South Carolina’s climate is unique compared to the rest of the country. While temperatures range from mild to sweltering most of the year, it’s anything but a dry heat.

The combination of warmth and humidity is something many homeowners love about South Carolina, but it can also present certain challenges you wouldn’t otherwise have to worry about. Mold is one such challenge.

If you’re curious about what you can do to protect yourself from mold and its negative effects, here’s some in-depth information on South Carolina’s mold risk and how to keep yourself healthy and safe.

Mold Thrives in Warmth and Humidity

Mold grows best in warm, humid environments. Unfortunately, that means the hot, wet conditions in South Carolina are perfect for fostering its exponential growth.

In light of this fact, homeowners must be diligent about finding ways to prevent mold from taking over their homes. Otherwise, the situation can become immensely more frustrating, even potentially dangerous.

Whether mold should be considered a “problem” or not depends on the protections you have in place to fight back against it. It’s also worth noting that not all mold is an immediate health concern, although even harmless molds should be eliminated to prevent unsightly spread and structural damage.

There are also the baseline issues any homeowner might struggle with regarding mold growth. For instance, hidden leaks in walls, roofs, or windows can allow water into your home during a rainstorm, creating the perfect environment for mold growth.

Humidity isn’t exclusive to South Carolina, either. Not having proper ventilation or a way to combat water vapor might also increase your chances of experiencing a mold problem, regardless of the time of year.

Signs That You’re Dealing With a Mold Problem

One of the reasons mold infestations can be so frustrating is that mold can be hard to see. It may go unnoticed for months or even years until it becomes a full-blown health hazard. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to determine whether you likely have mold growing in your home.

Musty Odors

Stale, musty odors are often a dead giveaway that you have a mold issue.

If possible, investigate the source of the smell, as it could be related to a different problem altogether, such as a broken water line or dead animal. Any time you discover a strong odor, it’s wise to have a mold remediation professional inspect your home to rule out the possibility of mold.

Peeling Paint and Warped Walls

Bubbling paint and warped walls aren’t always indicative of mold growth, but they are generally signs that you’re dealing with trapped moisture, which can lead to mold problems over time. Depending on how long the moisture has been there, there’s probably already some mold growth at the site where it’s getting in.

Allergy Flare-Ups

Some mold species can worsen respiratory conditions like allergies or asthma. If you or someone you share your space with has increasingly been experiencing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or fatigue, it could be time for a thorough mold inspection.

The Mold Inspection Process

If any of the aforementioned issues apply to your situation, it’s highly recommended that you schedule an inspection of your space. Mold inspection is a relatively simple process that will shed some light on where the mold is coming from and what steps you can take to stop it.

You can facilitate the inspection by collecting some data yourself. Going around your home and listing potential problem areas is an excellent place to start. When it’s time for your inspection, you can discuss your findings with the mold remediation technician.

They’ll take samples of various surfaces and the surrounding air to see if spores are present. They can also confirm any visible signs of mold growth and use their experience to determine how big of a problem you have on your hands.

Once they’re finished, the technician will provide you with a detailed inspection report that includes information about what they’ve found and recommendations for how to proceed.

Mold Mitigation Starts With Proper Information

Mold is a big problem for many South Carolina homeowners, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a problem for you. The more information you have about your mold situation, the easier it will be to correct it. Your first course of action should always be to call for a professional inspection.

Mold experts know how to assess your home and guide you through follow-up steps like scheduling mold remediation services. If you’ve recently discovered mold in your living space or worry that moisture issues might escalate into a mold problem, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Palmetto Environmental Solutions for guidance today.

Maybe you’ve recently noticed mold in your building for the first time and are wondering how to proceed, or perhaps you’re looking for suggestions for remediation but aren’t sure whether there are any requirements for your building. Either way, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into from a legal standpoint.

Since mold can affect the health and wellness of those who live near it, it’s natural that some states have legislation designed to provide certain protections. But is South Carolina one of those states? Let’s take a closer look at mold laws and how to keep your home or business safe and compliant.

