When you choose Chem-Dry, you get a deeper clean, faster-drying carpets and a healthier home for you and your family.

Chem-Dry has become a trusted name in carpet cleaning for thousands of households, cleaning in more than 10,000 households daily worldwide and more than 1 billion square feet of carpet every year, and for good reason. We use a unique Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process to deliver a deeper, longer-lasting carpet cleaning combined with a green-certified solution that is all natural and safe for your kids and pets. This means you get a clean that is healthier for you, your family and your home.

DRIER. The Chem-Dry cleaning process uses 80% less water than typical steam cleaning, so carpets dry within hours, not days. This means you and your family can get back to enjoying your home sooner. See a full comparison of Chem-Dry vs steam cleaning to see all of the benefits of choosing Chem-Dry carpet cleaners.

CLEANER. Our primary solution is carbonated and, just like club soda, as it penetrates deep into your carpet's fibers, it lifts the dirt from deep within your carpets so it can be whisked away with our powerful extraction equipment giving you the most thorough clean. And there is no dirt-attracting residue left behind, so carpets stay cleaner longer.

HEALTHIER. We use a low-water method which means there is less risk of mold and mildew growth under your carpet that can result from the excessive water used by most steam cleaners. We use an all natural, green-certified cleaning solution that does not contain any harsh soaps or chemicals and is completely safe and non-toxic for your family and pets. Additionally, an independent air quality lab found that our HCE method removes 98% of common allergens in your carpets and upholstery, and when a sanitizer is added, 89% of bacteria is removed for your indoor air*. That adds up to a safer carpet cleaning that is healthier for you, your family and your home.

We understand that you have a choice in carpet cleaners. But not all carpet cleaning services are alike. To find out how big an impact a Chem-Dry cleaning can have on home health, we thought it would be helpful to measure how effective our cleaning process is in eliminating unhealthy and unwanted elements from your home. So we commissioned a leading independent air quality laboratory to conduct a study using Chem-Drys Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process in multiple homes. The lab found that Chem-Dry carpet cleaner removes an average of 98.1% of common household allergens such as dust mite allergens and pet dander from the carpets and upholstery we clean and found that, when adding sanitizer to our HCE carpet cleaning process, we removed an average of 89% of the bacteria in the air and 82.3% of the bacteria from carpets. With Chem-Dry carpet cleaner, you can breathe easier about the healthfulness of your home for your family.

Find out below how Chem-Dry's Carpet Protectant Package and Healthy Home Package (professional strength deodorizer and sanitizer) can help protect your home from everyday stains, unhealthy allergens and bacteria.

Your carpets get a lot of use, spills are inevitable. Over time, the factory-applied stain resistant becomes less effective and fades away leaving your carpets susceptible to staining. Chem-Dry Protectants refreshes the performance of stain resistant carpets, creating a barrier around the carpet fibers to resist soiling and staining by allowing spills to be removed before staining can occur.

PowerGuard Protectant- This revolutionary carpet stain protectant not only gives a boost to your carpets stain-resisting powers, but works well with solution-dyed carpets.

Repel Protectant- Repel Protectant works with all kinds of carpets by forming a protective shield around each carpet fiber. This liquid-repelling carpet solution doesnt give stains the chance to set in. It repels most stains, allowing a window of opportunity for you to soak up the spill on your own before it adheres to the carpet fiber.

Wool Protectant- Chem-Drys Wool Protectant is a water-based solution specifically designed to enhance the stain resistant qualities of wool carpets and rugs. It defends against most liquid spills to stop stains in their tracks.

Does someone in your home suffer from allergies or asthma so you are concerned about allergens and air quality? Do you have children who love to roll around and play on the carpet so you are worried about bacteria? Carpets are beneficial acting as giant filters absorbing and collecting common allergens and germs. But, just like an air filter, carpets become full over time and must be properly cleaned to remain most effective at trapping particulates as they settle from the air. Chem-dry has been tested and proven by a leading independent air quality laboratory to effectively remove an average of 98.1% of common household allergens from the carpets and upholstery we clean. And when a sanitizer is added with the healthy home package, 89% of the bacteria in the air and 82.3% of the bacteria from carpets was removed*, leaving your carpets and air quality clean and healthy and your family safer.

