Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the attached photo water staining is visible on the ceiling drywall. This is an area that the inspector should test for moisture levels and the attic to determine the cause of the moisture. Water spotting does not indicate mold but could indicate conditions conducive to its growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article, Mold Testing for Home Inspectors, the importance of mold testing, types of mold testing methods, and risks associated are covered. The tools required are a moisture meter, humidity gauge, infrared camera, bore scope, and rotameter. Air sampling and surface sampling are the two collection methods. Only through lab analysis can mold presence be determined.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This house had a leak from the roof. The moisture level was 100% on the ceiling, wall and the wall behind the pictured wall. The floor had a moisture content reading of 79. The house needs to have air quality samples taken to measure the mold content. If mold is found to excessive in the the samples mold remediation should be performed to remove the mold. The house needs remodeling immediately to stop the moisture penetration and remove all damaged materials and replaced with new materials by a qualified contractor before more major moisture damage can occur.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture meters. A moisture meter is a device for measuring moisture content in various materials such as wood, sheetrock,tile, plaster, carpet, siding, roofing, fiberglass, etc. Rot and mold damage can result from high moisture content. Moisture meters can be use to see if the moisture content is low enough for wood to be painted. A moisture content of 20% or higher can produce conditions for mold growth. There are Pin type meters that actually penetrate a substrate to measure moisture content. There is also search type that is placed on the surface with the flat side that emits electromagnetic waves to measure moisture.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image is of apparent mold growth in the corner of an exterior wall in an outbuilding. there is a portable Air Conditioner just out of the picture frame. The A/C unit is exhausting cool, moist air into the corner due to a clogged condensate drain. The unit should be repaired and the area cleaned and dried completely. drywall may need replacing also.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read an article on mold inspections. I payed particular attention to the section on PPE. As a Home Inspector, the exposure potential is elevated due to the number of times we go where people seldom venture. That makes PPE a top priority. Safety first.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Photo shows evidence of possible biological growth. This would be an area of likely water intrusion. Further investigation would be necessary to find the source. Air sample and surface tape sample would be necessary to confirm what the surface phenomena is.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The HVAC system can be a major area of concern for mold growth, specifically transportation of spores throughought the living space. One air sample should be taken at air register 15 minutes after system is turned on. Inspector can physically bang or tap on ducting in order to free available spores within the ducting.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspection off affected area shows visible evidence of a previous repair. IR scan and a moisture readings showed 42% in the shower ceiling and some of the bathroom wall. Always use a visual inspection to find clues. Check for rippling in the wall and ceiling. It’s important to ask if there had been leaks or water intrusion previously.
Research & Writing Assignment:
HVAC inspection is extremely important because it moves air through out your home. Ducting can leak or water intrusion may occur via a leak in the roof. If conditions are right microbial grow can occur in the attic space and possibly the HVAC system.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image reveals a refrigerator with a leaky water line which caused water to get on the floor. This situation, if not fixed immediately, will allow water to get under the floor and make it a perfect condition for mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article about Air sampling for mold inspections elucidate the importance of taking air samples during a mold inspection. It explains where and when or when not to take air samples. There are many devices that a mold inspector can use to collect air sample for mold testing.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting insulation with a infrared camera. It is best to achieve a 15 to 20 difference in temperature. The heat or air conditioning should then be turned off, and the inspector should wait at least 15 minutes before commencing with the IR inspection
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting insulation with a infrared camera. It is best to achieve a 15 to 20 difference in temperature. The heat or air conditioning should then be turned off, and the inspector should wait at least 15 minutes before commencing with the IR inspection
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a picture of a bathroom fan exhaust duct in an attic of a house I inspected about a week ago. You can see that the duct does not fully terminate to the exterior of the roof, which is a common problem that can cause a build up of moisture in the attic and may lead to mold. This is easy to fix by completing a proper termination through the roof.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A good summary point from the mold inspection article aimed towards inspectors-Although not usable as the only means of mold detection, attention should always be paid when either an occupant or inspector detects a moldy or musty smell in a building, as that is often one of the earliest and best indicators that mold is present and active. Trust your nose and have an inspection performed if mold is smelled.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo we uncovered some some visible mold in a crawlspace. We also noticed a musty odor that was coming from the basement. We found that there was multiple conditions conducive to mold growth in the homes basement. Moisture intrusion coming from the foundation, as well as leaking pipes.
Research & Writing Assignment:
in the collar tie vs rafter tie article it describes the difference between a collar tie and a rafter tie. A Collar tie is a tension tie the upper third portion of the opposing gable rafters and helps prevent against rafter spread. A rafter tie is in the lower this is designed to resist outward thrust of a rafter under a load.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Apparent mold is clearly visible on the exterior substrate of this house. This house is located in a geographic area close to the ocean, with relative humidity levels that are generally 90-100%, enabling the growth of the apparent mold. A mold remediation contractor should be referred to for determination of removal and replacement extents.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Exterior stucco inspections and water intrusion.
I have learned through this course that a faulty stucco installation job could be a gateway to water intrusion into the underlying substrate of a structure, facilitating an environment for the growth of mold. If a stucco contractor does not install flashings correctly, moisture could easily be diverted or wind-blown behind the coating, saturating by a large and quick amount, or by a steady drainage into the materials behind and supporting the stucco. Structural degradation as a result of moisture ingress and mold growth would then be a significant impact to the health of the structure, causing possible large financial repairs to remediate.