No Official Standard

While it would be nice to be able simply to list the laws and regulations regarding mold in South Carolina, no state or federal laws have yet set clear standards for mold or its relation to indoor air quality.

That said, some laws address mold issues directly. A good example is a bill in the South Carolina State House specifying that a landlord must pay the total cost of mold remediation under specific circumstances. Tenants can also leave within 14 days if the landlord opts not to rectify the problem.

So while there are no laws explicitly stating that building owners must clean up the mold found on their properties, failure to do so can have consequences.

The fact that South Carolina has no specific mold laws doesn’t mean it isn’t an important issue to address. Mold can quickly become hazardous, and ignoring it solely because it isn’t a requirement is a recipe for noncompliance or future legal issues.

One of the most important things to do is learn to identify signs of mold. You can sometimes see or smell mold growth; other times, you may need a professional inspection.

If there’s mold in your building, you can call a mold remediation service for assistance. Your provider will remove the mold completely to restore your peace of mind.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Mold

Mold can pose serious health risks, especially to people with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions. Not all mold is dangerous to your health, but risking your well-being to save some money is never the right call.

Another reason South Carolina property owners should never ignore mold is how quickly it can get out of hand. Unfortunately, the local climate is ideally suited for rampant mold growth. Consequently, what seems like a small problem can develop into an overwhelming situation that can result in a lot of lost time and money.

Mold can also damage buildings. As it grows, it can eat away at drywall, creating cracks in walls and ceilings. Some people will even experience such significant mold growth that the damage done is irreparable and the only viable solution is to perform a complete renovation — another expense you can avoid with remediation services.

How to Keep Your Space Safe

Aside from contacting mold remediation or calling for an inspection, there are certain things you can do on your end to protect yourself and your property from potential mold exposure.

There are many helpful online resources that can help you deal with mold and air quality issues. The Environmental Protection Agency website is an excellent example. It contains guidelines for handling mold and moisture in your home, along with information on how to deal with mold after natural disasters like floods or storms.

By the same token, inspections are vital for keeping your space safe because they provide valuable information. A mold remediation expert can explain why the mold is growing where it is and give you their professional opinion on how to clean and protect a given type of space.

Since moisture and mold go hand-in-hand, making provisions to protect walls, windows, and roofs from waterlogging is an excellent mitigation technique.

The most important thing is not to approach mold remediation blindly.

Removing mold from a building safely and completely requires a particular skill set. You can help clean up small patches of visible mold here and there, but only qualified professionals should attempt complete remediation to prevent spores from drifting to other areas of the building.

Laying Down the Law With Mold

While South Carolina law doesn’t lay out any specific guidelines for mold protection, it’s nonetheless a crucial consideration if you hope to protect your property and your health. 

Schedule a professional inspection if you’re worried about mold growth in your home or business, and do some research to learn what actions you can take to prevent mold from taking hold in the first place.

Contact the experts at Palmetto Environmental Solutions for guidance today.

Charleston, S.C. – Palmetto Environmental Solutions is proud to announce that for the third year in a row it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angi Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained high service ratings and reviews on Angi in 2021.

“These outstanding businesses have helped homeowners not only maintain their homes but also evolve them into spaces that can handle life, work, school and entertainment under one roof,” said Bryan Ellis, senior executive at Angi. “Our homeowners’ consistent positive reviews make it clear: these are the top pros in our network. Congratulations to this year’s Super Service Award winners.”

Angi Super Service Award 2021 winners have met eligibility requirements. Pros on Angi qualify for the award by obtaining 3 or more services-performed reviews in the previous year, maintaining a current and lifetime GPA of at least 4.5+ stars. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angi and have undergone our verification/screening. 

“At Palmetto Environmental Solutions we are dedicated to quality work,” says owner Cameron Kelly. “Our technicians are specially trained to address problems in the most effective way possible for long-term solutions- we know that our clients are often stressed over mold and moisture issues and we aim to mitigate their fears as efficiently as we can, doing the dirty work with a smile!” 

