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Sewage Damage and the Associated Risks

February 17th, 2012

Water damage, itself, can be damaging enough. But when that water damage comes from sources like backed up sewer pipes, overflowing septic systems, or burst pipes – it is not only harmful to your home, but also your health! Raw sewage contains bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause serious health issues. Even if the water doesn’t appear to be dirty, it can contain up to three million bacteria per teaspoon!

If left untreated, it is possible for the bacteria to be transmitted throughout your home or business by simple contact with clothing or shoes.

Dangers of Sewage Damage

• There are several diseases associated with sewage damage, such as chronic respiratory illnesses, hepatitis, cholera, and much more.

• Parasitic agents found in sewage – such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium – can cause chronic intestinal illnesses in children and adults.

• Bacterial pathogens associated with sewage damage can consist of strains of gram-negative organisms like Campylobacter, Salmonella and E. coli.

• Aside from strains of gram-negative bacteria, gram-negative bacteria also produce endotoxins which occurr at the point of cell’s death and elimination. Endotoxins can manifest in the air through remediation, take for example the cleaning and drying of infected carpets.

• Over 120 variants of viruses can be seen in human feces, urine and sewage damage which can lead their way to sewage. These include: Rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea in children; Norwalk virus, which causes gastroenteritis; Adenoviruses, which cause of respiratory and eye infections; and more.

For the above reasons, it is important to hire a reliable, qualified sewage damage restoration company, a company like Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES).

While we excel in sewage extraction, AES is not limited to just removing the sewage from your home or business. We also specialize in the restorative drying process, which sanitizes and deodorizes all contaminated materials using the most advanced drying products and techniques available today. Our sewage extraction and restorative drying specialists are equipped with state-of-the-art moisture detection devices, drying equipment, air-filtration equipment and hospital-grade sanitizers, providing you with the cleanest environment and the best restoration to pre-loss conditions possible. Contact us for sewage remediation services now.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

Our consultative approach and proven methodologies have helped residential and commercial customers throughout Maryland and Washington, DC to resolve even the most difficult environmental problems.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Sewage Damage – The Health Risks it Poses to People

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How Mold Affects Your Home

February 10th, 2012

You have heard time and time again that mold is bad. You have seen commercials promoting mold remediation services. You have heard radio spots promising fast and speedy mold cleanup. You may have even read one of our previous blog posts. But do you know why mold is bad for your home?

Well, it can negatively affect your home in several ways, including:

Structural Damage: Serious mold outbreaks can eat away at wood and concrete structures, causing serious damage and costing you thousands in home repairs.

Cleanliness: Large amounts of mold can create an unhealthy living situation. Mold has been linked to several health issues including asthma, allergies, rashes, sinus infections, cold/flu, pneumonia, skin infections, and more.

Mold is Just the Beginning: Mold in your home could be a sign of other problems, such as leaky pipes, foundation cracks, or leaking in your attic or basement.

Depreciation of Value: Because of the above situations, mold outbreaks can actually cause your home to depreciate in value.

So, as you can see, mold can be extremely damaging to your home, your health, and your wallet.

If you ever become the unfortunate victim of toxic black mold, entrust your mold removal project to a professional restoration company, like Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES).

AES offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and Washington DC.

AES employs a team of highly-trained, experienced professionals ensuring the proper diagnosis and remedy for your specific air quality concern. Using state-of-the-art equipment and following protocols established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we employ the most effective techniques to ensure safe indoor air quality during and after the abatement process.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

While everyone is affected differently by mold, people with existing respiratory concerns, such as asthma, are likely to be extremely sensitive to it. To address this common problem safely and effectively, Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and DC. Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) hires a third-party industrial hygienist for certified clearance testing.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and  Twitter as well!

Sources:

How Can Mold Removal Affect My Home’s Value?

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Important Information About Black Mold Information

February 3rd, 2012

We have mentioned it time and time again. Toxic Black Mold (Stachybotrys) is extremely hazardous to you, your family, and your home. But if you still need some convincing, then take a look at the following situations and how Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) can help.

Health: Serious black mold infestations can lead to health issues in both humans and pets. These issues can range in severity from allergy symptoms and headaches to coughing fits and even bleeding in respiratory passageways.

