Tips and Ways for Safe Lead Paint Removal

Lead paint is a toxic substance that can still be found in older buildings and housing. Removing lead paint is important for the safety of the people who occupy the building. Whether it is an older residential home or commercial building, the presence of lead paint poses a serious threat. It is incredibly important that all traces of this toxic substance are safely removed by professionals who are experienced in lead paint removal.

Lead Paint is Still Prevalent in Older Buildings

Lead paint was used commonly for centuries before the health hazards were commonly understood. In 1978, the use of lead paint was banned completely in the United States, but it can still be found in buildings constructed before then.

Since most surfaces have been painted over since the late 1970s, the most common areas for lead paint removal to be done are on window frames, door trims, and painted stairways. If a building owner is concerned about the presence of lead paint in their building, they should have the paint tested by experts.

Most of the problems with lead paint in buildings comes when the paint itself is peeling or deteriorating. Paint that is in good condition poses very little risk, but unfortunately most paint that was applied before 1978 is no longer perfectly intact.

Health Concerns

Excessive levels of lead exposure can cause a long list of health issues. It is especially dangerous for babies and children whose bodies absorb lead more readily than adults. It is also a serious concern for pregnant women. Lead paint can also cause issues for adults. Lead paint removal is important in order to reduce the risks of the health problems that come with exposure to lead.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to lead can cause the following health problems:

Lead Exposure in Children

• Unexplained behavioural issues
• Learning difficulties
• Lower IQ
• Hyperactivity
• Slow growth
• Hearing issues
• Anemia

Lead Exposure in Pregnant Women

• Premature birth
• Miscarriage
• Damage to the baby’s brain, nervous system, and kidneys

Lead Exposure in Adults

• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Reproductive issues

Safe Lead Paint Removal

Lead paint removal should only be done by certified professionals. Disturbing the paint causes the toxic fumes to be released into the air which can be very dangerous. Using sanders, scrapers, and heat guns are not recommended. The safest way to remove lead paint is to hire a company that is certified and experienced.

Experienced lead paint removal professionals have the right training and equipment to remove all traces of lead paint from an area thoroughly and efficiently. They use specialized equipment as well as protective gear to ensure their own safety and the safety of those who are living or working in the building.

Working with Professional Lead Paint Removal Companies

The EPA requires some organizations like childcare facilities and pre-schools that are built before 1978 to use certified Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certified contractors. It is recommended that any property owner also looks for a contractor with the RRP distinction. Professional lead paint removal contractors also follow strict rules when it comes to removal and lawful disposal of toxic materials. RRP certified companies are trained by EPA-approved trainers and also ensure that they are following lead-safe practices.

On top of being RRP certified, a professional lead paint removal company should use negative air pressure containments to keep contaminants from spreading throughout the building. They should be diligent that each and every technician properly uses full personal protective equipment. Removing lead paint is a dangerous job and companies need to take care that their technicians are able to stay safe while doing this important work. Some companies run daily exposure assessments for their workers and even conduct yearly blood monitoring to make sure that they are safe from the toxic effects of lead poisoning.

Don’t worry

In order to protect those who live or work in a building, property owners that are concerned about lead paint should contact a qualified and experienced lead paint removal company as soon as possible. These experts can assess the issues and provide reliable advice as to how to proceed with the removal. Reputable companies will always provide an accurate quote for both time and cost before the work commences.

Reasons for Getting Pest Control Inspections Done regularly

Pests do not always care about the state of your home. Whether you are inviting them or not doesn’t really matter. They usually just show up out of the blue and decide they want to be co-home owners. Like that’s not bad enough, they don’t pay rent and could be a source of harm to you and your family.

Almost everybody has an issue with pest control, Toronto, New York, wherever the location, this does not stop the pests from raiding so how does one effectively curb their further advancement. Let’s find out!

