You might think you are protecting yourself from all the pollen and allergens outside by staying inside your home, but what about the threats your indoor air quality presents to your health? While it is true that the outside is filled with allergens and substances which can trigger asthma attacks and irritate your allergies, what is inside your home can too. There are steps you can take to reduce these indoor threats and you will read about many of them here. Asthma is a serious issue concerning IAQ and along any medications you currently take, these steps will help. As well, allergies can be averted while indoors relatively easily.

Allergens’ Negative Indoor Air Quality Impact

An allergen is a substance of varying size that causes allergic reations and can trigger asthma symptoms, from microscopic size particles to animal debris. These allergens not only drift through the air, but they also settle on furniture, floors and stationary clothing. Anything from pollen, dust mites, pet dander and roach debris are allergens. In fact, allergens present on surfaces may outnumber the particles in the air. So what are the steps you can take?

How to Minimize Allergens to Eliminate Poor Indoor Air Quality

One thing you probably are already doing is changing your Air Filter every 45 days or when its dirty, if that comes before the 45 days are up. Either way, this is a great line of defense in keeping allergens and harmful materials from causing problems with asthma and allergies.

Cleaning vigorously is another defense. Vacuum (with a HEPA filter) the carpet, dusting, washing bedsheets, and steam vacuuming the couch/love seat. Cleaning in and of itself is a line of defense that sounds like it’s common sense but many times it just doesn’t register to do these things often enough, especially when it comes to thinking about IAQ. But cleaning vigorously is only part of the solution.

Laying down plastic on mattresses and box springs, putting items such as pillows in zippered allergen resistant cases is another preventative measure one can use. Another part of the solution in helping to improve your indoor air quality so that your asthma isn’t triggered and your allergies are given a rest is to decrease humidity which, in turn, lowers growth of dust mites and molds. This can be achieved by utilizing your air conditioner and setting it on recirculate.

During Spring, it is best to keep the doors and windows closed as this is when the greatest concentration of pollen is drifting in the air. Just remember to vacuum the carpet, clean away surfaces such as tables, and wash your linens at least once per week. Doing this will certainly aid in ridding your home of allergens such as pet dander, debris and other allergy irritants.

Going further, the removal of carpeting is a measure that will immensely help those with allergies or asthma. Pet dander and other allergens can stick to the carpeting even after you’ve vacuumed. Also, roaches leave behind debris that can trigger an allergic reaction in people therefore, it is best to limit the chances of them coming out in force across your home. To help limit these pests from affecting your health, a few tips: cover your trash, do not leave food lying around after you’ve eaten or prepared food, use poison baits as the chemical variety can affect your IAQ and your allergies or asthma.

Mold Allergens: Prevent Mold for Improved Indoor Air Quality

One last thing to consider is mold. To help combat this and remove any chance it could have in adversely affecting your IAQ and your health, make sure that all leaks in the piping are fixed and sealed. This limits excess moisture within the home; excess moisture can be a breeding ground for mold growth. Other than cleaning any moldy surfaces, another tactic to put into action would be to utilize dehumidifiers. These machines can limit the amount of mold spores and even dust mites from polluting your indoor air.

While this is not the totality of all that can be done to help in the fight against polluted IAQ to aid those with allergies and/or asthma, it will certainly dramatically improve your indoor air quality and positively impact your overall health.

Indoor Plants Can Improve Air Quality

It may be elementary knowledge that plants, trees and flowers provide us with life-giving oxygen we all need and that the rainforests are responsible for much of our breathable air. But what may not be general knowledge is that there are certain plants that truly do improve indoor air quality, purifying the air. A study conducted in 1989 by the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) and Dr. B.C. Wolverton, Anne Johnson and Keith Bounds found that what works for the International Space Station will also work in newer energy efficient homes. The following article will shed light on some of these plants and the ways in which they improve indoor air quality.

Have you ever heard of Sick Building Syndrome? Chances are that most of you have not, and that is not uncommon. Sick Building Syndrome, or SBS, is a combination of ailments (the definition of a syndrome) originating from where one works or lives.

