One of the best ways to improve the air quality inside your home or office is to have air duct cleaning services done regularly

If you suspect mold in your home, it's crucial to seek professional mold inspection services.

When it comes to your home, you want it to be as safe as possible for you and your family. Testing for certain threats, like radon exposure, is essential to ensure the health of your home and those living in it.

In this guide, we’ll detail how you can remove black mold from your home safely and effectively.

Radon gas is invisible and unnoticeable without testing and technological solutions, and it often enters homes to become inhaled by their occupants.

Residents of Blacksburg have two options when faced with a mold infestation: they can tackle it themselves, or they can hire a professional mold removal service.

So, you are in the process of buying a home. Everything is going great, except for one small issue: your potential home is reading high radon levels. All of a sudden, you might be hesitant to purchase the home until the inspector mentions that you can hire radon mitigation services. If you are unsure about moving forward, let us here at Astrid Environmental Services help explain your options when it comes to .

• You can pass on the purchase of the home. You can pass on the contract if inspection results were a determining buying factor. However, think carefully before doing this because the presence of radon can be treated/negated with radon mitigation services. Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps up through the ground, so it doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the home.
• You can negotiate the radon mitigation services into the contract. Instead of deciding to just say no to the home and walk away, you can get an estimate for radon mitigation services and ask the current buyer to have the system installed before you will go through with the purchase. If they say no, then you are back to step one or moving onto the next step.
• You can choose to pay for radon mitigation services yourself. If you choose to pay for the radon mitigation services yourself, you can ask for that amount to be taken off the purchase price of the home. The services and any applicable warranties will then be in your name and you’ll get the advantage of choosing your own company to complete the work.

Hiring the right mold remediation professional creates the difference between a clean, healthy space and one that has reoccurring mold issues. Before hiring a mold specialist to remove mold from your home or business, we at Astrid Environmental Services recommend asking these five questions to any professional you consider. We would be happy to tell you more, so please contact us today!

1. Will you perform an onsite inspection? Every mold situation is different and requires a visual inspection. Be wary of any company that will provide an estimate over the phone without providing an onsite inspection.

2. How does your estimate process work? After your onsite assessment is completed, we will provide you with a detailed report, which includes the inspection findings and recommendations with pictures from your property, the scope of work necessary, and the price associated with the proposed scope.

3. What remediation process does your company use? Mold remediation is a detailed, multi-step process that requires specialized equipment and chemicals. Our team uses commercial-grade equipment, EPA-approved chemicals, and only professional, well-trained staff to complete the work.

Did you know mold can greatly impact your indoor air quality? Astrid Environmental Services will help you identify and remove mold in order to maintain healthy living and working environments. Mold thrives in damp places, such as attics and crawlspaces, which often makes it difficult to know if you have a mold issue. A recent water intrusion can provide an ideal setting for mold growth, making structural damage and air quality issues more likely.

We provide mold inspections in our service area, and if mold is discovered, we have the right equipment and knowledge to deal with the issue effectively and thoroughly. We have extensive experience dealing with mold, as well as superior communication and project management skills, which makes us the best choice for mold remediation services. If you suspect there is mold in your home or business, schedule your mold inspection today.

It’s easy to not think about the things you cannot see, even if those things are right under your feet. While many of us have crawlspaces beneath our homes, they are often dark and dirty, and are therefore largely ignored by most people. However, your crawlspace is an important feature of your home and needs a little extra care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the rest of your home. Crawlspace encapsulation is a great way to make this happen, and if you don’t already have crawlspace encapsulation, here are three reasons why you should.

1. Cleaner Air- Crawlspace encapsulation does what it sounds like– it encapsulates your crawlspace in heavy-duty plastic sheeting. When you have crawlspace encapsulation completed, you can worry less about the air you and your family breathe within your home.

2. More Even Temperatures- Crawlspace encapsulation helps to regulate temperatures in your crawlspace and therefore in the rest of your home. You won’t feel cold or hot spots, and you’ll also be able to enjoy a more efficient HVAC system.

