Are Air Quality Tests Missing Something?

Taking an air quality test when a customer believes mold might contaminate their home is the first step. Yet, hearing some technicians arrive and announce they are there to take such tests without delving into details can be disconcerting – especially since false negatives may occur! 

Not only does this create distrust between customers and techs, but it also sends misinformation about potential hazards directly to healthcare providers due to a lack of expertise from the technician’s side. 

At Pure Maintenance of Texas, we always strive to be experts in our field to provide valuable information reliably.

 

If you ever wonder about the air quality around you, there are many tell-tale signs to look out for – aside from an official air quality test:

You feel under the weather all the time with no particular cause.

Trust your gut – take some time to look at home for potential sources of fatigue. You know yourself and your environment better than anyone else, so relying on your instincts will often lead you in the right direction.

Your home has been subject to a past flood or leak event.

There is a very high chance you could be dealing with elevated mold levels. Have peace of mind knowing that the effects can typically be reversed and remedied through proper inspection and treatment.

Your home has an odor.

The idea of a ‘musty-smelling house’ is universally understood, yet its inhabitants can often be oblivious to the underlying odor due presumably to our natural ability for adaptation. It’s something that human biology blesses and curses us with, usually without any warning!

When the air conditioner or heater is switched on, there’s an unpleasant odor.

This can often be attributed to a high level of mold colonies living in the HVAC system – essentially transforming it into a veritable breeding ground.

The bathroom has signs of darkened grout or mold on the ceiling or around drains/window sills.

All these seem normal, but unfortunately, a healthy home should have none or at least very few instances of these – any such issues must be identified and addressed promptly for health reasons.

Seasonal allergies have become less seasonal and are constant.

Allergens don’t always follow the seasons – many homeowners find their symptoms persist throughout the year. Fungal spores from excess mold in homes can wreak havoc on people’s sinuses and is often a flag for professional remediation services. Frequent morning congestion, compounded by unpleasant discharge upon blowing one’s nose, indicates an elevated fungal load that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Paint peeling and water stains on drywall. 

Where there is peeling, there is usually water. Where there is water, there is mold. To prevent the spread of this potentially hazardous fungus, it’s essential to address any signs of surface damage quickly and effectively.

Persistent sore throat or coughing, which is often unresponsive to antibiotic treatments.

Furthermore, additional symptoms such as rash and itching of the skin should not be overlooked.

If your home or building presents any of these eight telltale signs, it could indicate an elevated mold load. Be sure to investigate further for continued safety and peace of mind.

Improve indoor air quality and ensure a healthier environment for you and your family with Pure Maintenance of Texas. Get in touch today to find out how we can help!

 

 

What is Dry Fog Mold Remediation, and How Does It Work?

Pure Maintenance’s Sugar Land mold remediation is an innovative two-step process that ensures all indoor spaces are free from pesky and potentially hazardous growth. Our patented dry fog technology produces a safe, ultra-fine vapor comprised of water and an environmentally friendly biocide that effectively penetrates even the most difficult-to-reach areas like air ducts or behind walls for complete coverage against existing mold spores.

A Comprehensive Process

At the start of any mold remediation job, our team begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine all areas affected. Following this, we utilize advanced dry fog equipment and EPA-approved products that work in perfect synergy to eliminate visible and hidden mold – preventing it from coming back for good. 

Non-Destructive

Our process offers a non-destructive way to fight against potentially hazardous mold. No expensive tear-out or sanding is needed, so you can keep furniture, clothing, and other items safe – plus, the process takes only 4–6 hours! Save energy (and money!) while getting your home clean fast with minimal disruption.

Commercial Properties

The treatment is also suitable for larger commercial properties where mold is often a problem. Our equipment is able to cover large areas quickly and effectively, eliminating mold in a matter of hours and allowing the business to resume operations as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Dry fog remediation is an incredibly efficient way to remove mold and ensure the health of any indoor space. This non-invasive method can be used in residential or commercial buildings and penetrates even hard-to-reach areas like air ducts, completely eliminating all traces of dangerous spores for good. With dry fog technology, users are guaranteed a safe environment free from hazardous fungal growth!

Contact us today to learn more!

Understanding the Risks of Mold and How to Identify It

Mold is a fungus that can form in your home and cause serious health risks. There are many types of mold, some of which can be easily identified by sight or smell, while others require more specialized tests.

This article will explain the dangers of mold, how to identify it, and what you should do if you think you have it in your home.