While everyone is affected differently by mold, people with existing respiratory concerns, such as asthma, are likely to be extremely sensitive to it. To address this common problem safely and effectively, Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and DC. Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) hires a third-party industrial hygienist for certified clearance testing.

Home: Black mold can cause some pretty serious structural damage to your home, slowly eating away at building materials like wood, cement, and drywall.

If you find any signs of a mold infestation, it is important that you call a mold inspector as soon as possible. He or she will scour your home and determine if your mold outbreak warrants a professional mold remediation.

AES offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and Washington DC and employs a team of highly-trained, experienced professionals ensuring the proper diagnosis and remedy for your specific air quality concern. Using state-of-the-art equipment and following protocols established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we employ the most effective techniques to ensure safe indoor air quality during and after the abatement process.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) is a certified inspection, remediation and consulting company with the expertise to help clients quickly and affordably correct indoor air quality issues resulting from mold, water intrusion, fire, sewage, and more. For nearly a decade, our consultative approach and proven methodologies have helped residential and commercial customers throughout Maryland and Washington, DC to resolve even the most difficult environmental problems.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and  Twitter as well!

Sources:

Why is Mold Removal Important?

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Black Mold: What is it and What are the Warning Signs Your Home may Need Mold Remediation?

January 25th, 2012

Toxic black mold is nothing to mess with, but it also no reason to panic. While it has been linked to several health issues – including asthma, allergies, rashes, sinus infections, cold/flu, pneumonia, skin infections, and more – black mold is very treatable. But time is of the essence. The longer you take to deal with toxic mold, the worse the infestation will get and the worse the above health issues will become. So here are 7 warning signs that you may have a mold problem:

Leaky Basement: A leaking or flooded basement is the perfect breeding ground for mold. It is dark, damp, and humid. It has everything that mold is looking for. So be sure to check your basement regularly for leaks, especially after a big storm.

Musty Odors: Black mold has a very specific, musty smell.

Blocked Rain Gutters: If your rain gutters are clogged, water can easily seep through the ceiling and walls, dampen your insulation, and create the perfect breeding ground for black mold.

Unexplained Allergic Reactions: Are you experiencing allergic reactions, but you cannot figure out why? You might be experiencing the effects of black mold!

Warped Floors: Water can collect between the gaps of poorly sealed floors, leading to warping and potential black mold problems.

Discolored Walls and Peeling Paint: If your walls are stained yellow, this is almost always a sign of excess moisture. And excess moisture is almost always a good sign of black mold.

Unexplained Headaches: Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of black mold poisoning. If you have frequent, unexplainable headaches, consult a mold remediation specialist to test for mold in your home.

Coughing up Blood: This is one of the most advanced symptoms of mold poisoning. If you experience this, get yourself to the hospital immediately!

If you feel as if your home may be infected by black mold, contact a professional restoration company, like Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES), as soon as possible.

AES offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and Washington DC.

AES employs a team of highly-trained, experienced professionals ensuring the proper diagnosis and remedy for your specific air quality concern. Using state-of-the-art equipment and following protocols established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we employ the most effective techniques to ensure safe indoor air quality during and after the abatement process.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

While everyone is affected differently by mold, people with existing respiratory concerns, such as asthma, are likely to be extremely sensitive to it. To address this common problem safely and effectively, Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and DC. Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) hires a third-party industrial hygienist for certified clearance testing.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and  Twitter as well!

Sources:

What is Black Mold? Seven Signs Your Home May Need Mold Remediation

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The Professional Mold Removal Process Explained

January 20th, 2012

When left unattended, stachybotrys chartarum – better known as toxic black mold – can wreak havoc on your home and your loved ones. This unwanted infestation not only damages the structures of your home, slowly eating away at building materials, but it is has also been linked to several health issues. These include:

• Asthma and other breathing problems

• Allergies

•Rashes

• Sinus infections

•Cold and flu

• Pneumonia

• Skin infections

These conditions are not overly serious, but like the mold, if they are left untreated they will only get worse. Some of the above mentioned medical issues can escalate into major respiratory issues or even require hospitalization.

So as you can see, toxic mold is nothing to mess around with!