3. Mold Resistant- Mold loves areas that are dark and damp– basically everything that a crawlspace is. With crawlspace encapsulation, you don’t have to worry about moisture buildup and mold damaging the structure of your crawlspace. This preventative measure is a great way to avoid mold remediation services in your crawlspace later on.

Increasing the value of your home is what you hope to get out of any home renovation, so how do you know where to start or even which projects to do? At Astrid Environmental Services, we’ve been in the home renovation game for a while, so we know which projects offer the best payback. Here are just a few we recommend if you want to add value to your home:

• Add new siding—Is your home’s siding looking worse for wear? Increasing your home’s curb appeal is everything, so if you want to give your house a brand-new look and increase its market value, adding new siding is the way to go.
• Redoing flooring—Flooring is a relatively simple home renovation project that can give your house an entirely new look. Whether you go with laminate, true hardwood, tile, or something else, new flooring can help your home look like new.
• Upgrading your kitchen—In any form, changing up your kitchen is sure to add value! For a home renovation project that adds value, consider replacing the cabinetry or countertops (or both) or upgrading to newer appliances.
• Switching out bathroom fixtures—A new tub or even a new bathroom vanity can do big things for your bathroom! If you aren’t sure you want to go as big as your kitchen, start with the bathrooms in your home and make some upgrades there.

Deciding to cross off that home remodeling project you’ve had on your to-do list forever is exciting! What may not be as exciting is coming up with a budget for said project and figuring out costs, but it has to be done. Here are some tips for developing your home remodeling budget for a better overall outcome.

• Ballpark the total cost—Whatever your project, do a little research into what these types of home remodeling projects cost. For example, doing a few upgrades in your bathroom could cost a few thousand dollars, but gutting your kitchen could cost upwards towards $20,000, depending on your goals.
• Figure out what you can spend—Go through your finances and determine how much you can put into your home remodeling project. Taking this step can help you decide if it’s best to wait a few months until you can save more or if you can go ahead with the project right now.
• Plan for the unexpected—You never know what will happen as you move forward with home remodeling, and this can either be good or bad. Tack an extra 10% onto your home remodeling budget to ensure you have enough funds to cover the unexpected.
• Work with an honest contractor—To get the most for your money as you plan for your remodel, plan to work with a contractor you trust. At Astrid Environmental Services, we know we’re that contractor, and we can give you a reliable estimate for your remodeling plans.

You can rearrange the furniture in your home a million different ways, buy new items to try to fit the space, and even DIY a few remodeling tasks to try to ease the “trouble” spots.

At the end of the day, however, sometimes you might love your home and hate the way it’s laid out or the outdated-ness of it all. If that’s the case, sometimes its better to just skip rearranging and spending money on new items and go right to the home renovation instead.

Home renovation is great for several reasons, starting with the fact that you can truly customize your home the way you want it. Need to tear down a wall – go for it! Want to keep some of the old character? You can! Home renovation opens up so many possibilities that wouldn’t exist if you just continue to rearrange the furniture.

The next thing to remember is that DIY home renovation is very likely going to be more time consuming and less cost effective than you imagined. In fact, you might spend more money buying tools than you would have paid a professional carpenter. If you like the idea of home renovation, at the very least make sure to get quotes from trusted professionals who can give you a great idea of what’s in store, and of the finished product.

When you’ve had any sort of event at your home that has resulted in damage, you may find yourself picking up the pieces and looking at your options. Even if you have filed an insurance claim, you may be tempted to start some DIY home restoration projects to get things moving while you wait. Surely you can dry up water and scrub away soot from a fire, right?

Before you do, there is one catch that makes it important not to take on DIY home restoration, but instead wait it out with your insurance company and a professional cleaning team. What’s the catch? Your safety!

Of course the event itself could create a hazardous environment, but the threats don’t stop after the dust settles. In fact, the remnants of such a damaging event can create an unhealthy environment with toxic fumes, airborne particles, and other unseen threats that can be detrimental to your health. While it may be tempting to salvage your belongings or get to work right away, in truth, waiting for the professionals to provide home restoration solutions is the only way to preserve your belongings and ensure that you aren’t exposed to dangerous health hazards.

