Asbestos
Any time you are remodeling, demolishing, repairing or otherwise disturbing materials that may contain asbestos, an asbestos inspection is required. Unfortunately, building owners and homeowners are often unaware of the need for asbestos inspections until late in the project. Lyons will work with you to help to limit abatement costs and provide a thorough report that will get the project done safely and within code.
The word asbestos describes a group of six minerals that were commonly found in manufactured goods until the late 1980s. These minerals are fire and chemical resistant, they can be woven, and have high ductile strength. While this may seem extremely useful, asbestos also releases fibers that can settle in the lining of the lungs and cause severe health conditions.
Testing for asbestos is extremely important, especially if your house was built before 1990. This material can be present in different parts of your house such as roof shingles, pipes, floor tiles, and even old car transmissions. If you are wondering how to test for asbestos, get in touch with us and our team will be glad to help.
Mold
Any place in your home or business with excess moisture, such as standing water or condensation, can foster the growth of mold. If left unchecked, the growth and spread of mold inside a building may lead to health problems and building damage.
Attic mold is almost always the result of high humidity in the attic space. This high humidity causes condensation on the cold portions of the roofing materials (plywood or OSB) and results in mold growth on these surfaces. Attics should be designed with proper ventilation in mind. This would usually include low vents (soffit vents, bird-blocks, etc.) and high vents (roof vents, ridge cap vents etc.).
Before attic mold remediation is even considered, the source of the moisture should be identified and documented and a plan to resolve the underlying conditions should be made. This can only be done by a qualified professional with experience in building science and building diagnostics.
When mold grows on a surface, it uses the surface materials as a food source. As it eats at the organic materials, it damages its structure in the process. The longer the mold is allowed to eat at the material, the more damage it will cause. Eventually, if not treated, the mold will ruin the surface’s structural integrity, leaving it ineffective and unsalvageable.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms can range anywhere from a stuffy nose, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation, to more rare but severe allergic reactions such as fever, shortness of breath and even mold infections in the lungs.
Before You Enter Any Moldy Site:
Protect yourself and loved ones against hazards. People with breathing problems like asthma or who have weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy sites. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work. Check for loose power lines or gas leaks. Make sure the electricity and gas are turned off. Look for sagging ceilings or floors or other structural problems. Watch out for wet, muddy, or slippery floors.
Protect your mouth and nose against breathing in mold: wear at least an N-95 respirator. If you plan to spend a lot of time removing moldy belongings or doing work like ripping out moldy drywall, wear a half-face or full-face respirator. Basic information on using it is in OSHA’s general respiratory protection guidance.external icon
Protect your skin. Wear protective gloves (non-latex, vinyl, nitrile, or rubber). Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands.
Protect your eyes. Wear goggles that provide complete eye protection. Choose goggles designed to keep out dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles that have open vent holes will not protect you against dust and small particles.
After You Leave a Mold Site:
Protect yourself and loved ones. Shower and change your clothes. This will help you avoid carrying mold and other hazards back to your current living quarters.