Above Board Indoor Enviro

02/04/2025

Day 3 of 30 questions in 30 days. These are the top 30 questions we receive about Mold and Mold Remediation. Question # 3.
Yes, mold can cause structural damage to your home, although it does so indirectly. Here’s how mold can affect the structure:
1. Indicator of Moisture Problems:
Mold grows when there is too much moisture. If you see mold, it often means there is a hidden water leak or high humidity. Persistent moisture can weaken building materials over time.
2. Damage to Wood and Other Materials:
Once mold gets a foothold, it begins decomposing the surface it’s growing on. Over time, rotting wood loses its strength, which can affect the overall stability of your home.
Mold can also damage drywall, insulation, and other building materials, compromising their integrity.
3. Spread of Decay:
If mold is left untreated, the moisture problem causing it can continue to damage materials. This decay can spread to other areas, leading to more extensive structural problems.
4. Hidden Damage:
Sometimes, mold grows behind walls or in areas that are hard to see. This hidden mold can be a sign that the underlying moisture is causing damage that you might not notice until it becomes a major problem.
5. Long-Term Effects:
Continuous exposure to moisture and mold can weaken the structure of your home, potentially leading to costly repairs or even compromising the safety of the building.
In summary, mold itself might not directly break down structural elements, but its presence is a clear sign of moisture problems that can lead to significant structural damage over time. It’s important to address both the mold and its root cause—usually a moisture issue—to protect your home’s structural integrity.
Do you have any of these concerns in your home?

02/03/2025

Day 2 of 30 Questions in 30 days. These are the top 30 questions we receive about Mold and Mold Remediation. Question # 2.
What are the Health Risks associated with Mold Exposure?
Mold exposure can lead to several health issues, especially for people who are sensitive to mold or already have allergies or asthma. Here are some of the key health risks associated with mold exposure:
1. Allergic Reactions:
Symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes are common.
Explanation: Many people develop an allergy to mold spores, which means their bodies react to even small amounts of mold by releasing chemicals (like histamines) that cause these symptoms.
2. Respiratory Problems:
Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation can occur.
Explanation: Mold spores in the air can irritate the respiratory system. For people with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions, breathing in mold can trigger asthma attacks or worsen their symptoms.
3. Infections:
At-Risk Groups: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible.
Explanation: Although it is rare for healthy people, mold can sometimes cause infections in those who have compromised immune systems.
4. Skin and Eye Irritation:
Symptoms: Some people may experience skin rashes, redness, or itching after coming into contact with mold.
Explanation: Direct contact with mold can cause irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin.
5. Headaches and Fatigue:
Symptoms: Ongoing exposure to mold may lead to headaches, fatigue, or a feeling of being generally unwell.
Explanation: Some individuals report feeling tired or experiencing frequent headaches when exposed to mold, which might be related to the overall stress the mold places on the body.
6. Other Possible Effects:
Long-Term Exposure: In cases of long-term or heavy mold exposure, there are concerns that it might lead to more serious conditions, though this is less common and usually occurs in individuals who are particularly sensitive.
Important Note:
The severity of these health risks can vary from person to person. While some people might only experience mild irritation or allergies, others—especially those with pre-existing conditions—may face more significant health challenges. If you suspect that mold is affecting your health, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional and consider having your home inspected by a mold remediation expert.
Understanding these risks is the first step toward taking action. Removing mold from your home and keeping your living environment dry and well-ventilated can significantly reduce these health risks and help ensure a healthier environment for everyone in the household.
Have you ever suffered from any symptoms you discovered were related to mold exposure? What were they?

02/02/2025

Today we are beginning a series called 30 Questions in 30 days. These are the top 30 questions we receive about Mold and Mold Remediation. I hope you find them interesting and informative.

Day 1 - Question 1

How do I do if I have a Mold Problem in my Home?

Determining if you have a mold problem in your home is important for keeping your family healthy. Here are some clear signs and steps you can take to find out if mold might be present:

1. Look for Visible Signs:
Mold Growth: Check walls, ceilings, floors, and hidden areas (like under sinks or behind furniture) for spots that are black, green, brown, or white. Mold can look fuzzy or have a powdery texture.
Water Damage: Look for water stains, discoloration, or peeling paint on walls and ceilings. These signs often appear after a leak or prolonged moisture and can encourage mold growth.

2. Notice Any Odors:
Musty Smell: Mold often produces a strong, musty odor. If your home smells damp or musty even after cleaning, it could be a sign that mold is growing somewhere, even if you can’t see it.

3. Pay Attention to Health Symptoms:
Allergies and Respiratory Issues: If you or your family members start experiencing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or headaches without a clear cause, it might be due to mold spores in the air.
Skin or Eye Irritation: Sometimes coming into contact with mold can cause rashes or irritation.

4. Check Areas Prone to Moisture:
Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Basements: These areas are more likely to have moisture problems because they’re often humid or might have leaks. Regularly inspect these spaces for any signs of mold.
Attics: Even though attics are less often used, they can have mold if there’s poor insulation, blocked soffits, bathroom vents dumping into the attic, or roof leaks.

5. Inspect Hidden and Hard-to-See Places:
Behind Appliances or Cabinets: Sometimes mold grows in areas you don’t often look, like behind your refrigerator or inside cabinets, especially if there’s a slow leak.
Under Windows: Condensation on windows can lead to mold growth on the sills and frames.

6. Get a Professional Inspection:
Expert Help: If you suspect mold but aren’t sure, a professional mold inspection can help. Experts use special tools and tests to detect mold even in hidden areas. They can take air samples or swabs from surfaces to confirm the presence of mold.

7. Use a Moisture Meter:
Check for Moisture: Some homeowners use a moisture meter to check walls and floors. High moisture levels in areas that should be dry can be an indicator that mold might be growing there.

Remember, even if you only see a small patch of mold, it’s a good idea to investigate further. Mold can spread quickly and cause damage to your home and health. If you suspect a mold problem, taking action early by cleaning, repairing leaks, and, if needed, getting professional help can make a big difference in keeping your home safe and healthy.

Where do you think the number 1 place mold is found in a home?

09/25/2024

Today we remediated a lot of mold on this Batavia attic. Here are some progress shots showing before during and after. Feel free to ask questions. Better yet give us a call and schedule a free assessment. 630-973-6099

09/23/2024

Here's an attic we just finished today. Sprawling ranch near Orchard and Prairie in Aurora. Removed all of the insulation that had lost its effectiveness and replaced it with brand new Attic Cat Blown in Insulation. Turned out great. Our clients are very happy. You will be too. Call us today. 630-973-6099

09/22/2024

Is your upstairs always too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. The insulation in your attic may have lost its effectiveness. Most experts agree that the average useful life expectancy of attic insulation is about 15 years. At Above Board we offer Free Estimates and will be happy to come and take a look at your attic for you. Did you know that by upgrading the insulation in your attic not only will you improve your homes energy efficiency but you may also qualify for a tax credit. Why wait? Call Today. 630-973-6099

09/21/2024

Call now to connect with business.

09/21/2024

If you're attic is under insulated or the existing insulation has lost its R-Value you may be paying double what you should be paying every year to heat and cool your home. Did you know that in an average sized Home, Above Board can remove the old insulation without creating a mess of your home, and replace it with New Attic Cat Blown in Insulation for about $2500.00 to $3000.00. A lot of companies charge that much just to remove the Old Insulation. At Above Board we have our own Insulation vacuum and dumpster so you don't have to eat the rental costs other companies have to charge you. It costs absolutely nothing to have us look at your attic, so give us a call today at 630-973-6099 and schedule your free assessment.

Call now to connect with business.