Sanitizes home to eliminate unhealthy bacteria that can spread illness

Reduces common allergens from dust mites, pests, pet dander, pollen and more

Special deodorizer reaches odors absorbed in your carpets so they arent just masked theyre eliminate

Make Chem-Dry your trusted carpet cleaner. Ask a Chem-Dry representative how we can revitalize your home's carpets for a longer lasting, healthier clean with our basic, protectant or healthy home cleaning for your carpets today.

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Carpet Cleaners | Carpet Cleaning & Stain Removal | Chem-Dry

This backyard features a series of 2-3 foot tall terraced retaining walls that create a unique look and provide usable outdoor space. Romani Landscape Architecture in Glencoe, IL.

A retaining wall is intended to hold back soil when there is a drastic change in elevation. Often retaining walls are used to terrace yards that originally had a steep slope. Additionally, retaining walls can help create usable outdoor space as well as control erosion, (see Landscaping a Split-Level Home.) Low retaining walls are frequently used as planting beds and can add interest to an otherwise flat yard.

If you are considering hiring someone to build a landscape retaining wall on your property you'll want to have a basic understanding of what goes into proper retaining wall design. This way you'll be sure to get a quality wall that will last for years without problems. An improperly built retaining wall may bulge, crack or lean, creating an unsightly eyesore and a headache for you.

Time / 04:42

See how retaining walls made of cinderblock topped with travertine can be used to add structure and beauty to a sloped landscape.

This drawing shows a cross-section of a 4' retaining wall.

Moisture can remain behind a retaining wall long after the runoff is gone. It seeps into the masonry traveling straight through. On the dry side it will evaporate leaving behind mineral efflorescence or discoloring mildew. Moisture is the enemy of decorative veneer such as stucco, stone and tile. This is why it's essential to use a substantial waterproof membrane on the back of every retaining wall just as it is applied to the back of basement walls where the same conditions occur. There are various types of membranes, and your contractor will know the most effective one for your local climate and soil type. Any time you put soil behind a wall, be sure to use membranes to protect the beauty of its face.

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Retaining Wall Basics - Landscaping Network

What is a Retaining Wall?

Retaining Wall Planter

A retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains soil behind it. There are many types of materials that can be used to create retaining walls like concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timbers, rocks or boulders. Some are easy to use, others have a shorter life span, but all can retain soil.

Several questions must be considered in order to build the proper type of retaining wall. For example, is the soil sand, clay, or something in between? What is above the wall: a driveway or something heavier like a pool? Will the ground above or below the wall be level or sloped? What is the height of the wall? All of these factors will determine whether you will need a Gravity Retaining Wall or a Geogrid Reinforced Retaining Wall.

Gravity retaining walls are walls that depend on their own weight and setback to retain the soil and are typically shorter in height. Allan Block retaining walls are ideal for this type of wall, because as they are stacked together they lock into place to form a setback. This setback helps the wall support the pressure from the soils behind it.

Reinforced retaining walls are walls that use some type of reinforcement to give more strength to the retaining wall structure, thus improving its ability to retain the soils behind it. For SRWs (Segmental Retaining Walls), we refer to this reinforcement as geogrid or grid. Geogrid is placed between courses of blocks in the wall and rolled back into the slope or hillside during installation to create a stronger and more stable soil mass. In laymans terms, the blocks, the geogrid and the reinforced soil mass work together to make one large, heavy retaining wall structure. Sometimes grid is not a usable solution on a project due to space or other site conditions, so alternative reinforcement materials need to be used such as no-fines concrete, soil nails or earth anchors. These types of reinforcement typically require a local engineer for the design and a certified contractor for the installation

Retaining Wall

Over the years many different retaining wall materials have helped to alter the landscape in which we live. Common retaining wall products include railroad ties or treated timbers as well as wall stones, natural stones, bricks and concrete block.

