Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspace inspections often find indication of fungal growth due to poor ventilation or moisture intrusion. In this picture the floor joist are in good condition and do not show any signs of fungal growth. The crawlspace was free of visible moisture and had adequate ventilation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The Air Sampling for Mold Inspections highlights several important issues. Air sampling is one of several tools that can be used to assess the level of sports in a house. Samples should be taken inside and outside for more complete mold picture. Proper procedures for use of the sampling instruments is important as well.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When taking air samples it is important you are following the manufacturers recommendations for limits. Example may be that the aero cell cartridge requires a 15ml calibrations and a test time of 10 minutes. However if the air is dirty a shorter time limit may be needed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When conducting air testing for mold there are some guidelines you need to follow. 2 air samples outside need to be taken. They need to be taken in different locations around the home. They need to be 3-6. At least 10 feet from a door or window of the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This basement was flooded with about 2-3" of water. The bottom 2’ of wallboard is the only thing the insurance company would replace. Before this can be done all of the bare wood must be quickly and thoroughly dried then treated with a fungicide to prevent future mold growth. I recommended to the client here that metal studs are always the best framing material for basements.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I took a picture of a moisture reading using my father’s moisture meter on a neighbors wall in their laundry room for this assignment. It has recently rained fairly heavy here and a roof leak has led to water intrusion into the wall underneath.
Research & Writing Assignment:
To complete this assignment I searched the Illustration Gallery and found a photograph called “mold pump”. It looks like the similar pump used in the videos for this course. I see the tripod stand along with the tubing that flows through the pump. Attached to the tubing is one of the cassettes used to collect the mold spores before being sent to a lab.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting the doorway into the home, it was noticed that there was severe rot and mold growing on the inside of the door frame. A moisture meter was used to measure the moisture content of the wood. It measured as high on the meter.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I learned that although bathrooms are environments that are prone to moisture, people still install carpet in them. It is not recommended to be installed in commercial structures. The pads under the carpet can soak up large amounts of moisture. This can lead to a decaying of the OSB subfloor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is apparent Mold growth from a bathroom exhaust fan that was not properly vented to the outside. Due to the air temp differences and that the fan is exhausting moisture latent air it appears to have started mold growth. Only by taking a sample can this be confirmed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Taking surface samples of mold should be done in conjunction with air sampling. Two are required outside (one on the leeward side and one on the windward side) and one on the inside. If is is a general sampling of the indoor air it should be done about 10’ form the front door in the main living space. It can be done elsewhere if there is a suspected problem area.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image is a picture of a defective gutter. The gutter has been clogged for a period of time, and is allowing overflow to penetrate into the wooden T1-11 siding. With this type of building material, it is almost assured that water penetration is occurring in the location and producing conditions conducive to mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I am writing about the “Mold Testing for Home Inspectors” article. The article is a good co-reference to sum up the “Advanced Mold Inspection Training Course”. It contains the basics needed to perform an inspection and to understand what the inspection does and does not do.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Visible apparent mould in this attic I inspected was due to moisture intrusion. The moisture meter showed elevated levels of moisture that was limited mostly to the sheathing. I recommended having a roofer located and fix the leak and the customer declined mould testing at that time.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The use of additional tools while performing a mould inspection is very important. Perhaps most important is the moisture meter which will measure moisture levels in building materials. A moisture meter that also has the ability to measure humidity and temperature will combine a few requirements into one tool. A thermal imaging camera, while not required, will definitely help in the mould inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
All that is needed for mold to grow is moisture, oxygen, a food source, and a surface to grow on. Mold spores are commonly found naturally in the air. If spores land on a wet or damp spot indoors and begin growing, they will lead to problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This downspout on the north/west corner of the house and all of the need to have at minimum 2 feet extension pipes as to drain all rain and water run off away from the building foundation and out from the crawlspace area
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached photo is of a garage ceiling with yellow water stains present. I tested the area with a Tramex moisture meter but none of the stains tested wet. The area was directly below a bathroom. I recommended they check with the seller for repair receipts and certifications that the work was completed by licensed contractors.
Research & Writing Assignment:
My essay is written on GFCI outlets and there circuits. A GFCI receptacle is one that has a test and reset button on it and is used in wet locations. These outlets are required at kitchen counter tops, bathroom sinks, the garage and exterior outlets.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Visible signs of water intrusion in the basement are present from dampness and water stains. Water intrusion if not corrected can lead to other problems including mold and cause excessive moisture to floor system that can lead to deterioration and increased repair cost.