Palmetto Environmental Solutions has been on Angi since 2019. This is the third year in a row that Palmetto Environmental Solutions has received this honor taking pride in the service work it does throughout the Carolinas.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angi as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are rated in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For over two decades Angi has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angi provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

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Palmetto Environmental Solutions is a mold inspection, mold remediation, and crawl space services company. They have operated in the Carolinas since 2008 as a family-owned business with a passion for offering solutions to moisture, water, and mold problems. The team at Palmetto Environmental Solutions proudly serves homeowners, builders, property managers, realtors, and more with unmatched programs, pricing structures, and superior service.

Contact:

Phone: 843-310-0110

Email: Admin@PalmettoEnvironmentalSolutions.com

 

Most people don’t wake up in the morning and while getting ready and enjoying their coffee – say to themselves, “I wonder if my crawl space is dry? I wonder if it has moisture issues?”

Crawl spaces for most, are simply out of sight and out of mind.  

However true as that may be, you should be concerned and you should seek out to understand the health of your crawl space.  These are four main culprits that lead to moisture issues: 

 

1. Plumbing leaks – The majority of homes with crawl spaces have running underneath.  From this to sink, to that toilet, to that washer, to all over the place!  Like anything else they eventually get old and can cause issues.  While you are sitting back relaxing watching TV on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, you could have a pipe that has started to leak…water is pooling and slowly navigating its way to other areas of the crawl space.  In time this can be a huge problem, mold growth is just one of the problems that could arise.  In time that will lead to rot, and in most cases heavy rot.  All the while you are clueless until it’s too late.
2. Poor grading – A property with poor grading can be a formidable foe for a crawl space.  Due to either poor grading at construction or over time through erosion.  This is a big problem.  When this occurs, rain will find itself rushing directly to your foundation and then making its way into your crawl space. Not good!! Not good for the foundation and not good for a dark and already damp crawl space.  All that standing water mixing with humid outside air sitting and slowing dissipating – it causes your insulation to become heavy with moisture, deteriorate and fall.  Worst of all MOLD, MOLD, MOLD!  Elevated moisture levels will occur and cause sub flooring and floor joist major issues.  Man oh man!  Bad news!  Over time mold, rot, and deep foundational issues will become commonplace in your crawl space. 
3. Downspouts – We will make this one quick as this should be common sense.  However, you may not realize that not having those properly installed downspouts are the criminal masterminds in the previously addressed poor grading.  Water pouring off the sides and front of your home, constantly pounding the soil next to your foundation erodes the grading and causes water intrusion.  So what was once successful grading, over time has turned into a big fail.  
4. Soil – Soil is not your home’s friend.  No play dates, no nights on the town.  Unfortunately it’s an enemy, but what’s more unfortunate is that there is no short amount of it under your home.  This foe loves to release moisture vapor and often time gases as well.  So here sits your kind and innocent home keeping you comfortable and content, all the while the damp moisture laden solid underneath is slowly putting a beating on your home’s crawl space.  What a bully?! In time if left unchecked and with no one to put this enemy to rest, it can cause lots of damage and cost you lots of money.  Best to let us at Palmetto Environmental Solutions beat this foe early on for you.

Come to us, we have the solutions.

When was the last time you not only just timidly peeked inside your crawl space, but actually crawled the whole thing? 

Never? Trust me, I understand. For most people, the thought of venturing into a dark, damp, bug ridden area is daunting. It’s a place where all the unknowns reside. It’s also a place where nightmarish fears of claustrophobia never die. But! Let’s put all those fears aside and look at the real monsters. 

For a company such as ours – that specializes in this scary underworld, it’s our life. The only monsters we encounter are moisture, mold, rot, foundational issues, and intrusion from water, rodents, snakes, and many different species of insects.

All these monsters, as they were, can wreak absolute havoc on your home’s crawl space. This can cause a multitude of unhealthy environments for the home and the occupants. Forty percent of what we breathe inside our homes, comes from the environment beneath our homes. Don’t worry, we got you!

