What to Care About Most - Mold Or Health?

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Contact:
QCI, Inc.
5975 138Th Ct N, Clearwater
Florida 33760
Tel: (727) 686-7373; (813) 298-7007
www.qci-online.com


What to Care About Most - Mold Or Health?

Clearwater, Florida, September 20, 2009 – People should care most about their health by taking care of the mold problem first. Molds in general are health hazards and should be taken cared of in order to maintain yours and your family’s well-being. Learning to recognize the presence of mold in your living area is crucial in the remediation of mold. Inspite of its usefulness in food processing and antibiotics, mold is harmful to human health, especially to those individuals who are immunocompromised – infants, elderly, post chemotherapy patients, pregnant women and those who underwent kidney transplants.

Quality Check Inspections, Inc. is a MICRO Certified mold inspector and mold remediation company that offers Tampa Mold Remediation Services in Tampa, Florida. If you are in search of a mold remediation experts, QCI, Inc is the right place to go because you health and your safety is their number priority. The mold remediation services offered by QCI’s Tampa Mold Remediation Team are as follows:
- Air and surface sampling to determine the levels, types and location of mold
- Mold removal in affected areas of the house
- Surface cleaning and treatment with the use of Environmental protection Agency (EPA) approved antimicrobials and fungicides.
- Decontamination of furnitures and other household contents contaminated by molds
- HEPA air scrubbing to sanitize and eliminate airborne mold spores and mycotoxins
- Treatment of al areas of the house through complete electrostatic air fogging
- Treatment with mold inhibitors and encapsulants to prevent re-growth of mold
- Clearance testing to make sure that no mold residue is left behind

Mold is a major concern as it causes damage to furnitures and household structures not to mention the threat that it poses to your health. Health experts point out that the degree of exposure, the type of mold, and the present health condition of the occupants of the establishment, building or home are major determinants to one’s susceptibility to the toxins these molds bring.

Mold remediation is something you can do yourself just as long as the existing mold problem is very minute. However, if the mold problem, especially the ones caused by water damage secondary to flood water, is to be handled by mold remediation experts. If not handled properly, mold remediation can result to further spread or contamination of molds, increasing your family’s risk to develop diseases brought about by these fussy fungi. Quality Check Inspections, Inc. offers 24/7 water damage support and mold remediation services when needed. So if you are asked what you should care the most between your health and mold, the answer is simple; both are to be taken cared of, because ones health could never be maintained as long as the culprit still remains.

About QCI Inc.:
QCI, Inc. has been providing home inspection, building inspection services in Tampa, Clearwater and other neighboring counties and has consistently improved their inspection system, equipment and heir extensive checklist. They see to it that all areas of your house are inspected with the use of their state-of-there-art equipment including infrared thermal imaging camera. Their depth home inspection knowledge and training will help to identify problems in home.

How To Deal With The Hidden Causes Of Water Damage

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Contact:
QCI, Inc.
5975 138Th Ct N, Clearwater
Florida 33760
Tel: (727) 686-7373; (813) 298-7007
www.qci-online.com


How To Deal With The Hidden Causes Of Water Damage

Clearwater, Florida, August 20, 2009 – Water damage is an aftermath of the devastation brought about by floods. In addition to the destruction caused by water damage, it can also affect the quality of air inside your home. Other than its natural cause, water damage may also be caused by obvious leaks in the plumbing system, roofs and cracks on doors and windows. However, there are contributing factors to water damage that are not seen until damages are made such as condensation of moisture behind basement walls with fiberglass as insulators, poor grading around the foundation of the house, and air leaks between the attic and living space of the house. QCI has Water Damage Tampa restoration team that can help you solve your water damage problems.

QCI is a mold remediation, home inspection and Water Damage Restoration Company that serve clients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete, Palm Harbor, South Pasadena, Madeira Beach, Gulf Harbors and other counties in Florida. Their Water Damage Tampa Restoration team is focused in providing the community of Tampa, Florida with water damage services especially when needed the most. QCI identifies the hidden causes of water damage during a home inspection and gives pointers on how to deal with it.

Fiberglass is not a good material to use for insulation on finished basement walls. Contrary to what most people think, the use of plastic made barrier on walls is not the answer as it will only trap in more moisture. QCI advises the use of blue board as insulation since it is semi-permeable and it allows water or moisture to flow through it, allowing it to dry.