While wood is often an inexpensive and simple choice for a retaining wall, its short lifespan makes it a relatively poor choice. As the wood decomposes, so does your retaining wall and the integrity of your usable space. Stones, rocks or boulders can create beautiful retaining walls, but the installation of these materials can be expensive and labor intensive. Furthermore, maintenance of stone walls can be difficult, because over time or they may erode or become home to rodents and weeds.

Cast-in place or mortared retaining walls are another option. These walls can be installed with a variety of veneers, bricks, flagstones, etc. which add texture and style. However, these structures are rigid and do not move and flex with climate changes, earthquakes and other natural forces, and can be very expensive to build.

SRWs (Segmental Retaining Walls) like the Allan Block products, offer concrete masonry blocks that are modular and interlocking for ease of use. Simply stack the mortarless blocks together using our installation information, and create a maintenance-free retaining wall that will add usable land, fix a grading or slope issue, and solve many other site problems. These SRWs use similar construction techniques as found in the mortarless construction of the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt and will stand the test of time. SRWs come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors as well as different facing textures. Some of the more common textures offer a hard-split or soft-split look, a tumbled look, or more recently a stamped face. Concrete blocks made out of recycled materials are also available. Once you build a wall with an SRW you can be sure it is built to last.

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What is a Retaining Wall - Allan Block

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We can help you find a deck building professional in your area. The pros in our network provide free cost estimates for a variety of projects. We are a fast and easy way to find a local deck builder.

Chances are that you have come to our site because you need to find a deck builder or contractor in your local area. Well, you have come to the right place. We will help you find a professional to take care of your project needs. It does not matter if it is a small project or a large project, we will find a pro to help you out.

Deck building. A deck contractor can help you build the deck of your dreams. Deck contractors provide a variety of services, including 1) deck building, 2) home deck repair, 3) deck painting, 4) deck staining and sealing, and 5) deck pressure cleaning. The contractor will guide you through every step of the process, from securing a permit to finishing the project. Find local deck builders.

Deck options. Your deck contractor will help you plan the size, location, and layout of your deck. They will also help you choose materials. Decks can be made of several different natural woods (cypress, cedar, pressure-treated wood, etc.) or they can also be made of composite materials. They will also help to plan the location of staircases, railings, and footings. The contractor may even help you design a patio enclosure, if you are looking to build a screened-in deck or porch. Find local deck builders.

Deck repairs. If your current deck is need of repair, a deck contractor can help you get it up to code. They can address structural issues or cosmetic concerns. Whether you need to replace rotting pieces of wood or re-inforce footings to ensure the deck is stable, we can help you find a pro for your project. Receive free deck repair quotes.

Deck painting and staining. Deck contractors can also help you paint or stain your existing deck. A fresh coat of paint or stain can make your deck look like new. You may also considering sealing your deck. This will help protect the wood for moisture which will prevent premature rotting or mold and mildew growth. Get a quote from a deck staining professional.

Deck cleaning. Deck contractors can help you pressure wash your existing deck. Before your deck can be repainted or re-stained, it may be necessary to have it pressure cleaned. The pressure cleaning will remove excess dirt and surface stains that can build up over time. A simple cleaning can give new life to an old deck and many other exterior surfaces. For example, the contractor may also pressure wash your driveway, pathways, or fence, in addition to your deck and patio. Receive free quotes from deck cleaners.

Deck accessories. In some cases, it may be necessary to install electrical wiring as part of a deck building or remodeling project. For example, if you wanted to install a sound system or specialty lighting outside with your new deck, this may require the services of a licensed electrician. Get matched to a deck electrical contractor.