This is when you need to have pest control plans employed in your home. However, unlike the usual once in a while inspection, it is important that you check on these invaders regularly and here’s why:

• You and Your Family’s Health

You may wonder how much harm a tiny cute animal like a mouse can do but you would be wrong to do so. From hantavirus, salmonellosis to fever, and so on. Pests could make you very sick even the popular and common cockroaches.

If you truly value your health and that of your family, regular pest control inspection should be a thing, and if properly done, you will be saving yourself from paying the doctor a visit.

• Your Property and Valuables

Unless your valuables are not that valuable then there is no reason to have pests around your home. We all know the way the rats like to chew on wedding certificates and if you don’t, you shouldn’t be willing to find out.

Termites and chewing on woods could also be a really big problem if not immediately handled. It is like this with most pests, they all seem to have a thing against your belongings.

So, if you still value these things them you should employ regular pest control inspection services from trusted professionals. Finding them should be as easy as typing “Pest control, Toronto” on your favorite search engine.

• You can’t do it all

Yes, you may be a handyman or woman, but with pests, this is rarely enough. The occasional swatting and application of pesticides are sadly not enough to get rid of determined invaders. In addition, if you decide to apply some form of pesticides in your home, you may be exposing yourself, your family, and the environment to hazards.

This is why it is necessary that you hire experts in pest control to help you do the regular inspections they would also give you quality advice on how to keep these pests at bay. Finding them is easy, you could follow the simple “pest control Toronto” example as cited above or go ahead to scout for nearby pest control specialists.

• Comfortable

If you desire a stress-free life, where your daughter would not keep screaming because she saw a spider or having to go to the doctor’s office because of some illness, then you should have regular pest control inspections. Life can’t be perfect but with pests, it could get worse. So, save yourself the trouble and start getting rid of these troublemakers.

Pests could be an absolute difficulty to get entirely rid of. However, when you do get rid of them, you have to ensure that they don’t find their way back. To effectively ensure this, you will need to have regular pest control inspections. This would help you find potential troubles and immediately handle them.

It is best if you hire suitable professionals to help you with this. This is because their knowledge and expertise allow them to know what you don’t, therefore they can effectively contain and prevent a further increase of pests around your home as it doesn’t just start and end with the use of pesticides.

Bed Bug Removal – Eradicate Bedbugs from Your Home

Intro:

Bed Bug Removal: Identifying the Problem to Hiring the Right Bed Bug Removal Company

Bed bugs, also known by their scientific name of Cimex lectularius, is an extremely irritating pest that multiplies quickly and can pose a problem for anyone living near an infestation. While the bugs themselves are not known to carry diseases, their bites are itchy and painful. There is also a risk that bites could become infected and cause serious health risks. It is essential to work with a reputable bed bug removal company in order to properly eradicate these pests from any work or living space.

There are a few steps that should be taken in order to fully rid the area of bed bugs as well as reduce the chances of future infestations:

Step 1: Identifying the Problem

There are a few ways that bed bugs may be initially identified. Some common symptoms of a bed bug problem include small blood droplets on the bed sheets, unexplained bites or rashes, tiny bed bug eggs or eggshells, or even spotting live bed bugs.

Bed bugs generally hide in the seams and piping of mattresses and/or box springs. They also can be found in cracks in the bed frame, behind peeling wallpaper, behind electrical sockets, and even between the baseboards and the wall. They are very small, around 3/16”, and can fit in the tiniest places.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes adult bedbugs as being the size of an apple seed and either long, flat, and oval or balloon like, depending on if the bugs have fed recently. They are reddish-brown and sometimes emit a musty odor. Younger bed bugs are smaller and more translucent and their eggs are as tiny as the head of a pin.

If a tenant or property owner suspects a bed bug infestation but is unsure, most reputable bed bug removal companies will offer inspection services to determine the exact type of bug that is causing the problem.

Step 2: Inspect the Area

It is important that a professional bed bug removal company is called as soon as an infestation is suspected. The faster the tenant or property owner acts, the less chance there is that the bugs will spread outside of the room or unit.