Other causes of water damage are the leaky attic hatches, unsealed holes that were drilled for water pipes installation and electrical wires that have penetrated the attic and exhaust fans that drive moisture directly to the attic. Air conditioning may also cause water damage. Those who live in areas that are relatively humid like in Tampa, Florida may have water damage occurring in their house’s walls secondary to poorly structured air conditioning systems.

Solutions to these problems require the help of professionals like QCI’s Water Damage Tampa Restoration Team. You may think that repairing the problems of your attic is something that you can do yourself, but how can you be so sure that you can handle everything? Why not let the experts at water damage restoration deal with the problems. They are equipped with high-tech tools like pressure gauges, high power extraction units, submersible pumps, moisture detectors, and high-speed turbo dryers. Remember, the hundreds of dollars spent on water damage restoration can save you thousands.

About QCI Inc.:
QCI, Inc. has been providing home inspection, building inspection services in Tampa, Clearwater and other neighboring counties and has consistently improved their inspection system, equipment and heir extensive checklist. They see to it that all areas of your house are inspected with the use of their state-of-there-art equipment including infrared thermal imaging camera. Their depth home inspection knowledge and training will help to identify problems in home.

Home Inspection Is As Vital As A Home Appraisal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
QCI, Inc.
5975 138Th Ct N, Clearwater
Florida 33760
Tel: (727) 686-7373; (813) 298-7007
www.qci-online.com


Home Inspection Is As Vital As A Home Appraisal
Why Is there a Need For a Home Inspection


Tampa Florida, September 20, 2009 – buying a home is probably the biggest purchase a person can ever make. Home inspection is considered to be the most important part of the home buying process and can benefit both the buyer in understanding the condition of the house and the seller who aims to provide accurate disclosure information. A home inspection is an objective, visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home from the roof to the foundation. Home inspection is not to be mistaken or confused the home appraisal. A home appraisal is intended to protect the lender’s financial interest while a home inspection protects the buyer and identifies any structural or mechanical problems of the house. .

QCI’s Home Inspector Tampa team stresses the importance of thorough home inspection prior to putting the house for sale in the market. QCI provides their consumer with a good detailed home inspection of the home that involves thorough analysis if the condition of the house and which part of the house is in good working order, which part of the house needs repair, what part structure of the house that needs to be changed, and which part of the house will need attention over the next few years.

With over ten years of experience, QCI’s Home Inspector Tampa FL team of professional inspectors is the leading home inspector in Tampa, Florida. “I had QCI, Inc. do an overall inspection of my house a year ago before I sold it. I was amazed as to their crew have carried their jobs efficiently,” said Bobby Puerto, a homeowner in Tampa. “The whole inspection process took almost 2 hours and a lot of concerns regarding the overall structure of my house were pointed out, especially with the heating system.”

The home inspection processes is not only indeed for the buying and selling of the house and get the seller a closing deal with possible buyers but to also protect the family living in the house from possible dangers that problems in electrical wirings, plumbing system and air-conditioning and heating systems might bring. Having a home inspection done by QCI’s Home Inspection Tampa ahead of time will most likely get you, a good closing deal on your home.
Tampa Mold Remediation


About QCI Inc.
QCI Inc was established in 1999 and has been serving counties like Tampa, St. Pete, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Pittsburg and a lot more. Other than their Home Inspector Tampa services they also offers water damage restoration and mold remediation services. In its 10 years of services to the counties of Florida, QCI Inc. has managed to build a reputation based on premium and affordable services. QCI is MICRO certified and offers services such as air and surface sampling, antimicrobial surface cleaning and treatment, complete electrostatic air fogging, duct and carpet cleaning and a lot more.

QCI, Inc. Reaches Tampa, Florida

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Contact:
QCI, Inc.
5975 138Th Ct N, Clearwater
Florida 33760
Tel: (727) 686-7373; (813) 298-7007
www.qci-online.com


QCI, Inc. Reaches Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida, September 19, 2009 – as one of the most humid states in the US, the metropolitan and bay areas of Florida is most likely prone to mold growth especially in the bay areas like that of Tampa, Fl. Molds are fungi that thrive well in moist and warm environments. Areas near the beach are ideal for mold growth because of the presence of heat and moisture. Molds are considered as one of the humans’ health’s enemy. They pose as a major threat to one’s well-being. Mold spores especially those coming from the black molds are dangerous when inhaled, ingested or come into contact with the human skin as they can cause wide array of illnesses that can lead to death. QCI offers Tampa Mold Remediation to the bay areas of Tampa, Florida to make certain that these mold spores can’t do any harm.