If you suspect your home may have a mold problem, call a professional mold remediation service right away. Here are the five basic steps to any professional mold cleanup:

  1. Assessment: Before a professional clean up service can get to work, they need to know what they are dealing with. What type of mold has infected your home and what is the extent of that infestation?
  2. Containment: Once mold has been found, the mold removal contractor will seal off the affected area of the home. This will ensure that the remediation process does not stir up any mold spores and spread them to other parts of your home.
  3. Filtration: In order to fully remove mold from your home, a mold remediation specialist will also need to remove any mold from the air. To do this, he/she will use a filtration machine with a HEPA filter.
  4. Removal: Now we get into the actual removal process. While certain non-porous materials are easy to clean, porous materials – like wood and concrete – may need to be removed from the home completely. So be prepared: if the mold infestation is bad enough, you may lose some possessions.
  5. Chemicals: Restoration requires the use of EPA approved chemicals. Only a trained mold remediation specialist will know how to use these chemicals effectively.
  6. Disposal: Mold spores can easily spread through the air. This is why proper disposal techniques are so very important. Only Mold contractors have the trained personnel and necessary equipment to do this properly.
  7. Repair: Your mold remediation contractor will either be able to repair any damage to your home or recommend someone who can.

So if you ever become the unfortunate victim of toxic black mold, entrust your mold removal project to a professional restoration company, like Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES).

AES offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and Washington DC.

AES employs a team of highly-trained, experienced professionals ensuring the proper diagnosis and remedy for your specific air quality concern. Using state-of-the-art equipment and following protocols established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we employ the most effective techniques to ensure safe indoor air quality during and after the abatement process.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

While everyone is affected differently by mold, people with existing respiratory concerns, such as asthma, are likely to be extremely sensitive to it. To address this common problem safely and effectively, Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and DC. Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) hires a third-party industrial hygienist for certified clearance testing.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and  Twitter as well!

Sources:

5 Steps of Professional Mold Removal

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Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage Restoration

January 11th, 2012

While many homeowners know what water damage is, few actually know what is involved in professional water cleanup and restoration. To help shed some light on the subject, we at Atlantic Environmental Solutions have put together some of the most frequently asked questions regarding professional water damage restoration.

Why won’t a do-it-yourself restoration work?

The damage caused by water intrusion is one of the most destructive things that can occur in your home or place of business. If not rectified promptly and properly, the problem quickly worsens and ultimately costs significant time and money to repair. To restore your home or workplace to its pre-crisis condition – and avoid costly errors – it’s important to select a qualified professional contractor. 

What do professional technicians do to clean and dry water?

Water restoration companies use a combination of humidifiers to remove moisture from the air, heat drying equipment to speed up the drying process, and high-speed fans to speed up the evaporation process.

How long does it typically take for a home to fully dry out?

First of all, every case is different. But it normally takes between three and four days to remove all standing water and for the rest of the water to completely dry. Failure to fully dry the water-damaged area could result in mold and mildew growth, which are both harmful to your building structure and your health.

Mold begins growing within 2-3 days of an occurrence of water penetration, so be sure to call a water restoration professional soon after water damage occurs.

Does homeowners insurance cover the cost of water damage?

This depends on your policy. Most insurance agencies will cover emergency water cleanup resulting burst pipes or hoses, but not all cover flooding. To find out if and when you are covered, contact your insurance provider.

If carpets are wet, should they be replaced?

This all depends on the extent of the damage and the source of the water.

• If the water comes from a clean source, like a water supply line, then carpets can typically be restored.

• If the water contains contaminants, like sewer water, then carpets and any other porous materials should be replaced.

• Everything in between has to be judged on a case-by-case basis.

Who can I trust to handle my water damage restoration?

It is important to hire a reliable, qualified water damage restoration company, a company like Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES).

For the last five years, Atlantic Environmental Solutions has been providing efficient, reliable emergency water extraction / removal services for everything from natural disasters – such as flooding following heavy rains – to everyday problems like washing machine overflows and broken water heaters.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

Our consultative approach and proven methodologies have helped residential and commercial customers throughout Maryland and Washington, DC to resolve even the most difficult environmental problems.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

A Few Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage

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Act Early if You Suspect A Mold Infestation

January 6th, 2012

If you detect any sign of mold in your home, now is the time to act. Mold has been linked to several health related disorders, including asthma/breathing problems, allergies, rashes, sinus infections, cold, flu, pneumonia, and skin infections. While many of these problems are minor, they can escalate into major respiratory issues or even require hospitalization. So you can see why quickly eliminating mold from your home should be a top priority.