Knowing this, and for those who are affected by it, an environment that is consciously designed to minimize SBS is ideal. However, with the fact that most homes and places of employment are not designed or built with indoor air quality in mind, individuals must take it upon themselves to rectify the problem.

Thankfully, as Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park states, “nature finds a way”. In a typical building, there will be pollutants such as carbon dioxide, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde floating within your indoor air. These, and others, are the cause of the pollutants which create the symptoms to SBS. But as mentioned above, nature is the key to virtually eliminating many of these pollutants and allergens.

Even if you are not a gardener by trade or have much of a ‘green thumb’, the 15 listed plants below (which should be easily located wherever household plants are sold) will help you achieve a better quality of indoor air and alleviate many of your symptoms of SBS.

We have listed the top ten reasons to consider using a Duro-Last Roof. Created in 1978 by John Burt, Duro-Last has been considered the ‘World’s Best Roof.’ As we entered the 21st century, to this day, Duro-Last remains one of the most popular roofing to use for buildings. Here, we will tell you the top ten reasons why you should consider buying Duro-Last Roofing.

• No disruption during business hours. When installing Duro-Last Roofing System, it will not interrupt your business flow during business hours. Large and loud machinery is not required to install the roof, therefore is will not disturb your customers. They might not even realize that there is a roof being installed.
• It can be installed during year-round with no messy clean-ups. All Duro-Last roofing is pre-measured and pre-cut with all accessories included so the job can be done quickly. Since there are no messy materials to use, customers and employees will not be exposed to any dangerous vapors or potential fire hazards during the installation.
• Duro-Last is Fire Resistant. Its polymer thermoplastic coating will not burn. It is regularly rated effective against light to severe fire exposure. In other words, Duro-Last will stay strong even during harsh and unexpected conditions.
• Energy Efficient. Because of its reflective qualities, you can save money on energy costs because of the roofing system. Duro-Last’s white membrane reflects up to 83% of the sun’s energy, which can save you money to use on other home improvements.
• Wind Resistant. Duro-Last’s membrane has been successfully tested by Factory Mutual Research Corp. to withstand 140 mph winds. Duro-Last will protect the building from even the most inclement weather conditions.
• Leak-Proof. Duro-Last is classified as a CPA and is a proprietary thermoplastic formulation that consists of resins and plasticizers, stablizers, biocides, flame retardant and U.V. absorbents. It is also laminated to a weft insertion knitted scrim produced by overstitching on a non-woven web to make the roofing leaf-proof.
• Comes With a 15-20 Year Prorated Warranty. Even with the commitment to provide high quality products, Duro-Last comes with protection for up to 15-20 years warranty (15 years for material and labor, 20 years to protect non-residential buildings and their contents if damaged because of failure of the Duro-Last Roofing System.)
• Maintenance-Free. Once installed, Duro-Last is continually watertight and virtually maintenance-free. It is non-curing in order to provide perfect welding ability for the entire life of the system. It is unlikely that an alteration is needed since it can be fixed with heat welding a new Duro-Last membrane or accessory to an already existing membrane.
• Installation by Professionals. Duro-Last should only be installed by authorized Duro-Last dealer/contractors who have experience and training on how to use this system.
• Successfully Inspected by Duro-Last Quality Assurance Specialists. Duro-Last operates under strict codes of principals and standards. Every Duro-Last roofing system must get a final inspection by a Duro-Last quality assurance specialist to pass the test for quality of craftsmanship.

Since 1978, Duro-Last has been America’s leading roofing for contractors for every building project. They say that Duro-Last Custom Fabricated Roofing System is created with the highest quality standards, which is why they said Duro-Last is the ‘World’s Best Roof.’

Why should you should Duro-Last?

Duro-Last Roofing uses factory prefabrication to give a quality-assured product by producing 80-85% of the seaming in an controlled environment, which can reduce the liability of all involved parties. Those using this product will have a peace of mind knowing only 15-20% of the seaming is done in the field. Duro-Last is also is made into large sheets from up to 2,500 sq. feet and up to 100 feet in length. This prefabrication reduces field seaming and installation time!