Molds lurk in areas of our home that are not visible to our naked eye such as the back walls, under the ceilings or basements. Molds can even aggravate an already existing disease condition or illness such as allergy and asthma. Exposure to mold spores can cause exacerbations of asthma or worsening of the preexisting allergy leading to difficulty in breathing and anaphylactic shock respectively. The Center for Disease Control together with the Environmental Protection Agency highly recommends the conduction of regular home inspection and mold removal regardless of the type of the mold that has infested the establishment.

Quality Check Inspections Inc. is the forerunner in the mold removal and mold remediation business in Florida, offering services to neighboring counties such as Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete and a lot more. QCI’s Tampa Mold Remediation is centered in the provision of mold remediation services to the community of Tampa, Florida. The EPA recommends that most mold remediation jobs, especially the larger or toxic jobs are to be handled by qualified professionals. QCI’s mold remediation professionals are the best in the field of mold removal and are certified as mold remediation experts.

Quality Check Inspections Inc. also offers home inspection services in Tampa. Their team of Home Inspector Tampa FL team is also the leader in home inspections, conducting preliminary mold inspections and home inspections prior to mold remediation to ascertain the extent of mold contamination and infestation in order to device appropriate mold remediation plan.

For the majority of mold problems, it is always proper to turn to an expert who can ensure the health of you and your family and also protect your most important and valuable investment – you home. QCI, Inc. has more than ten years of experience in the mold remediation business. Because they are concerned for the welfare of the citizens of Tampa, they see to it that they are able to reach all areas of Tampa and offer their mold remediation services.

Water Damage Tampa

About QCI, Inc.
QCI, Inc. was established in 1999 and has been serving counties like Tampa, St. Pete, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Pittsburg and a lot more. Other than their Tampa mold remediation services they also offers water damage restoration and mold inspections. In its 10 years of services to the counties of Florida, QCI Inc. has managed to build a reputation based on premium and affordable services. QCI is MICRO certified and offers Tampa Mold Remediation services such as air and surface sampling, antimicrobial surface cleaning and treatment, complete electrostatic air fogging, duct and carpet cleaning and a lot more.




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What You Need To Know About Water Damage Mold Removal

What You Need To Know About Water Damage Mold Removal


Mold that are of consequences of water damage brought about by flood, pipe leaks or fire water could pose as a high hazard to one’s health and can further aggravate the already existing health problems such as asthma and allergies of any form. A person whose immune defense is low or is having chronic lung problems is most likely to be susceptible to develop certain types of infections brought about by molds such skin and respiratory tract infections. This is the reason why mold removal is important as restoring your home back to its original or pre flooded state.

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Mold removal may be performed individually as long as the infestation is still small and has not spread to nearby areas, because once the mold infestation has already spread and covered a large area, it’ll be impossible to continue with the mold removal without having to spread the mycotoxins. Spreading these toxins is the last thing anyone would want to do as these toxins are responsible for the numerous health hazards.

Before proceeding with the mold removal, see to it that you have all the necessary equipments needed to carry out the job and to protect yourself from possible mold exposure are available.
Appropriate protection gear should include face mask, protective eye shields, rubber gloves, and rubber body suits if necessary. Once these gears are available, you may now proceed with the whole mold removal process.

Commence the mold removal by locating the source of mold growth. It is a well known fact that molds thrive because of the presence of the two most vital elements that are crucial in its survival – moisture and humidity. Take out these sources and you are able to stop the spreading of the mold. Repair all the leaks coming form the roof, pipes or overflowing kitchen sink. If the leaks are not given any solution the mold will just continue to grow and proliferate. It is also advised to check around on areas of possible mold growth such as the basement under the carpets and back walls.

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Your next step is to open the windows to allow air to circulate inside your home. The use of electric fan is highly not recommended as it will only cause the mold spores to spread to other parts of the house that are not contaminated and cause even more problems or further spread of infestation. If you are to remove the mold on a certain area, contain the mold only on that area by parting it from other areas of the house using a large plastic sheet that touches the floor from the ceiling.

After which, you may begin the mold removal using a stiff brush and natural fungicides and antimicrobial agents recommended by the EPA. The use of bleach to clean the mold is not recommended since bleaches can’t kill molds. Dry the area using a clean rag after you are cleaning it. Dispose of the cleaning items you have used to remove the mold properly to prevent recontamination. Water damage restoration should be done in the soonest time possible to prevent the influxation of water damage mold inside your home.