How much does it cost to build a deck? The cost of building a home deck will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. It will also depend on the materials you choose. For instance, building a deck with composite materials will typically cost more than a deck built with pressure-treated wood. If you are interested in finding out how much it will cost you to hire a deck contractor, we suggest you get a quote from one of our professionals. Receive free cost estimates from deck building pros.

Find a good deck contractor. It is not easy to find good, qualified professionals. Maybe we can help. Complete a request form with information about your project. We will help match your request with a professional in our network. You will receive a price estimate without cost. Our service is time efficient and you have no obligation to hire the professional we match you to. Get matched to a deck contractor.

Our site will save you the hassle of looking in the phone book, calling someone, waiting for a call, and then scheduling an appointment. With our service, you submit your request outlining your project details. Businesses that are interested in completing your project request contact you and provide you a quote. The companies that have the time and interest will contact you. Receive free home deck price quotes.

We suggest that you review the license and insurance of the professional you select. We also suggest that you call references or review the ratings and reviews from previous customers.

Please note: When using our site, understand that it is your responsibility to select the professional you are interested in working with. Any contract or agreement you have with a contractor is between you and the company you select and does not involved our program. By using our website, you agree that should you have a dispute with any company, you must address such dispute directly with the business that performed the work. You also agree to release C. David Venture Management, LLC (and our officers, directors, affiliates, directors, affiliates, employees, and agents) from any damages or claims arising out of or in any way connected with such disputes.

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Deck Contractors & Deck Builders

We will fix your Refrigerator, Ice Maker, Freezer, Washer, Dryer, Dryer Vent Cleaning, Cooktop, Oven, Stove, Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal, Microwave, Air Conditioner, Furnace, Water Heater, Range, and Trash Compactor FAST.

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Nobody should have to wait for Appliance Service PERIOD!

At Action Appliance we will get out to yourhouse within four hours of when you call for Appliance Service.

We have been in business for over 20 years andthats how we have always done it.

Our name says it all! We really feel that anycompany that would have their customers wait for Appliance Repair more than a day is out of touch.

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Contact us for fast service of yourservice your Refrigerator, Ice Maker, Freezer, Washer, Dryer, Dryer Vent Cleaning, Cooktop, Oven, Stove, Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal, Microwave, Air Conditioner, Furnace, Water Heater, Range, or Trash Compactor.

For Appliance Repair in Denver call (303) 366-1950.

For Appliance Repair in Colorado Springs call (719) 444-8866.

For Appliance Repair in Pueblo call (719) 444-8866.

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For Appliance Repair in Kansas City KS area call (913) 438-1414.

We will quickly service your major appliance!

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Appliance Repair Denver Metro & Aurora | Action Appliance

Porches were originally intended for purely utilitarian function, and became popular in the American South where the summer heat was intolerable without a shaded respite. Porches also provided a way to communicate with neighbors and keep an eye out on the surrounding land, a space open to nature within the safety of home. Throughout the majority of the 20th century porches were no longer a key element in residential architecture, but they are again gaining in popularity.

Numerous house styles make use of the porch as their defining element. Choose a Craftsman home with a deep, shaded porch, a Greek Revival house with stately columns providing a grand entrance. Farmhouse, Country, Tidewater, and Bungalow homes will also offer the comfort of outdoor living at the front of the home.

Stylistic details of the porch often define the character of a house. For example, columns can be one or two stories high, round or square, light and airy, or heavy and grounding. Cornices, piers, woodwork, and rooflines are different for every style; and of course paint color can be used to further enhance a porch's appeal. Craftsman homes usually have heavy piers that extend to ground level, with lighter columns supporting the roofline. Queen Anne homes will have woodwork painted in a variety of colors to set their unique architectural elements apart. A farmhouse usually evokes a simpler time and is often painted white with basic columns and balustrade.

Today's porches still serve the utilitarian need for shade, but they are quickly becoming an extension of the interior home. Owners treat the porch as an outdoor room and display their decorative style for guests to see before even entering the home. Outfit your porch with fans, unique light fixtures, porch furniture, and artwork that suits your own personal style.

