Originally Posted By: ryoung2
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Floor Joists #1 ]
[ Image: http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/D/DSCF1857.JPG ]
Floor Joists #1 ]
[ Image: http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/D/DSCF1857.JPG ]
Originally Posted By: bking
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Good question, maybe the house had a major plumbing leak at some time when it was vacant and problem existed for weeks? I would recommend that it be tested and cleaned up.
Originally Posted By: Joe Funderburk
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
My house was built about 1870 and the floor joists are in excellent condition–nothing like your photo. Age alone cannot account for the condition you photographed. My crawl space is dry all the time, however.
Did you measure the moisture level in the wood at various places in the crawl space?
--
Thanks,
Joe Funderburk
York County, SC
Alpha & Omega Home Inspection, LLC
jfunderburk@aohomeinspection.com
www.aohomeinspection.com
Originally Posted By: ryoung2
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks Bruce, I had not thought about a previous water leak. When you say have it tested, are you talking about mold testing? I did not think this looked like a mold problem. I would not expect it to be white if that was the problem.
And Joe, I do not have moisture measuring equipment yet although I have been intending to purchase one. So no, I did not check the moisture content as perhaps I should. However, this is really a dry powder with no visible moisture on the joists themselves. I know that using one's hand doesn't replace a testing device however. So that is got to be an addition to my bag of tricks.
Originally Posted By: Joe Funderburk
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m new to HI this year (have done nearly 100 inspections), so don’t take me as an expert. But I think a moisture meter is about as important as a ladder and a camera. It helps me enormously to identify problems in crawl spaces and attics. I honestly don’t know how I could do my job without one.
I sure would hate to be sued and have to justify NOT utilizing a moisture meter (mine cost much less than one inspection) when wood structures were visually out of the ordinary.
--
Thanks,
Joe Funderburk
York County, SC
Alpha & Omega Home Inspection, LLC
jfunderburk@aohomeinspection.com
www.aohomeinspection.com
Originally Posted By: ryoung2
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I know you are right; I have just put it off. Since we are on the subject, what brand/model did you buy? Do you have any recommendations for a novice?
Thanks,
Robert
Originally Posted By: dspencer
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Last inspection I did and tested the Mold that looked as you have in photo was a TOXIC, I hope you had a mask on! You should see symptoms of food poisoning if you had any contact. White mold is nothing to pass on.
Originally Posted By: Steven Brewster
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Check these pics.
http://www.buildingpreservation.com/Rots.htm
Originally Posted By: kwilliams
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Steven, good link, thanks
–
Member - MAB
http://www.nachi.org/convention2006.htm
Originally Posted By: ryoung2
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks all; I appreciate the input. The link especially helps. This is the first time I have seen this type of mold/fungi. I am simply going to report it, refer to a specialist and let the owner/buyer decide how to proceed.
I would like any suggestions on a good moisture meter to purchase that is not too expensive, if anyone has the time.
Thanks,
Robert Young
Ridgewood Home Inspections
Originally Posted By: Joe Funderburk
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I use the Protimeter Mini (model bld2000) moisture meter. It’s listed at $189.00 at http://moisturegage.com/ ($10 for shipping).
It's all I could afford and works adequately.
--
Thanks,
Joe Funderburk
York County, SC
Alpha & Omega Home Inspection, LLC
jfunderburk@aohomeinspection.com
www.aohomeinspection.com
Originally Posted By: jkormos
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Check out the protruding nails they are quite rusty, that is also an indication of elevated moisture levels, also did you notice in your second photo that brick has cracked through “sheared” which is from some sort of settlement, maybe from erosion.
Joe
Originally Posted By: Steven Brewster
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Protimeter SurveyMaster—I love mine and it has taken the guess work out of determining moisture related problems. Its a little pricey, but well worth it.
Originally Posted By: ryoung2
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
[Check out the protruding nails they are quite rusty, that is also an indication of elevated moisture levels, also did you notice in your second photo that brick has cracked through “sheared” which is from some sort of settlement, maybe from erosion. ]
Joe: Yes, I did notice the rusty nails which does indicate moisture. However, the brick in the picture is really an illusion of the camera. That is actually the base of a chimney and the brick on the left of the "shear" is a ledge coming towards the camera. The brick on the right is actually behind the brick on the left. What appears to be a shear is the edge of the forward extension of the brick ledge. I know it really looks like a break or shear, but it is not. Thanks for the comments, however.
Robert
Originally Posted By: mcyr
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert;
Take a look at Steven's Pictures, it may help to identify.
Sees this before, and the pictures indicate moisture problems.
Marcel
Originally Posted By: jhugenroth
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert,
I use the Tramex Moisture Encounter. I think I paid about 300 bucks. It is non-invasive, with two rubber pads that you just hold to the surface. Try Inspection Depot or Inspector Tools.com.
Originally Posted By: Jay Moge
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
R.Young. I may be wrong, it’s hard to tell from just a picture, but i don’t think anyone mentioned that maybe it’s not mold, but could that white stuff be a “moisture lock” paint? i lived in a 1920’s colonial that had every joist and even the main “beam” (actualy a tree cleared from the lot) painted with a white rubbery paint that was worn off in some areas and closely resembled your pic. just a way out though (my mood today.)
Originally Posted By: ryoung2
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hey Jay: Interesting thought, I wish it were true. This house is too old and not in the class of house (it sold for $75,000) for anyone to have spent money for special paint like you describe. It is a somewhat remodeled mill house in a 100 year old community, so what you see is kinda what you get. I am reporting it as having a “mold or mildew like substance that needs more investigation by a qualified mold/mildew specialist”. That being said, I am done with the report.
Thanks to all for your comments.
R Young
West Point, Georgia