 

The Dangers of Mold

Mold can cause various health issues, from allergic reactions, sneezing, and coughing to more serious respiratory illnesses.

Long-term exposure may lead to chronic sinusitis or lung infections. Some molds produce toxins that can be harmful when ingested or inhaled.

How to Identify Mold

Mold often looks like small spots on walls or other surfaces that may be black, green, brown, or white. It may also have a musty odor that is easy to detect with your nose.

If you suspect mold in your home but don’t see any visible signs, you can use a moisture meter or infrared camera to detect hidden areas where moisture is present.

These tools are available at most hardware stores and can help you identify any potential sources of mold before they become a problem.

To identify mold in your home, look for the following signs:

  • Musty odors in your home
  • Visible mold growth, often appearing as black, green, or white spots
  • Peeling or discolored paint
  • Stains on walls or ceilings
  • Warped or distorted wood
  • Water damage, such as water stains or water leaks

 

What To Do if You Suspect Mold

If you find signs of mold in your home, it’s essential to remove it immediately. Start by addressing the source of the moisture—is there a leaky pipe? A crack in the foundation? An improperly sealed window?

Fixing these issues will reduce the chances of mold growth and ensure the problem doesn’t come back again. After selecting any underlying causes of moisture, thoroughly clean all affected surfaces with soap and water or an antifungal cleaner before repainting or sealing them off entirely with caulk or paint sealant.

If necessary, hire a professional to help with removal and cleanup—it’s better to be safe than sorry!

To prevent mold from growing in your home, take the following steps:

  • Keep your home well-ventilated
  • Fix any leaks or water damage as soon as they occur
  • Clean and dry any damp or wet areas in your home immediately
  • Use a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home
  • Ensure your home has proper drainage to prevent water from building up in crawl spaces or basements.

In conclusion, mold is a problem that poses significant risks to your health if not dealt with promptly and correctly. Fortunately, understanding how to identify potential sources of mold and taking quick action can help keep it from becoming an issue in your home.

Educating yourself on the dangers of mold is one way to protect yourself and your family from its adverse effects!

Are you facing indoor air quality issues due to mold in your home or business? Contact Pure Maintenance of Texas now and experience our reliable services that will provide a quick solution!

 

 

 

Why does bread mold so fast in my house?

Have you ever gone to grab something from the fridge or pantry to find mold taking over? Not only is it gross, but have you ever stopped and wondered – Is this coming from my home, or was the produce already pre-inoculated before I even brought in groceries? 

It’s a common problem plaguing households with high “Mold Loads.” The answer may not be so simple – for starters, there are many factors at play, like what happens on farms when harvest season starts, all the way up until packaging plants review fruit, veggies, and bread before hitting retail shelves. Rules of thumb suggest if more than 10% of products show signs of bacteria/mold during an inspection by the store receiving manager, then stores won’t accept them!

Apples, for instance – if stored in the refrigerator, should remain edible for up to 4–6 weeks and 5–7 days on the countertop – but if your home’s mold load is exceptionally high, this timeline may drastically shorten. 

Moldy food can be an unfortunate reality of indoor living. But you can fight back! As a homeowner, there are several steps you can take to help prevent premature spoilage: reducing humidity levels and keeping surfaces clean, with regular disinfecting being among them!

 

1 – To ensure the highest level of freshness and food safety, Health.com recommends washing all produce before consuming it. Rinsing away dirt, bacteria and pesticides helps to remove unsavory residues that can interfere with taste or texture as well as potentially dangerous pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and norovirus, which can cause foodborne illness if not properly washed off first!

2 – To ensure your fruits and veggies last longer, dry them thoroughly to discourage any unwanted moldy visitors.

3 – Stay informed of best-by dates to get the most out of your deli meats and cheeses! As soon as you return home from grocery shopping, be sure to put items in the refrigerator straight away for optimal freshness.

4 – For mold-free bread, keep it fresh and dry! It’s easy to ensure your store-bought loaf remains in good condition by keeping the original packaging intact. Stopping moisture build-up will help control unwanted growth without having to worry about spoiling quickly.

 

If you’re noticing food going bad too fast, it could be a sign that your home has an “elevated mold load.” This includes the presence of spores and mycotoxins associated with harmful mold. If foods like fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, or bread deteriorate quickly in your house, chances are indoor air quality is negatively impacting your well-being.

Fortunately, Pure Maintenance of Texas is here to provide help! We offer professional services designed to tackle this very issue – from testing for contaminants in the home or office to complete disinfection with an EPA-approved anti-microbial solution using our patented dry fog technology.