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Floor Plans with Porches from Floorplans.com

Get Tips on Building, Decorating and Maintaining a Porch 12 Videos

See what a difference an inviting porch makes to this home's plain facade.

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A porch that can't be used year round can't be counted as square footage.

Don't forget the front porch when its time to decorate for the holidays.

Restoring a hidden front porch works wonders for a home's curb appeal.

Kristy Hirko's Uncle Bob helps her replace her rental home's front porch.

In a weekend, Nicole and her dad return a room to its front-porch origins.

The crew adds unexpected color to this century-old home's front porch.

Look back at the birth of the DIY Blog Cabin 2013 ocean-view front yard.

Kristy Hirko's Uncle Bob helps her replace her rental home's front porch.

Learn professional tips for installing a stamped concrete overlay floor.

Spruce up an ordinary concrete porch by installing a new tile floor.

Don't forget the front porch when its time to decorate for the holidays.

A porch that can't be used year round can't be counted as square footage.

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According to Costhelper, which provides average cost for consumer products, it costs from $1.20-$4 a square foot to remove and replace the roof or $1,700 to $8,400for a typical 1,700-2,100 square foot ranch-style home, with a gentle slope.

According to Homewyse, which provides average costs for home improvement projects, the cost per square foot for a wood shingle roof is between $6.37 and $8.77. That equates to about $1,274 to $1,754 per 200 square feet (or for two squares).

Homewyse estimates the cost and labor for an asphalt roof for a 1,200-square-foot house in larger markets across the country ranges between $4,100 and $6,000.

Highly rated roofing contractorstell us that asphalt is the most affordable roofing option, followed by wood, metal, tile and slate. Materials for a metal roof can cost upwards of $1,800 per 100 square feet. You can pay twice as much for a metal roof compared to asphalt shingles, and as much as five times more for slate, Hood says.

While a good asphalt shingles may last 30 or more years, metal, tile, and slate may last 50 or more years, which can play a role in determining the type you want.

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What is the Average Cost to Replace a Roof? | Angies List

Stop mold from harming your home and your health. Michael & Son provides systematic andprompt mold remediation for residents in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. You cant afford to allow mold to grow and release spores throughout your home. It not only causes damage, but it can make you and your family sick.

As a reputable and fully licensed mold removal company, we offer effective solutions that rid your place of this harmful growth. Our certified team has passed rigorous test and adhere strictly to IICRC S520 remediation guidelines. Allow our mold remediation experts to properly evaluation your homes microbial contamination problem. We provide mold removal for customers in and around the following areas:

Arlington VA Alexandria VA Silver Spring MD Bethesda MD Rockville MD

The Steps for Mold Remediation in DC, MD, and VA Molds can grow anywhere that moisture is present. If your home has water damage or an area of your home is damp, the chances are you probably have mold. When you need mold remediation, dont try to do it yourself. Theres more to mold than meets the eye.

While not all mold types are dangerous, there are a few types that are toxic even deadly. For mold cleanup, depend on the mold experts at Michael & Son for assessment, removal, and repair. Our mold remediation process involves

Black Mold Removal in Virginia & Maryland Black mold is not only dangerous, it can be deadly as well. In fact, it is vital that you consult ablack mold removal expert if you suspect that it is in your home. Do not disturb the mold, because it has harmful mycotoxins that are easily released if you touch the area. Our certified specialists use advanced equipment and mold cleanup that ensure your home environment is safe again.

Contact the mold experts at our company for fast mold remediation services when you notice black spots spreading on your wall. We proudly serve customers in the following areas: Washington DC; Virginia: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Ashburn, and Chantilly; Maryland: Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Prince Georges.

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Mold Remediation Virginia - Michael & Son Services

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Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as the public becomes aware that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. This document presents guidelines for the remediation/cleanup of mold and moisture problems in facilities at NC State University including measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and remediators.