And with over 100,000 different types of mold, it is important to trust your mold cleanup to a professional mold remediation company. An expert mold removal service provides several benefits over a do-it-yourself mold cleanup, including:

Knowledge: Proper mold remediation requires a working knowledge of mold. Only a professional mold contractor will know how to completely eliminate the mold from your home, while also locating the source of the outbreak and correcting it.

Chemicals: Restoration requires the use of EPA approved chemicals. Only a trained mold remediation specialist will know how to use these chemicals effectively.

Disposal: Mold spores can easily spread through the air. This is why proper disposal techniques are so very important. Only Mold contractors have the trained personnel and necessary equipment to do this properly.

So do the right thing and entrust your next mold removal project to a professional restoration company, like Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES).

AES offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and Washington DC.

AES employs a team of highly-trained, experienced professionals ensuring the proper diagnosis and remedy for your specific air quality concern. Using state-of-the-art equipment and following protocols established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we employ the most effective techniques to ensure safe indoor air quality during and after the abatement process.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

While everyone is affected differently by mold, people with existing respiratory concerns, such as asthma, are likely to be extremely sensitive to it. To address this common problem safely and effectively, Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) offers certified mold inspection and removal services to homes and businesses in Maryland and DC. Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) hires a third-party industrial hygienist for certified clearance testing.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and  Twitter as well!

Sources:

Act Early if You Suspect A Mold Infestation

 

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Leaking Sewage Can Threaten Your Family’s Health

January 6th, 2012

It is one of the last things you would ever expect or ever want to happen; a sewer pipe bursts or your septic system begins to leak, filling your basement with raw sewage. Not only will this result in a nearly unbearable smell, forcing you to evacuate your home until the problem is dealt with, but it can also be extremely hazardous to your health.

Sewage damage can contain numerous strains of bacteria and other microorganisms. If left untreated, these bacteria can be transported throughout your home or business simply by coming in contact with clothing or shoes. This puts you, your customers/clients, your employees, and most importantly your family in serious danger.

A fast, complete response to reduce health risks is essential. So trust your home restoration or business restoration to a professional sewage remediation company with years of experience, like Atlantic Environmental Solutions.

Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) can take action immediately, leaving a clean, sanitary environment for your family. For the last five years, Atlantic Environmental Solutions has been providing efficient, reliable emergency water extraction / removal services for everything from natural disasters – such as flooding following heavy rains – to everyday problems like washing machine overflows, broken water heaters, and sewage damage.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

The damage caused by water intrusion is one of the most destructive things that can occur in your home or place of business. If not rectified promptly, the problem quickly worsens and ultimately costs significant time and money to repair. So call Atlantic Environmental Solutions at the first sign of water intrusion!

While we excel in sewage extraction, AES is not limited to just removing the sewage from your home or business. We also specialize in the restorative drying process, which sanitizes and deodorizes all contaminated materials using the most advanced drying products and techniques available today. Our sewage extraction and restorative drying specialists are equipped with state-of-the-art moisture detection devices, drying equipment, air-filtration equipment and hospital-grade sanitizers, providing you with the cleanest environment and the best restoration to pre-loss conditions possible. Contact us for sewage remediation services now.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Leaking Sewage Can Threaten Your Family’s Health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sewage Seeping In Your Basement Requires A Professional

December 23rd, 2011

After a long day at work, the last thing you want to come home to is a flooded basement. But it could be worse; that flood could be caused by a backed up sewer pipe, meaning raw sewage is seeping into your basement. If this is the case, the last thing you have to worry about is water damage. Sewage contains bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause serious health issues for you and your family. Even if the water doesn’t appear to be dirty, it can contain up to three million bacteria per teaspoon!

So if you are ever the unfortunate victim of a home flood caused by a damaged, clogged, or broken sewer pipe, call a professional water and sewage cleanup company – like Atlantic Environmental Solutions – as soon as possible. They will not only be able to clean up the mess, but they will also sanitize and deodorize your home, restoring it to its former glory.

