Waukesha County Home

SEPTEMBER 2014 HOMES PLUS 7 236095001 Independent Senior Living • Retirement Communities Senior Apartments • Assisted Living • Subsidized Housing =DB:HEAJHH:C>DGA>K>C< at MERRILL HILLS MANOR Living Life The trusted partner in your neighborhood. A safe community for your loved one. MERRILL HILLS MANOR a Senior Lifestyle community 888-871-2237 3217 FIDDLERS CREEK DRIVE • WAUKESHA, WI 53188 An Assisted Living and Memory Care Community WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM 2365550089 the basement." Other actions to prevent condensation include keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent, increasing ventilation or air movement by opening doors or windows, using fans as needed, covering cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation, and increasing air temperature. Removing the mold In many instances, mold can be removed from hard surfaces with a thorough clean- ing, although soft materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, and carpet may have to be replaced. When mold grows inside a wall, which can be found by pulling back a base- board or cutting a small hole in the wall- board or paneling, the entire room may have to be taken down to the studs. "Following a cleaning protocol so mold spores don't spread is essential," said William Callaway, the owner of SERVPRO of Ozaukee County. "When we are called in to a job, we will cre- ate a containment area with negative air pressure to control dust and keep spores from spreading throughout the house or building. We use air scrubbers to clean the air and heavy-duty HEPA vacuums. HEPA vacuums for mold removal are different from the everyday household vacuum. Their filter is capable of removing particles that are 0.3 microns (one millionth of a meter) at 99.97 percent efficiency." Callaway emphasized that cleanup is just part of the process. "The best way to prevent mold is to not have a condition that causes it. A homeowner must find the source of mois- ture or the mold will return." Advice for DIYers "The EPA has written guidelines and it recommends that if there has been excessive water damage or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, you should consult a pro- fessional," Jacobs said. Schultz pointed out that if homeowners want to take mold removal themselves, they can get detailed information from the Wis- consin Department of Health Services web- site. While there are not specific government licensing or requirements for mold removal contractors, homeowners should look for a professional who is experienced and certi- fied, and backed by referrals. Mold continued from Page 6

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