Duro-Last is classified s a co-polymer alloy and is a proprietary thermoplastic formulation that consists of resins and plasticizers, stabilizers, biocides, flame-retardants, and U.V. absorbents. It is laminated to a weft insertion knitted scrim that is available in white, tan or gray. Below, we have listed facts and reasons why you should consider using Duro-Last and you will surely find out why Duro-Last is considered the leading roofing material

• Duro-Last since it is published with 15 to 20 year warranties to give buyers and owners maximum protection.
• Installing Duro-Last is clean and safe to use. It contains no messy or hazardous materials, nor any noxious or offensive vapors.
• It is also good for installing during the coldest temperatures, so you won’t have to postpone construction.
• Duro-Last has met or exceeded all major fire and wind code requirements as well as regional approvals necessary throughout the country. Its design can provide consistent watertight integrity you expect.
  
• Duro-Last has a nationwide network of 1,800 dealer/contractors, plus over 600 manufacturing/corporate employees and sales representatives that with their combined efforts, ensures Duro-Last’s tradition of producing excellent products and services continue to do well into the 21st century.

Restoration: After Fire Or Water Damage

Having to deal with fire or flood damage to your home, office, or commercial space can be shocking and overwhelming. But the times that seem the most jarring are often the ones that require the most diligence and care. That is why it is to your benefit to know the basic dos and don’ts of any post fire/water damage situation.

The superiorly trained staff of The Mazzei Group knows what it takes to help get people back on their feet after such unfortunate occasions come to pass.It is imperative to remember that these scenarios are a lot more intricate than they may seem. For instance, the soot left behind after fire/smoke damage may be either wet or dry and determining which type is present determines both subsequent cleanup and the risk of permanently embedding soot in upholstery.

Therefore, the most important lesson to learn is: Do Not Try To Clean It All Yourself. Many different factors are considered in both assessing and remedying the damage. The Mazzei Group staff is highly trained in both fire damage restoration and water damage restoration. Our technicians will be able to get you through these trying times. But, until we get there, there are some useful tips to bear in mind.

Fire Damage Restoration

Fire restoration can be quite an involved process. The smoke from a fire has the potential to infiltrate every crevice of your home and affect areas you can’t even see. Therefore, it best serves your needs to obtain the services of a fire damage remediation service to ensure that more than just the superficial cosmetic damage is cleaned up. However, until the experts arrive, here is what you can do to help the process along.
Do:

• -Ensure that your hands are clean at all times so that you do not add further damage to an already affected area.
• -Lay old towels and rags over carpeted areas to help prevent any soot not already affecting the area from becoming a problem.
• -Tape double-layered cheesecloth over air registers, to help filter the soot and ensure it does not get circulated throughout the given space.
• -Clean all chrome with a light coat of Vaseline or oil.
• -Wash both sides of the leaves of household plants.
• -Change HVAC filters.

Don’t:

• -Clean electric appliances.
• -Use canned or packaged goods that may have been stored near the heat of the fire.
• -Turn on ceiling fans.
• -Send your clothes to any dry-cleaner (this may cause the smoke smell to set in).
• -Walk around carpeted areas where you will permanently press and embed the soot into your carpet or flooring.

Water Damage Restoration

Water damage cleanup can be just as difficult to contend with as fire damage restoration, if not more difficult. A trained expert will utilize hydrometers and various other implements of the trade, such as portable truck mounted extraction units and disinfectants, to ensure that the water damage is cleaned up properly and quickly. This may prove to be an intricate process best handled by the professionals. However, there are a few things you can do and a few things you can avoid to aid in the cleanup process.
Do:

• -Remove excess water by blotting and mopping affected areas.
• -Remove lamps and electric appliances from/wipe down wood furniture.
• -Remove and prop up wet cushions and upholstery to allow drying
• -Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet flooring
• -If flooding occurs in the summer turn on the air conditioner to aid in the drying process.
• -Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• -Remove expensive or sentimental items and store in a dry area.
• -Clean debris from the flooring.