Ready to take control over your AIR QUALITY? Contact us today for more details on how we can keep perishables fresher longer!

Can UV Lamps Kill Mold in Your Home?

UV lamp red line vector icon

Mold is a common issue, especially in high-humidity climates. It can be a nuisance and even cause health issues if left untreated. Homeowners may wonder if using a UV (ultraviolet) lamp to kill mold is effective. Let’s look at UV lamps’ efficacy in eliminating mold in your home.

How Do UV Lamps Work?

UV lamps emit ultraviolet light, which can help eliminate germs, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. When used correctly, they can help reduce the number of airborne particles that could cause health problems or worsen existing health conditions. However, there are limitations to using UV lamps for mold control.

Limitations of Using UV Lamps for Mold Control

First, it is essential to note that while UV lamps can help reduce the number of airborne particles, they cannot kill mold on surfaces such as walls or ceilings where it has already taken hold.

This is because ultraviolet light does not penetrate deeper than three millimeters into porous materials like wood and drywall, making it ineffective against mold colonies that have already taken root.

Furthermore, according to the EPA, certain types of mold are resistant to ultraviolet radiation or require more intense levels of exposure than most consumer-grade UVC lamps can provide.

This means that while you may still be able to reduce the airborne particles from existing colonies, you won’t necessarily eliminate them by using a UV lamp alone.

Finally, even with advanced UVC lamps that produce higher intensity levels of ultraviolet radiation, there is always the risk of exposing yourself or your family members to these powerful lights, which could have adverse health effects over time.

Conclusion

Using a UV lamp certainly has benefits when it comes to killing germs and reducing airborne particles. Still, unfortunately, they cannot eliminate colonies from surfaces like walls or ceilings where they have already taken hold.

Also, some types of mold are resistant to ultraviolet light or need more intense exposure than most consumer-grade UVC lamps can give. This means that these types of mold can’t be killed with these lamps.

So, using a UV lamp might help reduce the number of mold spores that get into the air from existing colonies, but you shouldn’t count on it as the only way to get rid of all types of mold in your home.

If you have a mold problem in your home, it’s best to talk to a professional. They can tell you the best way to safely get rid of any existing colonies and prevent new ones from growing.

Breathe easy! Protect yourself and your family from dangerous mold-related illnesses with Pure Maintenance of Texas. Our advanced technology makes sure that harmful pathogens are removed and don’t come back, so you can be sure that they won’t be a problem in the future.

Contact us today!

Is It Normal for Mold to Grow in Your HVAC System?

A girl stands under air conditioning and a stream of fresh cold air against a gray wall.

 

 

 

 

 

Mold is one of the most common indoor air pollutants found in many places around your home. But did you know that it’s also possible for mold to grow in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system? 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss why mold might be present in your HVAC system and what you can do about it.

Where Does Mold Come From?

Mold spores exist naturally in the air outdoors, but they can find their way indoors too. They’re particularly prone to settling on damp surfaces, where they can thrive and reproduce. 

That’s why it’s essential to keep your home dry by fixing all leaks promptly and using a dehumidifier if necessary. Mold loves warm temperatures and dark spaces—unfortunately, those are two things an HVAC system has in abundance! 

If spores settle on any part of the HVAC system, they may start to grow and reproduce as long as moisture is present. And once established, a single patch can quickly spread throughout the entire system via ductwork or other components. 

The good news is that regular maintenance visits should catch any potential problems before they become serious issues.

Dangers of Mold Growth

When left unchecked, mold growth can cause several problems in your home. 

For starters, it contributes to poor indoor air quality, which can lead to health issues such as allergies or asthma attacks for some people. 

Also, mold growth may reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency because it blocks airflow through ducts or other components. 

Finally, if left unchecked for too long, significant damage could be done to parts of your HVAC system that would require costly repairs or replacements.

Conclusion

It’s natural for some spores to settle on various components within an HVAC system—but if not addressed promptly and correctly, those few spores could quickly turn into a full-fledged infestation! 

To keep yourself safe from potential health hazards and expensive repair bills down the road, make sure that you schedule regular maintenance visits with a qualified technician who will inspect each component thoroughly for any signs of growth—and take action quickly if any problems are found! 

Don’t let mold and other pathogens ruin your air quality! Pure Maintenance of Texas is here to help ensure you can take a deep breath without worry – for years to come. 

Get in touch today, so we can keep your HVAC system clean, healthy, and safe from unwelcome guests like mold.