One other important item of note is that if you begin the cleanup process on your own, you may find that your insurance company disapproves. They will want to know the condition of your home and work with your cleanup crew to ensure that the home restoration process is done correctly.

Everybody wants to breathe clean air! If you have an indoor air quality problem at your home, it can sometimes be difficult to determine what the problem is, and then apply the best solution. The reality is that having great indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complicated, and there are some basic things you can do to keep it fresh and healthy throughout the year.

• Replace Your Air Filters – This is one easy thing you can do to keep your indoor air clean and safe for breathing. The trick is that you’ll need to follow the recommended filter guidelines for changing them to achieve the best results. Your air filters should be changed at least every three months, and more often during certain seasons, like spring when the pollen count is high.
• Control Humidity – Another simple thing that affects your indoor air quality is the humidity in the room. Running a dehumidifier during the wet summer and fall, and a humidifier during the dry winter and spring, can go a long way toward improving your indoor air quality for your entire household.
• Seasonal Cleaning – Your indoor air quality is easily affected by the dust, pollen, dirt, and pet dander that collects in the corners of your home and on top of your belongings. Whether you take on the task of seasonal cleaning yourself, or you hire someone to help with this important chore, you are sure to see improvements in your indoor air quality throughout the year.

As a homeowner, you already know that you need to take certain steps to protect your home from unwanted water damage. For example, you may have weatherization strips around windows and your bathrooms and laundry areas are properly ventilated to reduce moisture buildup. These are all great steps for moisture control throughout your home!

There may be some hidden areas, however, where moisture control problems can quickly get out of hand without your knowledge. For example, your basement and crawlspace areas are key places where moisture control can be a problem, but you don’t know it until it’s too late to be proactive.

Some of the signs that you may have moisture control issues in your basement and crawlspace include:

• Elevated humidity levels in your basement.
• Poor indoor air quality throughout your home.
• The discovery of a mold problem on the lower levels of your home.

Determining whether your basement and/or crawlspace needs moisture control solutions may be difficult on your own, but calling a professional company to address indoor air quality concerns can be a great first step.

At Astrid Environmental Services, we are your first choice when you have moisture control problems that need a long-term solution. We can provide mold testing services as well as basement waterproofing and crawlspace encapsulation to ensure that your moisture problem is resolved effectively. We are committed to providing you with solutions that make your home safe and healthy year after year.

If you are a homeowner, you likely take every precaution to keep your indoor air quality at its best. From changing your air filters regularly to having your air ducts cleaned and making sure your HVAC system is functioning well, each item on your to-do list serves an important purpose: making your home healthy and safe.

One thing that may not be mentioned to you as your buy a home or select a new community to live in is the importance of testing for radon gas. Why is this colorless, odorless, naturally occurring gas so important?

Radon gas is naturally occurring in many areas, comes up from the ground, and is transferred by air into our living spaces. Low levels of radon gas are typically considered okay, but high levels of radon gas are dangerous and linked to cancer diagnoses.

The good news is that the effects of radon gas can be reduced with the right radon mitigation system. It’s important that you rely on a professional company to provide this service to ensure the proper installation of all equipment and that your home is ventilated according to the recommended guidelines in your area.

At Astrid Environmental Services, we understand that radon gas can be a bit of a mystery. That is why we offer many services to meet your needs, including radon testing, remediation, and mitigation for your home. Contact us today for more information about our services and to schedule an appointment with us.

Our air ducts are often out of sight and out of mind. However, when you start to notice poor indoor air quality, you may not be sure what steps to take. At Astrid Environmental Services, we know how important scheduling air duct cleaning can be, and we’ve listed some situations in which it may be time to schedule this important maintenance task.