All of this is a way of life for us. So, we have the solutions. Our project consultants are your heroes, they do this day in and day out. They will be versed in many different areas to bring you a competent, friendly, and thorough inspection. Your hero will come to your home and without any trepidation crawl and inspect your entire crawl space. Bringing back from the pit of despair all the knowledge necessary to cure exactly what plagues your crawl space.

You will be far more knowledgeable of your crawl space’s overall health. The project consultant will present to you pictures of the areas of concern, as well as, moisture levels, relative humidity, and a comprehensive plan to eradicate these serious issues. In doing so – your burden will be lifted, you will have peace of mind, and the assurance that your home is now a safer and healthier place to live.

Shane Wheeler

Project Consultant

Palmetto Environmental Solutions

Crawl space encapsulation systems are designed to extend the envelope of your home from the home’s subfloor to the floor and foundation wall of the crawl space. The encapsulation makes it so the crawl space is no longer impacted by the weather, but controlled and regulated to maintain conditions comparable to the inside environment.  

Everyone thinks of crawl spaces as being dirty, wet, and musty. This is because most vented crawl spaces in humid climates are, in fact, dirty, wet, and musty.  For decades, it was thought that venting a crawl space would keep it dry by allowing airflow.  Unfortunately, as many homeowners are already aware, venting crawl spaces does not keep them dry or clean. Engineers and home builders began looking for better ways to keep crawl spaces dry, as the entire structural integrity of the home begins with the crawl space. What has been found is that the best and sometimes only way to keep a crawl space dry and structurally sound is to encapsulate the space. 

Building materials and designs have changed over the years; some of these changes have amplified the moisture issues in crawl spaces.  

Homes built before 1950 were constructed of old-growth lumber.  Old-growth lumber was milled from trees 100 to 150 years old and is structurally stronger and more rot-resistant than today’s lumber. Today’s building lumber is from new-growth lumber, generally milled from trees that are between 12 and 20 years old. Today’s lumber is more prone to holding moisture and therefore more likely to have wood rot or mold growth occur.   

Central air conditioning systems are also relatively new in the home. Central air conditioning started popping up in homes in the 1950’s but as more of a status symbol than a commonplace convenience.  It wasn’t until the mid 1970’s that central air conditioning started to become widely found in homes across America. Ductwork for these systems are primarily installed in the crawl space. Ductwork not only cuts off airflow in the crawl space, it also has a lower surface temperature due to the cold air flowing through it. 

Condensation begins when the surface temperature of a material falls below the dew point.  For a majority of the year in the southeast, the average dew point is higher than the surface temperature of ductwork.  Vented crawl spaces in the southeast with ductwork in them will consistently have condensation issues on and around the ducts.  The only way to prevent this is to encapsulate the crawl space, which lowers the dew point and prevents condensation.  

The combination of the building industry using a softer, more absorbent wood for framing along with ductwork being installed in the crawl space has ushered in the need for crawl space encapsulations in many homes found in the southeast.  

Advanced Energy, out of North Carolina, did a case study comparing vented crawl space and encapsulated crawl spaces. The results of those case studies can be reviewed at www.advancedenergy.org

Water Damage Restoration in Charleston, SC

Does your home currently have any water damage? If so, there are many reasons why it might’ve happened. From a leaky pipe to rain runoff and flooding that leads into your crawlspace, water can damage your home in a variety of ways. When it happens, acting fast can save you time and money in the future, while helping to preserve the safety and integrity of your home. Call PES Crawlspace for expert water damage restoration in Charleston, SC today.

Has Water Damaged Your Home? Act Fast!

Fixing water damage before it has a chance to get worse is the best solution. One reason for this is that mold can spread quickly in an environment that’s affected by water. Another good reason to hire a water damage restoration contractor as soon as possible is that small instances of damage to your home can lead to deeper issues and more costly repairs if left untreated.

Where Did the Water Come From?

The first step in effective water damage restoration is to find the source of the problem. If a leaky pipe or broken drain aren’t discovered before repairs are performed, the damage could easily occur again. Fortunately, the professionals at PES Crawlspace understand the main reasons why houses sustain water damage in the Charleston area. We will uncover the root of the problem and help ensure it is properly treated.