Negative Effects if Black Mold To One’s Health

Negative Effects if Black Mold To One’s Health

All types of mold can cause a wide array of health problems especially the black molds, probably the reason why the stachybotrys black mold is also known as the toxic mold. An individual’s susceptibility to the health hazards that the black mold brings are dependent on various factors such as the extent of the mold infestation and the period of exposure – the longer the person is exposed to the black mold, the more prone he is to develop diseases caused by it. Also, the person’s immune defense plays a major role to one’s susceptibility. Those who are immunocompromised or with lowered immune defense brought about by preexisting illness, age (infants, elderly) and those who are on chemotherapy are most likely to be affected by the mycotoxins of the black mold.

There are many ways in which a person can be exposed to the black mold and be infected by it. Firstly, mycotoxins of the black mold are released in the air together with the mold spores and can be contracted by an individual through breathing. Another mode of entry is through direct contact with the black mold. Ingestion of the black mold is also another route of exposure. There are many health problems associated with exposure to the black mold, and can be narrowed down into three.

The most common reaction associated with the exposure to back mold is the allergic reaction. Allergic reactions are drawn out when an allergen – the mycotoxins, in the case of the black mold – is released into the air and is inhaled by the person and eventually causes an immune response triggering the body to release histamines responsible for the allergic reaction signs and symptoms. The symptoms of allergic reaction can range from mild and infrequent reactions to severe and chronic. Signs and symptoms of allergies are marked by runny nose, coughing, sneezing, itchy and watery or reddened eyes, sinusitis, and throat irritation, breathing problems, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthma.

The ingestion and inhalation of the mycotoxins could lead to irritation of the membranes and disturbances or disruption of the normal functioning of the central nervous system causing health problems such as irritability, headaches, learning difficulties, mental dysfunction, personality changes, vertigo or dizziness, eye or vision disturbances, decreased attention span, inability to concentrate and seizures in worst conditions. If the exposure to the mycotoxins is through skin contact, the most common diseases that can be associated with it are skin rashes, dermatitis, dandruff problems and hives.

Home Inspector Tampa FL

If the exposure is chronic, the mycotoxins may have already invaded the person’s system and cause opportunistic diseases brought about by infection affecting those who are immunocompromised. Samples of these health problems are diarrhea, fatigue, general malaise, kidney failure, chronic pain from inflammation and vomiting.

Either one or ore of these signs and symptoms may be presented by the individual affected by the black mold’s mycotoxins. To prevent these health problems from affecting you and your family, see to it that regular inspection for mold growth is done and that moisture retention is avoided and good ventilation all throughout the household is maintained.
Tampa Mold Remediation

Black Mold: What You Need to Know

Black Mold: What You Need to Know

Black mold is a type of fungus that thrives in areas that are moist and humid and dark. Apparently, it does not need a lot to grow and germinate, as long as there’s humidity and moisture. The black mold or the stachybotrys chartarum devours on moist materials that are fibrous in consistency and appears as a black infestation. It can be found in any parts of your home where there is moisture especially in areas that are built out of cellulose materials such as papers, fiberboard, and woods.

Black molds are viewed as health hazards as they produce spores that contain mycotoxins. Prolonged exposure and inhalation of these spores that contains the mycotoxins could lead to death of an individual. The mycotoxins are not released into the air until the time the black mold is totally dried out. Once in the air, these hazardous toxins are spread in all areas of the house through the ventilation and air-conditioning systems increasing the likelihood of inhalation of these toxins by the humans and household pets. If inhaled by individuals with lowered immune resistance like the infants, the mycotoxins can cause respiratory illnesses like respiratory tract infections and bleeding leading to death.

Unlike any other types of molds that have musty like odors, the black mold is very hard to detect since it doesn’t have a distinctive smell of its own. And usually, it lurks in areas that are hard to reach and mostly unseen by the naked eye such as the back of the walls and under the ceilings making most homeowners unaware of its presence. However, any sign of leaks in the plumbing system or roof and dysfunctional gutters could already be a concern for possible black mold growth in your household or if you or any members of the family have started to develop allergic reactions even without the medical history of such illness. The presence of black mold could also be known if your child who has asthma is experiencing exacerbations inspite of the compliance to medication and regular check-ups.

