April 2011 - Elliot Environment

Do It Yourself Mold Clean Up

1. To Eliminate Mold, You Must First Eliminate the Source of Moisture Most importantly, the source of the water accumulation must be identified and fixed or fungal growth will continue to occur. If you have a high relative humidity in a room or area (55% or higher), then you should strongly consider a dehumidifier. To determine the relative humidity, you will need a relative humidity sensor, also known as a moisture meter or hygrometer. If you have experienced severe flooding...

Courthouse Mold

Apparently, the courthouse basement at Rogers County Claremont, South Carolina is susceptible to flooding, which is causing massive damages and creating mold. Rather than applying dry basement methods, the county commissioners decided to purchase flood insurance. As we know, there is a lot of grey area in most flood insurance contracts when it comes to mold. Often the insurance will cover damages and repairs that result from water, but not damages and repairs resulting from mold which the flooding creates....

Finding and Repairing Chimney Leaks

During heavy rainstorms, many homeowners find out the hard way that their home is not as waterproof as it needs to be. There are many places where wear and tear can chip away at your roofing and allow for water leaks during heavy rains. However, many times the roof chimney is overlooked when it is in fact a very common source for leaks. Leaks in the chimney around the roof can occur in two ways: cracked or loose bricks that...

Army vs Mold

A military barracks used to shelter soldiers returning from fighting in Afghanistan has major problems with mold, leaks, backup sewage, and a number of other issues. This barracks, originally designed for Korean War combatants now has lead-based paint peeling off the walls, missing ceiling tiles, broken drain pipes, and, of course, our old friend mold is showing up everywhere it is not welcome. Sewage water backs up into the sinks in the lower floors. A video of the barracks show...

Mold Remediation is a tax deduction?

Here is a helpful bit of advice for those struggling with the cost of mold remediation. Mold and taxes are both inevitabilities in life, but did you know that mold removal and repair is a tax deductible business expense for landlords and homeowners? It’s been true since about 2006 when the IRS issued a private letter ruling that mold removal costs by a building owner, including both homeowners and landlords, was not a capital expenses, but a business expense that...

Month: April 2011

Do It Yourself Mold Clean Up

Courthouse Mold

Finding and Repairing Chimney Leaks

Army vs Mold

Mold Remediation is a tax deduction?