Mold can be found almost anywhere; it can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There is mold that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.

Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Moisture problems can have many causes, including uncontrolled humidity. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed, but may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems may include roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building, and unvented combustion appliances. Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance are also associated with moisture problems in schools and large buildings. Moisture problems in portable classrooms and other temporary structures have frequently been associated with mold problems.

In some cases, indoor mold growth may not be obvious. It is possible that mold may be growing on hidden surfaces, such as the backside of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Possible locations of hidden mold can include pipe chases and utility tunnels (with leaking or condensing pipes), walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), condensate drain pans inside air handling units, porous thermal or acoustic liners inside ductwork, or roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Some building materials, such as dry wall with vinyl wallpaper over it or wood paneling, may act as vapor barriers, trapping moisture underneath their surfaces and thereby providing a moist environment where mold can grow. You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and building occupants are reporting health problems. Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growthmake sure to use PPE.

For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores from mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you discover hidden mold, you should revise your remediation plan to account for the total area affected by mold growth.

Assess the size of the mold or moisture problem and the type of damaged materials before planning the remediation work.

The decision to relocate occupants should consider the size and type of the area affected by mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with debris, and the amount of disruption likely to be caused by remediation activities. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected.

The Key to Mold Control

If you are unsure what to do, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair/restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire/water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references; look for affiliation with professional organizations. Molds Can Damage Building Materials and Furnishings

A variety of mold cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected. Please note that professional remediators may use some methods not covered in these guidelines;absence of a method in the guidelines does not necessarily mean that it is not useful.

Method 1: Wet Vacuum

Wet vacuums are vacuum cleaners designed to collect water. They can be used to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces where water has accumulated. They should not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. They should be used only when materials are still wetwet vacuums may spread spores if sufficient liquid is not present. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use since mold and mold spores may stick to the surfaces.

Method 2: Damp Wipe

Whether dead or alive, mold is allergenic, and some molds may be toxic. Mold can generally be removed from nonporous (hard) surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water, or water and detergent. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Instructions for cleaning surfaces, as listed on product labels, should always be read and followed. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded. Since molds will infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices, the mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

Method 3: HEPA Vacuum

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are recommended for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. HEPA vacuums are also recommended for cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the remediation area. Care must be taken to assure that the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air must pass through the filter. When changing the vacuum filter, remediators should wear PPE to prevent exposure to the mold that has been captured. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must be disposed of in well-sealed plastic bags.

Method 4: Discard

Remove Damaged Materials and Seal in Plastic Bags

Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. It is important to package mold contaminated materials in sealed bags before removal from the containment area to minimize the dispersion of mold spores throughout the building. Large items that have heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area.

Always use gloves and eye protection when cleaning up mold!

If the remediation job disturbs mold and mold spores become airborne, then the risk of respiratory exposure goes up. Actions that are likely to stir up mold include: breakup of moldy porous materials such as wallboard; invasive procedures used to examine or remediate mold growth in a wall cavity; actively stripping or peeling wallpaper to remove it; and using fans to dry items.

The primary function of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to avoid inhaling mold and mold spores and to avoid mold contact with the skin or eyes.

Skin and Eye Protection

Gloves are required to protect the skin from contact with mold allergens (and in some cases mold toxins) and from potentially irritating cleaning solutions. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. The glove material should be selected based on the type of materials being handled. If you are using a biocide (such as chlorine bleach) or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane,or PVC. If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full-face respirator with HEPA filter. Goggles must be designed to prevent the entry of dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not acceptable.

Respiratory Protection

Respirators protect cleanup workers from inhaling airborne mold, mold spores, and dust.

Minimum : When cleaning up a small area affected by mold, you should use an N-95 respirator. This device covers the nose and mouth, will filter out 95% of the particulates in the air, and is available in most hardware stores.