Prevent Further Structural Damage to Your Home

Along with the threat of mold spreading in your home, neglecting water damage can lead to more expensive repairs in the future. If your home is made of wood, water can seep into the fibers, weakening the material. If damage has already occurred, the structure may not be able to support the surrounding weight, which is a problem that could lead to cracks. This is why water damage restoration in Charleston, SC is urgent for homeowners.

Understanding the Process

Did you know that professionals use specific equipment to remove water from your home and dry out your crawlspace? Once the source has been identified and secured, the next step is to rid your home or crawlspace of residual water. Any leftover water or moisture can lead to mold and other problems, so it’s important to be meticulous.

Now that water is no longer causing damage to your home, it’s time to repair the damaged areas. The extent of damage can vary greatly from case to case. For example, a home that had a minor leak on a tiled kitchen may be easier to restore than a sewer pipe that exploded in your crawlspace. There many ways that water can permeate your home and cause problems, but rest assured, PES Crawlspace can help.

Get Help From an Expert

The best way to repair water damage to your home is to get it right the first time. One advantage of hiring a pro like PES Crawlspace is that we know all of the key components of a successful restoration. With the water source identified and the damage restored, you can rest assured that your water problem has been handled thoroughly. If you want it done right the first time, hire water damage restoration professionals that are experienced in the process.

Contact us today to request a free quote for water damage restoration in Charleston, SC and across the state.

Basement Waterproofing Services in South Carolina

Water damage in your basement could weaken the walls, damaging your home’s structure. Beyond that, few people realize that the indoor air quality of your home’s living spaces is significantly affected by the air in your basement: if you have moisture there, you have a breeding ground for mold, which could impact the air you breathe. For these reasons, it’s imperative that you manage moisture, especially in the parts of your home that are underground. Basement waterproofing services in South Carolina can help to keep the air you breathe healthy while protecting your home from structural damage.

Should I Waterproof My Basement?

While waterproofing isn’t the only way to control moisture in your basement, it is the most permanent and reliable solution. In other words, you can choose to repair a single source of leakage, but unless it’s waterproofed, you’ll always have a sense of doubt about whether your basement is dry and free of mold. Peace of mind is just one of the benefits of basement waterproofing services in South Carolina.

Benefits of Waterproofing

There are many excellent reasons to waterproof your basement. Since it eliminates the need to worry about moisture and mold, waterproofing can be seen as an investment in the safety of your home. Here are some of the major benefits of this service:

• Eliminate the possibility of mold in your basement. Mold requires water to grow. It simply won’t grow in a waterproofed basement. Avoid the threats to your home’s air-quality due to mold.
• Save money on future repairs. Professional waterproofing doesn’t just fix a single leak—it keeps water out of your basement completely. Considering that expensive repairs can result from water damage, waterproofing is an investment that provides safety and peace of mind.
• Protect and strengthen a key part of your home. One of the most severe consequences of water damage is that it can damage the walls, pipes, and structural surfaces of your home. Waterproofing serves as protection for your basement from such damage. The basement is the foundation of your home, so why jeopardize its structure by risking water damage?

What Does Waterproofing Entail?

Depending on the type of waterproofing service you choose, the process can involve sealants, plastics, and even structural changes to your basement. This choice is important, as the wrong type of waterproofing may not yield the desired benefits for your home. A professional contractor can help you determine the best options for your unique space.

Every Home is Different

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether waterproofing is the optimal solution for your home—not to mention deciding what type of waterproofing to use. The location of pipes, materials that comprise the structure, and location of the basement in reference to other components can all affect the waterproofing process. Professionals like PES Crawlspace have the know how to identify the source of moisture and recommend the ideal type of waterproofing solution for your home.

Get Help Today

Waterproofing your basement can solve a lot of problems at once, but it’s a meticulous process that differs depending on your specific needs. Unless you’re confident in tackling it yourself, then it may be better to leave trust this job to the professionals. At PES Crawlspace, we know the homes of North and South Carolina better than anyone. We have years of experience and are happy to provide a quote for basement waterproofing services in South Carolina.