Pressure Points - JL Services Group Online Journal

Posted on March 9th, 2020

Environmental Buildup: Facts & Solutions

YIKES! What’s that unsightly green, black, brown, and yellowish stuff growing on your roof, siding, driveway or patio? Does your house look like a scene out of the movie “Swamp Thing”? Don’t worry, it’s more common than you think, and can be easily removed if done correctly. What you are seeing are airborne microorganisms, also referred to as “environmental buildup”. These microorganisms travel through the air, land on different areas of your property, and begin to spread. Microorganisms come in many different shapes and sizes, but lichen, mildew, moss, algae, and mold are the most common in the Midwest. Airborne microorganisms (environmental buildup) are composed of either fungal or bacterial buildup and can be found almost anywhere with the right conditions. Fungal buildup: Has roots that attach to what it is growing on Tends to be more difficult to eradicate Bacterial buildup: Lacks a root system Is easily removable with the proper solution RemediesSome areas of buildup may be more dominant than others. Certain factors such as shade and high moisture make areas next to water or below trees harder to target. Because microorganisms thrive in conditions like these, early remediation is very important before they cause irreversible damage. The combination of low-pressure cleaning practices and environmentally safe solutions can ensure proper removal without voided manufacture warranties or on-site damages. The destructive nature of any environmental buildup is significant not only from a structural stand point but from a health one as well. If environmental buildup is left to grow, it will slowly consume and destroy what it is growing on, causing breakages in a structure. Eventually, the harm will lead to permanent damages and costly repairs. Additionally, environmental buildup can cause serious respiratory and health issues. Believe it or not, all environmental buildup is airborne and low quantities are inhaled each day. For the best interest of both you and your property, it is very important to keep up on cleaning environmental buildup immediately and properly.

Posted on March 9th, 2020

Preparing for a Safe Spring Outdoor Cleaning

With winter coming to an end, and spring right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your spring cleaning projects. Spring calls for green grass, beautiful flowers, and clean environments. Whether it be clearing the garage of winter debris, freshening up your landscaping, or attempting to clean the gutters or siding on your house, it is important to stay safe while giving your home a new shine. Here are some tips that will help make your spring clean safer and more enjoyable.Inspect, clean, and prepare any yard tools that you may need. Clear any snow or debris off your roof and check your gutters for proper drainage to avoid flooding.Turn your sprinklers back on, but be aware of cold spring nights that may cause frozen pipes.Prune dead trees and plantings and cautiously trim back any branches that have grown too close to electrical wiring. Eliminate overgrown plants from walkways and reposition any dislodged stepping stones or garden decorations.  Clean your chimney to help reduce the risk of fire or carbon monoxide buildup. This same principle goes for your roof gutters – not only is the buildup of debris a fire hazard, but if prone to rainfall, dirty gutters are a flooding hazard as well.Watch out for pests. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), warns that thousands of people are stung by bees and other insects each year. These range from minor irritations to serious allergic reactions. If you get bitten or stung, it is important to stay calm and treat the area immediately. If the site gets red and swollen or if you have trouble breathing, seek medical attention.It’s important to clean in the spring not only to prepare for the rest of the year, but to kill off any environmental build-up before it starts growing where it shouldn’t. The lack of cleaning can cause damages that could have been easily avoided by doing a routine outdoor cleanup.Cleaning up your yard this spring can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family, and the start of preparing your outdoor environment for enjoyment throughout the summer!