Limited : Limited PPE includes use of a half-face or full-face air purifying respirator (APR) equipped with a HEPA filter cartridge. These respirators contain both inhalation and exhalation valves that filter the air and ensure that it is free of mold particles. Note that half face APRs do not provide eye protection. In addition, the HEPA filters do not remove vapors or gases. You should always use respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (see Resources List).

Full : In situations in which high levels of airborne dust or mold spores are likely or when intense or long-term exposures are expected (e.g., the cleanup of large areas of contamination), a full-face, powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) is recommended. Full-face PAPRs use a blower to force air through a HEPA filter. The HEPA-filtered air is supplied to a mask that covers the entire face or a hood that covers the entire head. The positive pressure within the hood prevents unfiltered air from entering through penetrations or gaps. Individuals must be trained to use their respirators before they begin remediation. The use of these respirators must be in compliance with OSHA regulations .

Disposable Protective Clothing

Disposable clothing is recommended during a medium or large remediation project to prevent the transfer and spread of mold to clothing and to eliminate skin contact with mold.

Limited : Disposable paper overalls can be used.

Full : Mold-impervious disposable head and foot coverings, and a body suit made of a breathable material, such as TYVEK, should be used. All gaps, such as those around ankles and wrists, should be sealed (many remediators use duct tape to seal clothing).

The purpose of containment during remediation activities is to limit release of mold into the air and surroundings, in order to minimize the exposure of remediators and building occupants to mold . Mold and moldy debris should not be allowed to spread to areas in the building beyond the contaminated site.

In general, the size of the area helps determine the level of containment. However, a heavy growth of mold in a relatively small area could release more spores than a lighter growth of mold in a relatively large area. Choice of containment should be based on professional judgment. The primary object of containment should be to prevent occupant and remediator exposure to mold.

Limited Containment

Limited containment is generally recommended for areas involving between 10 and 100 square feet (ft 2 ) of mold contamination. The enclosure around the moldy area should consist of a single layer of 6- mil, fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting. The containment should have a slit entry and covering flap on the outside of the containment area.

For small areas, the polyethylene sheeting can be affixed to floors and ceilings with duct tape.

For larger areas, a steel or wooden stud frame can be erected and polyethylene sheeting attached to it.

All supply and air vents, doors, chases, and risers within the containment area must be sealed with polyethylene sheeting to minimize the migration of contaminants to other parts of the building. Heavy mold growth on ceiling tiles may impact HVAC systems if the space above the ceiling is used as a return air plenum. In this case, containment should be installed from the floor to the ceiling deck, and the filters in the air handling units serving the affected area may have to be replaced once remediation is finished.

The containment area must be maintained under negative pressure relative to surrounding areas. This will ensure that contaminated air does not flow into adjacent areas. This can be done with a HEPA-filtered fan unit exhausted outside of the building. For small, easily contained areas, an exhaust fan ducted to the outdoors can also be used. The surfaces of all objects removed from the containment area should be remediated/cleaned prior to removal

Moisture Control is the Key to Mold Control

Full Containment

Full containment is recommended for the cleanup of mold contaminated surface areas greater than 100 ft 2 or in any situation in which it appears likely that the occupant space would be further contaminated without full containment. Double layers of polyethylene should be used to create a barrier between the moldy area and other parts of the building. A decontamination chamber or airlock should be constructed for entry into and exit from the remediation area. The entryways to the airlock from the outside and from the airlock to the main containment area should consist of a slit entry with covering flaps on the outside surface of each slit entry. The chamber should be large enough to hold a waste container and allow a person to put on and remove PPE. All contaminated PPE, except respirators, should be placed in a sealed bag while in this chamber.

Respirators should be worn until remediators are outside the decontamination chamber. PPE must be worn throughout the final stages of HEPA vacuuming and damp-wiping of the contained area. PPE must also be worn during HEPA vacuum filter changes or cleanup of the HEPA vacuum.

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Mold Remediation Guidelines - NC State University