Originally Posted By: Doug Hoffman This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I am interested in being available to anyone who needs real practical answers to the problems on indoor air quality, mold, and mildew. I wrote “Mold-Free Construction” so that the homeowner would understand how to build a mold-free home (accomodatively speaking) and have thirty years of experience in the building industry as a State of Florida Licensed General Contractor, Plumbing Contractor, and Master Roofing Contractor. If I may be of service in any way, please feel free to contact me directly at Doug@NORMI.org D
Originally Posted By: AC Kelley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Three year old home. Until recently the only vapor barrier in the crawl was gravel. Three vents, open in the summer, closed in the winter. Not a lot of cross ventilation.
I am noticing some white powder on the floor joists. There has never been standing water or leaking pipes. It really does not have the appearance of mold, but who knows. Not on all joists. It is streaky, not really in globules. It reminds me of the type of particulate left after condensation on metal.
Is this mold? If so, my plan is to wipe away the problem areas with a mixture of bleach and water.
As of one month ago, there is now a plastic vapor barrier covering the gravel and a foamy (sprayed) insulation covering the block outer walls of the crawl. Suggestions?
Originally Posted By: Caoimh?n P. Connell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hello Mr. Hoffman:
Thank you for your post. However, one of the things that we caution folks is beware of ANYONE who claims they can make a mould-free environment because it cannot be done ? EVER ? by anyone.
Mould is ubiquitous in the environment. That?s it. ALL houses have mould ? That?s it. And any claims by anyone stating they can make a ?mould free? construction cannot be fulfilled. That?s it.
I will make a public bet with you on this forum for $10,000 that you cannot provide a single example of a mould-free construction that you helped to build.
Here?s the condition: You show me the building and I will perform the testing (with as many observers as you want) using accepted fungal sampling assessment techniques. If I find mould in the house ? you owe me $10,000 (and all my expenses) ? and if the samples are zero (no mould) I owe you $10,000. All monies must be lodged in escrow with a secure financial institution prior to the deal. My offer is void if it violates the laws in your state or mine. Deal?
I think your claims are outlandish and unfounded and misleading.
But then, that?s just my opinion, and, heck ? I think rain is wet, so what do I know?
However, the $10,000 bet is real. Wanna step up and put your reputation, claims and (and money) where your mouth is?
Cheers!
Caoimh?n P. Connell
Forensic Industrial Hygienist
Originally Posted By: Caoimh?n P. Connell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hello Mr. Schwartz:
Caoimh?n will win the bet even if he looks for as few as just one genus. Caoimh?n is not a gambler.
Cheers!
Caoimh?n P. Connell
Forensic Industrial Hygienist
(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)
Originally Posted By: phinsperger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Caoimh?n P. Connell wrote:
I think your claims are outlandish and unfounded and misleading.
I think it is appalling that Mr. Hoffman generously offered to share his knowledge with us and is now being attacked.
Will his knowledge be useful and scientifically accurate? I don't know but I'm willing to at least wait and read some of his responding posts before casting judgement.
"Mold-Free"? Did I think he meant absolutely not one spore of any kind.  Of course not. I doubt any reasonable person would. Given his context, I took it mean a drastically reduced mold environment compared to an average dwelling.
Originally Posted By: mgault This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
phinsperger wrote:
"Mold-Free"? Did I think he meant absolutely not one spore of any kind.  Of course not. I doubt any reasonable person would. Given his context, I took it mean a drastically reduced mold environment compared to an average dwelling.
Originally Posted By: Caoimh?n P. Connell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Give the guy a chance?
OK ? I?m game (apart from the $10,000 chance), Mr. Hoffman posted his original advertisement on July 31, 2005. In the following six weeks since he made his offer, there have been dozens and dozens of IAQ and mould related question posted to this board.
And yet, Mr. Hoffman hasn?t offered a single opinion, shared any information, or spent a single moment answering a single question. He has generally offered to share his knowledge, but doesn?t seem to have any intent in actually so doing in what is now over six weeks of questions following his generous offer.
So, were my comments unfair? Are six week of NOT answering anyone?s questions following an unabashed commercial which contained the offer to answer questions (and also containing information which tends to indicate a lack of expertise in the area) a sufficient ?chance??
I dunno ? if I make an offer, I stick to it. If Mr. Hoffman wants to generously share his expertise, then why hasn?t he provided a single post to anyone posing such questions on these very issues?
I just look at the facts. That?s all. My style may seem harsh to some, but deep inside I'm really just all warm and fuzzy, and I'm kinda cute too. It's just part of my endearing personality. (I'd put a little smiley circle face here, but I can't figure out how to get them to work...)
(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)