A professional sewage remediation company will do the follow:

Remove the sewage and standing water.

  1. Dry carpets and furniture and remove anything beyond repair.
  2. Steam clean and disinfect the affected area.
  3. Dry ceilings and walls with specialized equipment.
  4. Remove all excess moisture from the damaged area.
  5. Deodorize. This is especially essential in sewage restoration.
  6. Inspect for mold.
  7. Remove mold (if needed).

Before you know it, your home will be as good as new. This is as long as you trust your home restoration to a company with years of experience, like Atlantic Environmental Solutions.

Sewage damage is hazardous. If left untreated, it is possible for the bacteria to be transmitted throughout your home or business by simple contact with clothing or shoes. A fast, complete response to reduce health risks is essential. Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES) can take action immediately, leaving a clean, sanitary environment for your family.

For the last five years, Atlantic Environmental Solutions has been providing efficient, reliable emergency water extraction / removal services for everything from natural disasters – such as flooding following heavy rains – to everyday problems like washing machine overflows and broken water heaters.

The damage caused by water intrusion is one of the most destructive things that can occur in your home or place of business. If not rectified promptly, the problem quickly worsens and ultimately costs significant time and money to repair.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Sewage Seeping In Your Basement Requires A Professional

 

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5 Misconceptions About Demolition

December 16th, 2011

There are several common misconceptions about demolition, which lead to several frequently asked questions (FAQs). So we at Atlantic Environmental Solutions decided to address several of these inquiries to help shed some light on the often-misunderstood demolition industry.

Let’s jump right in…

Is it a waste of money to demolish one building to just build another?

The short answer is no. For the most part, buildings that are completely demolished are ones that are structurally unsafe or ones that would cost more to repair then to re-build. But complete building demolition is just one aspect of the demolition industry. There are also…

Gut Outs: This just means that everything in the building is removed, thus gutting the interior.

Partial Demolition: This refers to the removal of a single part of a structure. For example, when you want to put an addition on your house and you need to get rid of a single the wall. A professional demolition company can remove the wall without disrupting the rest of the house.

And much, much more!

Is it fun blowing stuff up?

Actually, explosive demolition no longer plays a big role in the industry. Instead, more mechanical techniques – like 360° excavators – provide a cheaper and more efficient alternative.

Demolition must create a lot of waste, right?

Far from it, actually. Many of the demolished materials – like bricks – can be recycled or even re-sold. Only about 5-10% of a building will actually go to a landfill.

Do you have any control during demolition?

Absolutely yes. Building demolitions are incredibly controlled. And if a building can not be demolished mechanically in a controlled manner, then the entire process is done by hand. The demolition process is handled as carefully as possible, minimizing risk and increasing efficiency.

Can anyone be a Demolition Operative?

For the most part, operatives are highly skilled and undergo extensive training in their position. So can anyone be a demolition operative? Yes…if they take the necessary steps and training required.

Who should you trust with your next Demolition Project?

Demolition for remodeling a home can be disruptive, to say the least. That is why you should put your trust in a company with a proven track record of quality work and exceptional customer service, like Atlantic Environmental Solutions. AES’ experienced interior demolition crews understand the need for their work to be done quickly, professionally and cleanly.

Prior to beginning your demolition project, AES will meet with you in order to understand the scope of your needs, your budget, and your timeline. We will share our methodology so you have a clear understanding of how your goals will be achieved. Regardless of the size of your project, expect dedicated crews, and experienced subcontractors, ensuring results that will exceed your expectations. Contact us for interior demolition services now.

If you have any questions or if you have a situation that needs immediate attention, please contact Atlantic Environmental Solutions by calling 877-296-6653 or click here today!

Whether you need significant demolition that includes of thousands of square feet or just the removal of a kitchen or bathroom, rely on Atlantic Environmental Solutions (AES). We can remove the roof of a house to prepare for a second story, or we can remove a wall to enlarge a room. There is virtually no limit to what we can accomplish on your residential demolition project!

We offer demolition services for interior construction and home remodeling.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

5 Misconceptions About Demolition

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