’t move freely through the condenser. 

Catch small problems before they turn into big problems.  Noisy condenser units could be anything from a loose screw on a panel or safety screen, to a loose fan blade.  Loose fan blades could also be hitting part of the unit.  If everything is tight and there is still a noise, it could be the condenser motor.  You should call for service if this is the case.  Make sure that the unit is sitting level to prevent unnecessary wear on the motor bearings. 

Noise at the furnace could mean a bad motor or loose/worn drive belt.  Again, you should call a service technician for repairs.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010.
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Posted in Monthly Home Tip

How to Cut Costs Efficiently, and Green up Your Home
It can be a challenge to keep your home cool and comfortable while keeping your energy bills in control, especially with the arrival of warmer weather.  There are a few steps you can take now that will make your home more environmentally friendly while saving money and natural resources.
 
Air conditioners, fans, and other appliances that we run in the summer can eat up energy and drive up our utility costs.  According to the EPA, the energy used in the average home is responsible for twice the greenhouse gas emissions that the average passenger car.  Below are a few tips that you can implement that will help reduce your energy consumption and help to keep you comfortable.
 
Install a programmable thermostat and pre-set your indoor temperatures.  This can save you up to 6% on your energy costs for every degree you raise your thermostat this summer.  Most models are simple to operate, allowing you to program them around your family’s schedules.

If you have an old air conditioning unit, you may want to upgrade to a newer system that meets or exceeds the government energy standards.  For example, it is possible to have savings of up to 47% on new heating and air conditioning costs with a newer model.  Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, you may be eligible for tax credits if a new air condition and/or heating system meets energy efficiency requirements.   

Turn off lights and keep costs down.  Being more efficient with your lighting is one of the fastest ways to reduce your electricity bills.  Turning off lights when you leave a room will add to your energy savings. 

How efficient are your exterior doors?  Old doors with poor seals may contribute to higher energy usage.  New exterior doors usually fit and seal better than older doors.  A new energy efficient door can help to stabilize your interior temperatures and decrease your energy usage.

Some other simple energy savers…  Even small acts of green can make a difference. Turning off your computer and monitor when not in use; lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees; taking short showers instead of baths and washing only full loads of dishes and clothes can all add up to big savings on your homes energy consumption.

 
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

It can be a challenge to keep your home cool and comfortable while keeping your energy bills in control, especially with the arrival of warmer weather.  There are a few steps you can take now that will make your home more environmentally friendly while saving money and natural resources.
 
Air conditioners, fans, and other appliances that we run in the summer can eat up energy and drive up our utility costs.  According to the EPA, the energy used in the average home is responsible for twice the greenhouse gas emissions that the average passenger car.  Below are a few tips that you can implement that will help reduce your energy consumption and help to keep you comfortable.
 
Install a programmable thermostat and pre-set your indoor temperatures.  This can save you up to 6% on your energy costs for every degree you raise your thermostat this summer.  Most models are simple to operate, allowing you to program them around your family’s schedules.

If you have an old air conditioning unit, you may want to upgrade to a newer system that meets or exceeds the government energy standards.  For example, it is possible to have savings of up to 47% on new heating and air conditioning costs with a newer model.  Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, you may be eligible for tax credits if a new air condition and/or heating system meets energy efficiency requirements.   

Turn off lights and keep costs down.  Being more efficient with your lighting is one of the fastest ways to reduce your electricity bills.  Turning off lights when you leave a room will add to your energy savings. 

How efficient are your exterior doors?  Old doors with poor seals may contribute to higher energy usage.  New exterior doors usually fit and seal better than older doors.  A new energy efficient door can help to stabilize your interior temperatures and decrease your energy usage.

Some other simple energy savers…  Even small acts of green can make a difference. Turning off your computer and monitor when not in use; lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees; taking short showers instead of baths and washing only full loads of dishes and clothes can all add up to big savings on your homes energy consumption.

 
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Friday, April 23rd, 2010.
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Posted in Monthly Home Tip

Digital Spring Cleaning

As long as you are thinking about Spring Cleaning, why not take some time to attend to your digital gizmos and gadgets you have around the house.  I’m guessing, if you are like me, it’s probably been months since you have organized you computer files, or checked on the batteries in your safety devices, to make sure they operate properly in the event you may need them.

Let’s get organized this spring.  Make sure you add all of your digital gadgets and devices to the list.  Below are a few tips that should get you on the right path to your digital spring cleaning.

Let’s start with the computers first.  You might be surprised to see just how much faster they operate and process information when the files are organized.  You can de-clutter your e-mail by sorting out all old or un-needed emails.  Put important e-mails you need into folders for safe keeping.  Run your computer’s disk clean up and defragmenter software to de-clutter and organize hard disk file space.

Spring is also a great time to replace all of the batteries in your small electronics.  Restock your supplies so that you have batteries on hand when the need arises, or in case of emergencies.  Some of the electronic devices that may need new batteries are the digital cameras, digital clocks, remote controls, garage door openers, flash lights, toys, and don’t forget about the electronic key fob for your automobiles.  Changing out all of your batteries will guarantee the these electronics will be ready and in working order when you need them.

Your Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors should also have their batteries changed at least annually.  Your family’s safety is important, and we rely on these devices to keep us safe and alert us in the event of an emergency.  Working smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are the simplest ways to to protect you and your family from fire.

You can combine your digital spring cleaning with your regular organization of tax records, sales receipts, Auto repair receipts, and anything else you keep in your file cabinets.  I scan all of my documents and store them electronically.  This saves space and allows for easy retrieval.  Of course you should also make digital back up’s to protect your documents in the event of a hard drive crash.

Keeping your digital house in order will help to make your life a little more organized while also keeping you prepared for any technical emergencies that may arise.  Get your spring cleaning going now and enjoy the benefits of a clutter free home.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Thursday, March 18th, 2010.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Damaged Garage Door
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In the attached video of a cracked garage door top panel.  I come across this defect quite often during home inspections.  Improper adjustment of the garage door tracks and/or the drive chain can result in jerking of the door during operation.  The jerking can result in flexure at the center of the door when the panel is in the horizontal position.  There is a lot of stress at the connection point where the chain drive is connected to the garage door.

If your garage door is flexing or jerking during operation, contact a local Rochester or Southeastern MN contractor specializing in garage door installation.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Sunday, February 28th, 2010.
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Posted in Garage

Thank you so much for the thorough job!  Your nspection report and answers were fantastic.  We are very confident that we are getting a “solid” home.  We will definately refer you to our friends and family.

John & Deanna I. Rochester, MN

Very Knowledgable.  You answered all of our questions.  Thanks again!

Jackie and Ryan, Rochester, MN

Rick’s inspection put our minds at ease when purchasing our first home.  After the home inspection, we felt confident in asking for the repairs that were needed.  Thanks for the thorough inspection and report!

Melissa C. Rochester, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942