• You Want to Discourage Mold– Mold can live in your air ducts and other dark and damp places. Air duct cleaning will help remove this potential threat.
• You Want to Improve Indoor Air Quality – Air duct cleaning service provides improved indoor air quality – and that’s a difference you can feel when you breathe.
• You Want to Deter Vermin – Vermin can sometimes find their way into your air ducts, and having the ducts cleaned regularly will ensure these pests don’t make their permanent home in YOUR home or office.
• You Want to Get Rid of Clogs – Clogged air ducts can cause your HVAC system to work overtime, and you’ll see an improvement when you have a professional team clean your air vents.
• You Want a Better Functioning HVAC System – If you feel like your HVAC system is always running, but you can never tell a difference in air quality or temperature, that’s a good sign you could use air duct cleaning.
• You’re Always Too Hot or Too Cold– If you’ve noticed you keep adjusting the thermostat but the climate in your home or office is never comfortable, call a professional to check your air ducts!
• You Have an Allergy Sufferer in Your Home – Allergy sufferers know how important clean air can be, so make sure to have your air ducts clean if your allergies seem to be worsening or out of control when you are indoors.
• You Want to Lower Your Utility Costs – When your HVAC system is running overtime, you’ll see a major difference on your utility bills. Scheduling air duct cleaning can help you save money each month!
• You Recently Completed a Renovation — Home renovations can cause dirt and debris to get clogged in your air vents. Make sure to schedule an air duct cleaning service once your renovations are complete.

At Astrid Environmental Services, we meet a lot of customers who didn’t know they had mold in their home or business until it was a severe problem. Here is a list of warning signs and steps you can take for proper mold remediation.

Do You Have Mold?

• Musty Smells – Do you keep smelling strange odors, but haven’t been able to determine the source? That musty smell could indicate water damage and mold growth.
• Previous Water Damage – Has your home or office sustained previous water damage and you aren’t sure if it is totally dry? This could be a breeding ground for mold spores.
• Rotten Wood – Mold will cause your wooden baseboards and furniture to rot and decompose, so look out for signs of this in your home or office.
• Discoloration Around Vents – Have you noticed that the walls are turning strange colors near your air vents? Moisture can get trapped in your HVAC system, sending mold out of your air vents and into the air.
• Sheet Rock & Plaster Damage – If your sheet rock or plaster has begun to sink or crumble, this could be related to water damage that has now caused mold growth.

You may have heard about the dangers of radon gas and how important it is to have your home tested for this invisible hazard. However, radon gas may also seem like an elusive and mysterious problem that leaves you with more questions than answers. While you may expect that high levels of radon gas are dangerous, is there a “safe” level that wouldn’t pose a threat to you and your family?

Here are a few quick pieces of information about radon gas that can help answer some of your questions:

• The home environment is the number one contributor to exposure to radon gas.
• The EPA has stated that any exposure to radon gas poses a threat of lung cancer, and the lower the levels you can achieve in your home, the lower your risk of illness.
• The geographic location of your home affects the amount of exposure to radon gas you will receive.
• Radon Act 51 sets the standard for “safe” radon levels at 0.4 pCi/L (picoCuries per Liter) of air, and recommends that homes tested at 4pCi/L or higher take actionable steps towards some form of radon mitigation to achieve lower levels.

Have you ever walked into a deep, dark, spooky-feeling basement? It’s one thing to walk into a room like that when you’re in the appropriate location, but quite another to walk into it in your own home, every time you enter your basement. If you’re tired of having a basement that is on the dark side and are ready to turn it into a space that is more enjoyable to work, relax, or entertain in, you may want to consider a home renovation.

A home renovation is a great way to take your basement area from shabby to stellar. When you choose a design that fits your needs, you can have extra space to work in, to perform your hobbies, or to kick back and relax in. You can even have space to install a new entertainment system if you want one. These renovations range from simple changes, such as a new coat of paint or new carpet, to more complex tasks, such as knocking down old walls and/or putting up new walls to create new rooms. In fact, some of your basement renovations could even include plumbing if you wanted to have your own little hideout complete with kitchen and bathroom facilities. An added bonus of a new kitchen and bathroom in your basement is that it can now double as a mini-hotel to host friends and family at holiday times.

Did you know that many homes and businesses operate at below 60% efficiency, and improving the cleanliness and thermal integrity of the duct work is an effective way to improve that efficiency?