Once it has been determined that the insect problem is in fact bed bugs, it is important to slow the spread as soon as possible. Items that are infested should be put in a plastic bag and sealed. The area should be vacuumed repeatedly and the vacuum emptied promptly and disposed of in a sealed bag outside of the home.

A professional bed bug removal company will thoroughly inspect the area and they can determine if the bugs have moved into other areas of the building.

Step 3: Hire a Bed Bug Removal Company

After inspection, a professional bed bug removal company will prepare the area for extermination. Property owners should consider using a company that uses a heat treatment system for bed bug removal. Heat extermination does not introduce harmful chemicals into the space and it does not require those who live in the home to move out for a length of time.

The pest control company will seal off the treatment area and protect any heat-sensitive items like computers and electronics. They will then use specialized equipment to increase the heat in the space to a temperature in which bed bugs cannot survive. Heat treatment also kills any other bugs, molds, and mildew that may be lurking within the walls. This technique is extremely effective in eliminating all bed bugs and it is safe and odorless.

Step 4: Take Future Precautions

While most bed bug infestations are unavoidable, there are a few things that tenants and homeowners can do to reduce the chances of transporting bedbugs into the home. Since bedbugs generally come into the home on soft materials, it is important that any second-hand furniture or beds are thoroughly inspected before bringing them into the home. Bed bugs can also come into the home on luggage or laundry, extra care should be taken while travelling or using shared laundry.

While a bedbug infestation is a big hassle, it is much easier and faster to deal with if a professional bed bug removal company is brought in. They have the right tools and experience in order to deal with any bug issue quickly and effectively.

The Essential Benefits of Regular Air Ducts Cleaning

Our HVAC systems are the unsung heroes of our buildings and properties. They heat, cool and clean the air of our buildings, often so quietly that we barely notice. This also means, however, that we can often ignore the regular maintenance required to help them operate at their full potential, including regular air ducts cleaning.

If you own a property with an HVAC system, you need to invest in regular, professional maintenance that includes air duct cleaning. Here are the essential benefits of giving your HVAC system the attention it deserves.

1. Reduce airborne allergens

If you have allergies to dust or similar particles, then you know when you’ve entered a building that doesn’t maintain its HVAC system. The air is often harder to breathe and your system gets irritated. With regular air ducts cleaning, you can ensure people with allergies are more comfortable in your spaces. This is because allergens can be cleared from the system and their levels overall reduced with a simple cleaning, helping people literally breathe easier while in your property.

2. Add an Extra Level of Protection

Every year, properties and homes catch fire due to something in the air ducts. While the problem isn’t incredibly common, it does happen, and can often happen without warning. When you invest in regular air duct cleaning, you are ensuring any debris that has collected in your ducts is removed, reducing the chances of it catching fire and spreading.

3. Lower Levels of Dirt

Despite all the advanced filters in our HVAC systems, dirt and debris can build up, leading to lower air quality and reduced filtration effectiveness. Even further, dirt buildup can actually cause the system to run less efficiently due to more energy being required to push air through dirty filters and ducts. Air duct cleaning clears out these particles so your system can run better and be cleaner, saving you money and making a healthier environment for all.

4. Get Rid of Other Contaminants

Besides dirt, debris and allergens, there are innumerable other contaminants that can lurk inside our HVAC systems. If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that improved ventilation and filtration is key to keeping people safe and healthy when indoors. By investing in regular HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning, you are committing to keeping the people on your properties safe. That means fewer contaminants, improved ventilation, and a better experience for everyone inside.

5. Prolong the Life of Your HVAC System

Like every other piece of technology you own, your HVAC system will last longer if you give it regular care and attention. Too often, HVAC systems are ignored and improperly maintained, mostly because they are largely invisible, hidden in the walls and kept out of sight. But this means that they often don’t get the attention they need.

When you invest in regular air duct cleaning, your HVAC system will be getting part of the care it needs to stay running for longer. And when you choose a professional company to perform these cleanings, you are also getting regular inspections to ensure problems are caught before they become major issues.

