3 Reasons to Leave Home Sealing and Mold Removal to Pros

Having been a fan of DIY since the early days of YouTube, when we became first time Washington state homeowners, my husband and I had envision getting down and dirty taking care of our first home. We were going to be responsible, good homeowners. Unfortunately, a decade into homeownership we now know ensuring the comfort and efficiency of your home involves more than just some D.I.Y or routine maintenance.

There are a lot of things regular homeowners should not touch themselves, things like electrical and plumbing are highly complex. Our family has our trusted "heating guy" and our "electrician guy" - we even have a trusted woodpecker deterrent company on our call-list.

There are two other critical aspects that significantly impact the home though. Those two things are lesser known but just as important: sealing and mold. This article will address why leaving home sealing and mold remediation to the pros would be best for your home (and the homeowners!)

You see, Washington State’s unique climate and environment make certain home maintenance practices particularly important. The Pacific Northwest is known for its damp, cool weather, especially in areas like Seattle. This means that moisture management, energy efficiency, and pest control are top priorities for homeowners in this region.

If you're new to the world of home ownership, terms like "sealing" and "mold remediation" might sound unfamiliar or even overwhelming. But don't worry—these are essential services that can make a huge difference in the comfort, safety, and energy efficiency of your home.

At Sound Crawls, we specialize in providing top-notch sealing and mold remediation services to safeguard your home and improve your quality of life. This article delves into the importance of these services and why you should consider hiring local King & Snohomish, WA based professionals for the job in Washington State's unique "wet" climate.

What is Professional Sealing?

Sealing, in the context of home maintenance, refers to the process of closing up gaps, cracks, and leaks in various parts of your home. This could include windows, doors, HVAC ducts, and other areas where air might escape or enter your home. Think of it like putting on a jacket when it's cold outside—just as you would zip up to keep the warmth in, sealing your home helps keep your indoor temperature stable. This process is crucial for improving energy efficiency because it reduces the amount of work your heating and cooling systems need to do, ultimately saving you money on your energy bills.

In Washington state, where the climate can be unpredictable and often wet, proper sealing is essential for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Sealing not only prevents drafts and keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but it also helps in reducing the risk of moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth (discussed further below) due to the high humidity.

Signs of a Badly Sealed Home:

• Cold drafts near doors, windows, or electrical outlets.
• Uneven temperatures in different rooms.
• Higher-than-expected energy bills.
• Visible gaps or cracks around windows, doors, or baseboards.

Where to Look for Improper Seal:

• Inspect windows, doors, attic hatches, and baseboards for gaps or drafts.
• Check around electrical outlets and light switches, especially on exterior walls.
• Examine the edges of the flooring and around plumbing fixtures for gaps.
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A professional energy audit can precisely diagnose sealing issues using tools like blower doors and infrared cameras.

Energy Savings with Professionals Like Sound Crawls:

Basic sealing can be done yourself, such as caulking windows or adding weather-stripping to doors. But for optimized comprehensive sealing, professional help is recommended.  While DIY home sealing can handle basic issues like caulking windows or adding weather-stripping, professionals offer a more comprehensive approach:

• Blower Door Tests: Identify specific leaks by pressurizing your home.
• Infrared Scanning: Detects unseen gaps and insulation issues.
• Crawlspace Sealing: Professionals can seal and insulate your crawlspace, addressing moisture and air leaks that are often overlooked in DIY projects.
• Pros Understand: Pros understand homes breathe and can avoid improper sealing that might lead to moisture buildup or ventilation issues.
• Long Lasting: They address hard-to-reach areas and use specialized materials and techniques for long-lasting results.
• Guarantee & Warranty: Many professional services come with warranties, providing peace of mind. If any issues arise post-installation, the company is often responsible for addressing them, which isn’t the case with DIY efforts.
  
  

For an average-sized home in Washington State, proper sealing can result in significant energy savings. According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save around 10-20% on heating and cooling costs by sealing leaks and adding insulation.

Sealing a home can range from a few hundred, up to a thousand dollars, depending on how extensive the work involved. However you will see your utility bills add up in cost savings. In a typical Seattle home here in the Pacific Northwest, this could translate to savings of $200 to $400 per year in energy cost alone, depending on the size of the house and the extent of the sealing work needed. Over time, these savings can add up, making the initial investment in sealing well worth it. 

What is Professional Mold Clean Up?

Washington states' climate presents unique challenges for mold remediation. The frequent rain and high humidity levels create an environment where mold can easily develop, particularly in poorly ventilated areas like crawlspaces, basements, and attics. These spaces can remain damp for extended periods, providing the ideal conditions for mold to flourish. In addition, the cooler temperatures mean that homeowners might not notice the growth as quickly, allowing mold to spread before it becomes visible. Unlike drier regions where mold might only become an issue after a specific event like flooding, homes in Seattle, Washington are continually at risk.

Why Professional Mold Remediation is Important:

Mold remediation involves removing and treating mold in your home to prevent it from coming back. Mold remediation is not just about cleaning up the visible mold but also addressing the source of moisture that's causing the mold to grow in the first place.

Mold can grow in damp or humid areas, often in places that are hidden from view, like basements, crawl spaces, or behind walls. If left unchecked, mold can cause significant health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, and even more severe reactions in some people.

• Health Risks: Mold can cause serious health issues, particularly for those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Professional remediation ensures that mold is removed safely and effectively, reducing these risks.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Professionals not only remove the visible mold but also address underlying issues like moisture and ventilation problems, preventing future mold growth.
• Proper Equipment and Techniques: Professionals have access to specialized tools and knowledge that most homeowners lack. This ensures thorough remediation, which can be difficult to achieve with DIY methods.
• Compliance and Certification: Reputable companies often adhere to industry standards and are certified by organizations like the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). This ensures that they follow best practices in mold remediation.

In the Pacific Northwest, especially in areas like Seattle, the cost of these services can vary widely depending on the size of your home and the extent of the work needed. Mold remediation can also vary, but on average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $6,000 or more, depending on the severity of the mold problem and the area affected.

To hire a professional mold remediation company remember to do these 3 things:

• Do Your Homework: Reddit users often advise vetting remediation companies, checking for certifications, and reading reviews before making a decision.
• Get 3 Quotes: To avoid being overcharged, it’s recommended to get several quotes and compare the scope of work each company offers.
• Weigh the Risks: For very minor mold issues with already known causes removed and remediated, some Redditors suggest trying DIY methods, but most Redditors agree that professionals are worth the investment for larger, more dangerous mold problems for health and peace of mind.

Both sealing and mold remediation are essential. They go hand-in-hand because sealing can help prevent the conditions that lead to mold growth. By keeping moisture and outdoor air from entering your home through cracks and gaps, you reduce the likelihood of mold taking hold. Together, these services not only protect your home's structure but also ensure the air you breathe is clean and safe.

1. Expert Sealing For Cost Saving & Comfort

At Sound Crawls, we prioritize maximizing your home’s energy efficiency and overall comfort. One of the key strategies we employ is expert sealing. Efficient home sealing plays a crucial role in reducing energy costs and improving indoor comfort. By sealing HVAC ducts and other vulnerable areas, we effectively prevent energy waste and ensure that your home maintains a comfortable temperature year-round. Our approach involves using high-quality materials and advanced technology to detect and seal air leaks, optimizing your home’s energy use and enhancing your family's comfort.