It’s common to overlook duct work as an important part of your property’s maintenance and HVAC system, but the truth of the matter is that duct work is instrumental in moving air of the right temperature to its intended location; the state of your duct work can also have a massive effect on indoor air quality, system efficiency, and noise. That’s why duct cleaning can be so important for enjoying cleaner air and a more efficient heating and cooling system.

The type of HVAC system your property possesses is an integral part of determining what type of duct work will function best. New structures can most easily benefit from customized duct work that is flexible enough to meet the needs of many different living and working arrangements. Proper energy management can be as simple as having a full Return of Investment or Energy Audit performed to identify the simplest and most cost-effective ways of improving your building’s efficiency, which often leads to duct cleaning as a first step.

Looking into your options for a home renovation can be extremely exciting, until you get down to how much it will cost. The good news is that financing for your home renovation doesn’t have to get out of hand as long as you develop and stick to a manageable budget. Here are some tips for putting together a successful budget for your next home renovation:

• Figure out your finances — How much do you have to spend on your home renovation? At this point, determine if you’ll use existing cash or if you’ll finance the renovation with a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit, or another form of financing.

• Set your priorities–What do you want most out of your home renovation? Think about what you need to have in your newly renovated home, and what you could do without. For instance, you might really want custom cabinetry, but you would be willing to go with a lower grade option for your kitchen countertops.

• Come up with a savings plan — If you plan on waiting a little while to do the home renovation, set up a plan for saving for the remodel. This can be as simple as forgoing eating out for a few months or cutting major expenses.

If you’re worried about radon levels in your home, you probably have questions about radon remediation and mitigation. As your source for radon remediation, our team at Astrid Environmental Services will do our best to provide the information you’re looking for. Here are some of the most frequent questions about radon remediation.

Is there an “acceptable” level of radon?

The EPA has established an “action” level that determines when you need to do something about the radon in your home. Generally speaking, 4pCI/l is an acceptable level of radon, and anything above this requires immediate radon remediation.

What do you do about high radon levels?

After your home has tested positive with elevated levels of radon, it is best to call a professional remediation contractor, such as Astrid Environmental Services. We will assess the situation and determine which mitigation process will best suit your home in order to lower the radon levels.

How do you know a radon mitigation system is working correctly?

At Astrid Environmental Services, we’ve heard our fair share of untrue things about radon gas. Here are some of the most common myths about radon gas and why they aren’t true:

Myth #1: Radon gas isn’t dangerous.

Many people in the scientific and general community have claimed that radon gas is nothing to worry about. However, the American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and American Lung Association all agree that radon poses a danger to human health.

Myth #2: Radon testing is expensive and time-consuming.

Testing for radon gas only takes a matter of a few days and is reasonably priced. Plus, once the radon test is underway, you don’t have to do a thing but wait, making it a hassle-free process to determine if your home has a radon gas problem.

Myth #3: Fixing a radon gas problem is impossible.

If your home tests positive for radon gas, the good news is that there are means at your disposal for remediating it. For instance, taking care of a radon problem can be as simple as sealing your foundation faults and having a radon mitigation system installed.

As a homeowner, your concerns about radon entering your home are warranted. Not only can you be completely unaware when radon is in your home, but its presence can also harm you and your family members. Today, we want to go over how this dangerous gas enters your home and what you should do about it if you have a radon problem.

There are many major entry routes radon uses when infiltrating a home, such as:

• Cracks in concrete slabs

• Cracks and cores in concrete blocks

• Exposed soil in a crawlspace

• Loose-fitting pipe joints

• Well water

• Building materials, like concrete, brick, and rock

Since the air pressure in your home is usually lower than the soil pressure outside of your home, where radon resides, your home acts like a vacuum that sucks in this gas. After the gas is drawn into your home due to this difference of pressure, it gets trapped until the mitigation process takes place. Keep in mind that any home, new or old, can develop a radon problem.

It is estimated that for every 15 homes in the U.S., at least one has a radon gas problem. If you’re concerned about the presence of radon in your home, the best thing you can do is have your home tested and employ mitigation practices.