6. Save Money with Air Ducts Cleaning

At the end of the day, the main benefit of regular air duct cleaning is that you can see savings almost every month. When your HVAC system is properly maintained, it will run at maximum efficiency, meaning that you will enjoy savings on your monthly bills compared to a less efficient system. If you want to reduce your monthly expenditures on top of all the other benefits, then be sure to contact a professional HVAC company to set up regular air duct cleanings.

If you own a building, property or residence and haven’t considered regular air duct cleaning, now is the time. Not only can regular HVAC services help create a better environment in your buildings, but it can also prolong the life of your HVAC system, reduce the chances of fires and save you money.

For the best air ducts cleaning, be sure to contact an experienced and professional HVAC company. Only the pros can ensure the job is done right and perform an inspection of your system when they come, ensuring everything is working properly.

Things to Check Before Calling an Air Conditioner Repair Professional

With the summer months approaching, people get more conscious about the proper functioning of their air conditioning system. An air conditioning system consists of many components, and all these components must be working at their optimum capacity for the proper functioning of your AC.

To ensure that your AC can provide you with uninterrupted cooling during the hot summer months, you need to contact an air conditioner repair Jacksonville. However, before you do that, you can check a few things that can help identify the issues with your air conditioning system.

Diagnosing these issues beforehand will eliminate costly repair by a professional. You will also save a lot of money, time, and most importantly, enjoy an interrupted service.

1. Check whether there is electrical power.

This may seem like a no-brainer. However, many people call air conditioner repair, Jacksonville, only to find out that there was no electric supply to the air conditioning system.

Check the fuse box and also check the circuit breaker switch. If the circuit breaker switch is in the off position, turn it on. If the switch is in the correct position, you can turn it off and on again to reboot it.

Sometimes your air conditioner may not receive electricity supply due to damaged wiring. In such a case, you can replace the wiring of your cooling system, and it will resume its normal functioning.

2. Check your thermostat setting.

Before you call an air conditioner repair, Jacksonville, it is essential to check the thermostat settings. As soon as you turn on the air conditioner, the thermostats fan should turn on.

If you can’t hear the humming sound, check whether the thermostat is in on position. Also, check the temperature setting on your machine. The temperature in the thermostat should be lower than the room temperature for effective cooling.

3. Check your air filter.

Before calling a professional, it is essential to check your air filters.

A blockage in the air filter can prevent the cool air from flowing through ducts and vents.

This can cause your system to overwork to produce the desired temperature in your room. A blocked air filter causes unnecessary strain on your system and may eventually lead to more severe component failure. Dirty filters can also cause health issues and need to be replaced at the earliest.

4. Check for blockage in the AC drain.

Many air conditioner systems come with a water safety switch. If the condensed water is leaking from the evaporator coil, the switch will cut off the power.

It prevents the internal parts as well as your floor and ceiling from water damage. If you find your condensate pan overflowing, the possible reason could be a blockage on your AC drain. Clean your condensate pan and remove any blockage in the drain, and your system should start working.

5. Check for a blockage in the outdoor unit.

Your outdoor condenser unit is the most susceptible to dirt, dust, and debris. If the outdoor unit is located near a tree, dry leaves may find their way into the system.

It can cause a blockage and prevent your condenser unit from working at its best capacity. Hence, before calling air conditioner repair, Jacksonville, check for any blockage in the outdoor unit.

6. Check whether the condenser unit is overheated.

If you are not getting the desired cooling results from your air conditioner, it is essential to check the location of your outdoor unit. During the hot summer months, the sunrays can cause overheating of your condenser unit.

It can cause your system to overwork to maintain the temperature. This causes a strain on your system and can cause significant problems in the future. If your outdoor unit is at a location that receives direct sunlight, consider building a shade over it before calling a professional.

These are a few essential things that you must check before calling air conditioner repair, Jacksonville. These factors will help you determine whether you need the repair service at all.