Grout Medic Denver Blog

Shower Mold is Toxic

By Grout Medic | 8-26-2019

Toxic black mold! If there is one type of mold we have all been told to be on the lookout for, it is toxic black mold. Are there really only a few types of mold that can make you sick, though? Honestly, even non-toxic molds can make you ill. All mold is quick to form colonies which can aerosolize rapidly and spread throughout your home. Experts on mold actually cite non-toxic molds as the most common cause of illness because they are found so frequently.

To date, there is not quite enough evidence in order to prove whether or not toxic molds can cause serious illness. More commonly, these molds are responsible for issues such as rashes, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. They wreak more havoc on ones with weakened immune systems, like older people or children with immune systems that are not yet fully developed.

Since eradicating mold once it has set in can prove to be a lengthy and expensive battle, prevention of mold is truly key. How can that be done?

Keeping Mold Out

Mold thrives in warm, wet climates. That is why we typically will find mold lurking in our showers or laundry rooms. But since mold generally lives outside, how does it get inside? What you track in on the bottoms of your shoes and on your clothing is likely the answer.

Additionally, the summer months tend to be hotter and more humid. Therefore, you may want to keep an extra eye on the mold you have living outside your home. Since mold reproduces via spores, these can actually catch a free ride into your home on the breeze that comes in through your windows. AC units help to work as dehumidifiers and keep your home cool, but if you do not happen to have one, the CDC actually recommends leaving your windows open. But isn’t that how spores come in through the windows, you may be wondering? While that is true, leaving your windows open and bringing in a breeze will help your home to be less humid, and thus less inviting for mold in your home to multiply.

In the end, the humidity and moisture in your home will be the biggest factor in whether or not mold will be allowed to settle in. If you are unsure about how to control the moisture in your home, no worries, we have got you covered.

Ventilate

Be aware of the kinds of activities that create humidity. Showers, baths, using appliances that use water, (such as a clothes steamer) these all increase the humidity levels in a room. Of course, we all love a nice hot shower, but try to remember to turn on the ventilation fan or open a window so that moisture has somewhere to go.

Moisture Meters

For rooms that are repeat mold hosting offenders, it may not be a bad idea to place a hygrometer there. These can easily help you to keep track of the moisture in any given room. If you notice the humidity reading is 55% or higher, that would be a good time to turn on either your AC or dehumidifier.

Repair Leaks

Mold is incredibly efficient about multiplying. In fact, if you have a leak, it can take as little as 24 hours for mold to begin growing in that spot. For this reason, if you are aware of a leaky spot in your home, be sure to dry the area as quickly as you can. Dry the walls and maybe even consider leaving a space heater near that area. If it is in a space with carpet, a wet-to-dry vac will definitely be of use to you.

Properly Clear Mold

Remember how we said that mold carries spores? Well, those microscopic spores are the reason that getting rid of mold can be so difficult. So, even if you wipe away all the mold you can see, these tiny spores can still be clinging to the surface. With gloves, a scrub brush, and some bleach, you can properly get rid of an area of mold. However, if you have a large colony of mold, it is probably best to hire a professional to make sure that the mold is truly taken care of.

When It is Time to Call a Professional

A professional is skilled in keeping the mold in the infected area while it is being dealt with, and not allowing it to spread to other parts of your home. When hiring a professional, be sure to check and make sure that they are affiliated with the Better Business Bureau. In addition to this, any professional you choose should also be certified with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. If you look for these things in a professional, you will not have to worry about a thing.

Here at The Grout Medic we are familiar with mold. Sometimes, clients will call us in to re-grout their shower, only to find mold behind the shower tiles. Do not give mold the chance to set up shop behind your shower walls. If you need the grout in your shower or any other area replaced, do not hesitate to give us a call!

Types of Tile and What They Entail

By The Grout Medic | 8-22-2019

Are you thinking about adding a new backsplash or retiling your bathroom? Thankfully we live in a world where there is no shortage of choices in style and material when it comes to tiles. There is quartz, clay, stone, terra cotta, and much much more. But also, as a result of the abundance of choices available, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to decide what you like best for your project. If this is the boat you are in, allow us at Grout Medic to help break down the different types of tile for you, so you can be better equipped to pick a style that fits you best.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile may come in either porcelain or non-porcelain material. The non-porcelain tiles are made from materials such as brown, red, or white clay. Porcelain, on the other hand, is made from clay and minerals along with feldspar, a white sand or dust found in rock. Both porcelain and non-porcelain tiles are available in glazed or unglazed options. Glazed tiles are scratch and stain resistant and are less water absorbent than unglazed tiles. Glazed tiles can come with a semi-gloss, high-gloss, or matte finish.

If you are looking for the budget friendly option, non-porcelain is the way to go, especially when it comes to covering large areas, such as flooring. Porcelain, while it can be a bit more expensive and more difficult to work with, offers more durability and stain resistance. Ceramic tile is popular, and therefore comes in many colors and patterns. Because of this, it can be easy to find a style that you love. You will not have to settle.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is quarried, cut to size, and finished from natural materials. Examples of stone tiles would be, marble, granite, limestone, slate, and travertine. Each type can have many different variations based on where it was quarried. Granite, for example, is quite hard and dense. Because of the unique minerals inside of the rock, it has a distinctive appearance. Also, when polished, this stone is scratch resistant. For this reason, many people choose to install it in high traffic areas like the kitchen.

>Marble stone can be quite beautiful and is available in a variety of colors. Unless you are interested in sealing these tiles regularly, however, marble is not recommended for kitchen areas because it is so porous.

If you love an earthy vibe, limestone tile could be right for you. It can be easily stained and polished but also easily scratched. So, it may be wise to avoid placing it in high traffic areas. Travertine is a type of limestone with a more crystallized appearance. Be mindful, though, that this tile does require special surface sealing and care to maintain.

If you are in need of something for those high traffic areas, slate can be your MVP. It is very durable and dense and a great candidate for floors and more. It is available in dark earthy tones, which are also ideal for those high traffic areas in your home or building.

For stone tile finishes, you have your choice of honed, natural, or polished. A honed look would be matte and smooth. It is slip resistant and prevents wear to the tile. This type of finish is ideal for busy walkways. The natural stone finish is going to give you a dull and earthy look. If you are looking to preserve some of the natural characteristics of your tile, this type of finish will give you that flexibility. Last, but not least, polished tiles will have a high shine, mirror-like appearance. Since it is highly polished, it will also be slippery, which is something to keep in mind if choosing this finish for flooring.

Hopefully this comprehensive guide has enlightened you and made your tile decision making just a little bit easier. If you need someone to help install the tile you choose, or are in need of some grout TLC, why that is just the kind of thing we do here at The Grout Medic. Be sure to give us a call to schedule an appointment.