Don’t:

 
• -Hang wet fabrics. Do not let them sit as this may cause the formation of mildew.
• -Do not leave colored items on a wet floor as the colors may bleed and stain the flooring.
• -Do not use your household vacuum to remove excess water from the floor.
• -Refrain from turning on electric appliances until it can be determined that doing so would not cause any injury or short out the appliance.
• -Do not turn on ceiling fans if they are wet.
• -Don’t remain in rooms where the ceiling begins to sag.

These are just a few helpful hints that can help get you on the right track in handling the delicate situations in an effective and expedient manner. There are many courses of action you can take in aiding the fire damage cleanup or water damage cleanup in your home, office, or commercial location. Following the guidelines of “do’s and don’ts” will surely help expedite the process. However, there are some things that are just better left to the professionals. The Mazzei Group has trained professionals on staff who are here to help finish the job we hope our helpful hints have helped you start. Let us worry about attending to your fire damage restoration or water damage restoration so you don’t have to.

Call RIGHT NOW for your FREE ESTIMATE: (347) 723 – 1825

Asbestos Disposal: Handling Asbestos Disposal the Mazzei Group Way

We at the Mazzei Group know that the potential dangers associated with asbestos disposal are a serious matter. Mainstream use of asbestos in the construction of buildings began in the 19th Century. Asbestos materials were commonly used for their average tensile strength, absorptive capabilities, and their relatively high resistance to heat, electrical or chemical damage. And for that reason many builders incorporated asbestos into materials such as pipe and ceiling insulation, as well as drywall, roofing, and flooring.

In dormant form, asbestos imposes no impending threats to your health. However, when that asbestos is disturbed for any reason, fibers from asbestos can be released into the air and the inhalation of such fibers can pose serious health risks. Among the ailments associated with prolonged asbestos exposure are lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos lung cancer, and any other form of “asbestos cancer”-causing diseases, pose formidable risks to your well-being. Therefore, removal of asbestos is necessary and pivotal – and the manner in which asbestos disposal is executed is crucial. Asbestos removal alone is pointless if not properly handled to abate the release of asbestos fibers into the air.

The Mazzei Group is a duly licensed company with a specialized knowledge and expertise in asbestos and asbestos disposal. The Mazzei Group is certified by the NYC DEP and the NYS DOL to both assess the extent of any asbestos related hazards and perform any asbestos disposal warranted. While it may be true that when in good shape and if left alone asbestos can serve its intended purpose and pose no real threat to a person’s health, should that asbestos become decrepit or begin to deteriorate, the risk of inhalation and sickness increases exponentially. That is precisely why asbestos assessment and abatement must be left to professionally trained asbestos removal technicians. At the Mazzei Group our dedication to excellence and attention to detail allow us to ensure that asbestos will not pose a problem for you at home, at the office, or anywhere else.

Call RIGHT NOW for your FREE ESTIMATE: (347) 723 – 1825

Crime Scene Cleanup

Crime scene cleanup is available for Staten Island and Tri State area residents via the Mazzei Group. Yes, when the unthinkable happens, the staff of The Mazzei Group Environmental Projects Division are here to respond. Your physical as well as your mental health is our primary concern and we are dedicated to the recovery of all accident, crime, trauma and bio-hazardous cleanups. Anything from suicides, homicides, hoarder cleanouts, sewage back flows, microbial contamination issues such as Norwalk Virus, MRSA, Legionella, H1N1, C-diff and many more.

Our technicians are available to respond 24/7 for crime scenes, death, and blood clean ups in the Tri-State area.Unfortunately, in the after-math of tragedies and criminal activities there is a scene that must be cleaned. That is where the dedicated staff of The Mazzei Group Environmental Services Division enters to offer their unique services.