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If you have detected black mold infestation inside your household, immediate black mold removal should be done to prevent further contamination and the possible appearance of the diseases caused by it. However, black mold removal is something that should not be taken lightly. It should be carried out by professional black mold removers and cleaners who are experts at this field because black mold spores are very dangerous. Black mold removal is a long process and needs to be carried properly to ensure that the infestation is totally eradicated and that no black mold reside is left behind including the mold spores that have already spread into the air.

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Nowadays, a lot of laws are enacted regarding the black mold. These laws ensure that each and every individual is protected against this perilous mold. It’s not only the black mold that should be viewed as a threat. All molds are to be considered as a health hazard no matter how helpful they are to the environment and to the pharmaceutical or food companies.

Common Problems Found During a Home Inspection

Common Problems Found During a Home Inspection


If you are thinking about selling your home or just trying to stay on top of the various home maintenance needs, you’ll notice that this can be a very stressful or difficult task. And if you sell your home and there’s an offer, it’s not yet a done deal until the home inspection process is through. There are common problems that home inspectors find during the home inspection process.

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The first home inspection issue that home inspectors encounter is the problem in the plumbing system. The most obvious thing to look for is any kind of leak around any exposed pipes. The inspection of the plumbing is also something that you can do regularly yourself. Check out the faucet for leaks especially the laundry connection to your washing machine which is a common problem area since most water connections to the washing machine are located on the backside of the machine facing the wall. Also try to check if your pipes are made of polybutylene especially if you hose was built in the ‘70s and ‘80s because these pipes are proven to fail and are considered a red flag in the home inspection.

Another concern that’s also on top of the list of the problems found during home inspection is the electrical concern. Obviously, home inspectors will check-up on your home’s electrical sockets and outlets. Common problems that home inspectors find are that these sockets and outlets are either loose or not working. Of course, the new home owners would want these problems repaired. In addition to the outlet inspections, the home inspectors would also point out if the plugs are ground fault circuit interrupters or not. This type of plug automatically shut down each time there is a surge in electric current. Another electrical problem that home inspectors find out that some homes have is the improperly wired breaker boxes, with breakers that are not of exact size or unfit. With all the demands for power to keep the computers, television and other household appliances working, it is a must to make certain that the electrical box has enough capacity to handle his demand to prevent unwanted fire accident brought about by faulty electrical systems.

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Third problem on the list is the problem in the heating system. Most home owners think that changing the heating filter on a monthly basis is already enough to maintain proper functioning of the heating system; however this is not enough. Annual maintenance of the whole heating system should be done like adjustments of the burner and checking of the structural integrity of the heating system. Any leak in the piping or the unit itself could result in a dangerous gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning. This is why checking for the heating system is a critical point of the home inspection process.

Problems with the roof and the attic are also in the home inspection report. Many homeowners don’t know that their houses don’t have enough insulation in their attics, leading to higher energy bills as their heating system works more to maintain a consistent temperature. Inspectors also find improperly installed flashings on the roof, which in turn would allow rain water to seep into the house.

Lastly, home inspectors also find many issues related to improper drainage. If the drainage around your home does not properly carry water away, it is most likely that the water will pool into the foundation of your home and seep in areas like the basement. Gutter systems that also don’t carry water far enough from the house will most likely kill the deal of selling the house.

Getting your home ready to sell involves more that just a thorough cleaning. By checking out these things ahead of time through a thorough home inspection, you will most likely get a good deal on your home.

mold growing in your basement

The mold growing in your basement can be potentially dangerous for you and your family. If you are set on cleaning the mold yourself you need to take proper precautions. The professionals would be going in there covered from head to toe with respirators on to ensure that they do not breathe in the harmful spores.

Make sure that you are completely covered..mold can cause skin irritations, breathing complications, headaches, and more. Cleaning with the wrong solutions will only make the problem reoccur in a month or so.

Honestly, you should not tackle this on your own. There are too many health risks associated with water damage and mold removal . Most household ingredients are NOT going to get rid of the mold in your basement including bleach.

You need air circulating through your basement. Add extra fans, open any windows that you can. Throw an air purifier/ filter in there to collect the disobedient mold spores. ....be careful. Don't spend too much time down there and take A LOT of breaks to get fresh air. A bottle of Lysol might do you some good as well, the alcohol helps the moisture to evaporate, it disinfects... and it smells nice =)

Most of your possessions are going to be ruined, there is not too much you can do about this. I am sorry. Anything made of fabric or porous materials will be unable to clean. Anything metal will be ruined from the water damage. Tupperware containers are definitely the best answer. If it is very important to you..try to fit it into an above ground closet or attic.