Typical Crime Scene Environments: A Visual

To truly appreciate the cleaning process and what The Mazzei Group EPD is willing to do for you, it pays to first acknowledge the appearance of the typical crime scene. Crime scenes that require specialized kind service are ones that typically involve a homicide or other type of criminal activity. Sadly, an example of such a sight would be a murder crime scene. To that end, death scene cleanup usually entails disposing of a great deal of biological matter. Therefore, for the safety of both you and our trauma scene cleaners, The Mazzei Group EPD ensures that the appropriate crime scene cleanup supplies and protective gear are utilized at all times, during the cleaning process.

Crime Scene Cleanup Supplies: What is Used for Crime Scene Cleanup?

The crime scene cleanup supplies used by crime scene cleaners is basically standard but also, very comprehensive. For personal protection, the crime scene cleaner uses a one use body suit, gloves, a respirator (to avoid inhaling possibly air-born contagions), and chemical spill boots. As far as containers to transport matter from the scene, fifty-five gallon bags and hard plastic containers are staples in the crime scene cleaners’ arsenal. The crime scene cleaner also employs the tools of any skilled porter, including mops, buckets, spray bottles, sponges, brushes, and tools of that nature.

The more unique tools of the trade are ozone machines to purify the air by eliminating odors; foggers, used to thicken cleaners to ensure that the cleaners fully permeate the areas needed to be cleaned, and enzyme solvent, used to both liquefy blood and kill bacteria and viruses that might be present at the scene. However, quite possibly the most unique tools of the trade are a truck-mounted steam-injection machine used to liquefy biological matter that cannot be removed in its dry form, and a chemical treatment tank, employed to disinfect and store matter that is essentially vacuumed up at the scene).

Finally, our intuitive crime scene cleaners use some conventional supplies of other trades in some unconventional ways in order to guarantee that the site is cleaned thoroughly so you and your loved ones can resume your normal routines and move forward with your lives. It is our mission to utilize whatever means necessary to make the transition back to your day-to-day life as easy as possible.

Armed with all these tools, our crime scene cleaners will arrive at the scene, which at that point should have already been processed by the police and other crime scene specialists, and complete the task of crime scene cleanup as quickly and discretely possible. From this point, depending on the type of scene, our crime scene cleaner uses the appropriate tools to clean the scene. Any given crime scene can take up to forty (40) hours to clean. Homicide crime scenes usually involve a great deal of blood and various solvents must be used to not only to ensure that the matter is removed not only topically, but also to ensure that any remaining matter doesn’t get left behind that may cause mold. However, nomatter what the situation The Mazzei Group possesses the skill and compassion necessary to ensure the job is handled appropriately

The Mazzei Group EPD will ensure that your  Staten Island and Tri – State area crime scene cleanup is thoroughly done with compassion. We specialize in the confidential cleanup of homicide, suicide, natural death, accidents, crimes and other trauma and biologically hazardous scenes that occur in residential, commercial, and industrial locations. Your safety and your physical, as well as mental, health are our primary concerns, and all our services are performed discreetly in order to respect your privacy. We are a fully-licensed and insured company providing our services in tri-state area. Our highly-skilled personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to attend to all of your specific needs.

When tragedy strikes, the last thing you should have to worry about is the cleaning process. Let us handle that for you, so you can attend to more important matters.

Call RIGHT NOW for your FREE ESTIMATE: (347) 723 – 1825

Brownstoner.com is a popular blog hailing from Brooklyn, NY which showcases the best and brightest in brownstone architecture. Featuring sales listings, a forum, a restaurant guide, and even renovation blogs, Brownstoner.com is the go-to source for anyone interested in this unique style. The site’s editors have this to say about it on their about page:

Brownstoner.com is a site about Brooklyn real estate and renovation, and all the tangential topics that impact life inside and outside the home in Brooklyn. Launched in October 2004 by Jonathan Butler, the site currently has about 150,000 unique visitors and 1.5 million pageviews per month.

The Mazzei Group has expertise in the fine art of Brownstone construction and renovation. We have renovated several Brownstones in the Bed-Stuy, Park Slope, and Fort Green areas of Brooklyn.

If you’re interested in Brownstone Renovation contact us for a consultation.

Call RIGHT NOW for your FREE ESTIMATE: (347) 723 – 1825