Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I learned about mold sampling and what was required for each sampling style. There are several conditions that need to be met as well as certain procedures that need to be followed. If this is not followed the mold samples may be invalid.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I did research on mold and what conditions have to be met for it to grow. I learned about mold clean up procedures and how to go about remediating it properly and safely. Mold can be dangerous to your health if not handled properly.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Improperly installed door causing water infiltration. Lack of the flashing at the top of the door and seal around the frame is allowing the water to infiltrate, causing the MDF frame to get wet and that is a perfect condition for the mold to form. Stopping the water infiltration is necessary.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney Flashing; it is crucial to install all components of the flashing; starting with head flashing, step and counter flashing, and the apron flashing. It is common to see that the counter flashing is not installed or not installed properly with a top part inserted into the joint between the bricks and finished with sealant.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo was taken from the crawlspace of a home next to a shower drain that appears to be leaking. Allow there is no visible signs of apparent mold these conditions are conducive for mold growth. The leak should be repaired and the area dried and monitored.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture meters are used to detect the amount of moisture found in/on an object. They are important for mold inspectors because mold needs moisture to grow. As little as 20% moisture content can support mold growth. There are a lot of moisture meters on the market but one of the most widely used and accurate is akin type moisture meter. Some pin type meters may also have a “search” function that sends electrical waves out to measure conductivity of an object which would increase with moisture. This function allows you to skim a wide area surface to detect moisture.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The understanding of IAQ, is important to builders, engineers and consumers. Mold contributes to the degrading of IAQ. There are many types of mold, several are commonly found in homes such as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium,Stachybotrys to name just a few. To understand mold you must understand their requirements. A food source, Temperature between 40-100 F and Moisture. Since mold can grow on almost any medium that is carbon based, it is practically impossible to eliminate their food source especially in a living environment designed for habitation. The second thing they need to grow is a temperature that is between 40-100 F this too has an inherent problem as humans purfer a temperature between 65-80 F. The third and final factor is then the moisture. If moisture is controlled in our environment then we can control mold growth. Moisture control includes but not limited to MC of building material, during the building process, and during habitation. MC is dynamic as is the RH plays an important factor, so MC of the home and the materials in it must be monitored for excessive accumulation of moisture.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When doing a mold inspection it is important to understand how to identify what is mold.This is done by understanding the most common types of mold found, what kind of locations they are found and there physical characteristics. First let’s discuss the most common types found.
Penicillium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys these are only the most common and by no means all inclusive, as there are several hundred that could be presenting.
Penicillium, it is where penicillin is derived from and at one point was considered a panacea. It is blue / green in color and often found old fruit, fabric and wet carpets.
Since some people are allergic to penicillin some people can have an allergic reaction to this common mold.
Alternaria, This mold is black in color and likes more damp environment. It is found in places like showers, under sinks, and around toilets. It is not all bad he is kinda fuzzy like appearance.
Aspergillus, This fellow loves extreme dampness, the wetter the better. The top color is yellow/ green, but the underside is more of a brown/ red color watch for it where there is an active leak.
Cladosporium, this mold is designed for more of the outdoors; it is usually green in color and can turn black. Prefers the more porous material like wood, and fabric. The spores from this little green fellow causes upper respiratory issues like hay fever or asthma symptoms.
Stachybotrys is the bad boy of the group. AKA “toxic black Mold”. Its spores are very harmful to humans, so caution must be observed when testing. It can be wet or dry
in appearance, in a wet form is it almost gelatinous or slimy in appearance. Not only is he bad boy of the group he is also the most odiferous, with its distinctive musty odor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
For this essay, I am using the article “Mold, Moisture and Your Home” For reference.
Mold is common, and even necessary in the world. It begins posing a number of problems, however, if it begins to grow in your home. There are many types of mold that can grow with varying levels of severity to your home and health, but the cause of mold growth remains the same. Mold needs moisture to grow and thrive, and because of that, it is one of the most important things to minimize in your home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Furnace, gas supply, and duct-work is all located in basement just outside of the downstairs bathroom. Caulking is damaged around metal panel which can allow mold growth to accumulate due to moisture from the shower and poor ventilation.
At first there was apparent mold growth at the 90 degree elbow toward the ceiling, but upon closer examination it appears to be corrosion.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Image is of corner where carpet has been pulled back because of the signs of possible moisture intrusion from window ac unit that sits directly above. There are visible signs of water damage along the tack strip and wall along with discoloration which may be possible mold growth. A sample was taken and will be tested for qualitative as well as quantitative analysis.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The subject I decided to write about was the picture of the man using Infrared technology to inspect a window outside of a home. Infrared has become one of the most useful tools in the inspection process no matter if it is regarding mold or a basic inspection. Without utilizing such technology we either have to look at the visual evidence along with odors or we would have to physically remove the wall or substrate to see the actual extent of the damage. A high resolution IR camera can not only save you time and effort but this amazing technology will give you much more confidence in how you approach your final decision on how to write the report on what you have found.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Efflorescence noted on concrete block foundation. This is a condition indicative of moisture intrusion. With an active leak, it is possible that the intruding water may contribute to the growth of mold. This should be corrected to prevent future deterioration or mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Proper ventilation of bathrooms is one of the most important areas to inspect while inspecting for mold. Improper termination to the interior of the house, can create a moist, humid area that can contribute to the growth of mold. This can deteriorate the structure and cause significant damage before discovered.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this image, you will see a technician wearing proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). It is important that when working in an area that has suspected microbial growth, that guidelines are followed for your health. This includes wearing an respirator, Tyvek suit, gloves and eye protection. Openings such as around wrists and ankles should be sealed with tape onto gloves and boots.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I recently reviewed the article on Home Inspectors Pricing and Billing. In it, I learned that when figuring an hourly rate, you should take into account your salary, overhead and your profit. You can also base your pricing on the “going rate” for your area.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting a crawlspace, I observed a very wet subfloor with an environment conducive to fungal and wood destroying organism growth. The moisture levels exceeded my meter. This picture showed what I saw on the subfloor. Looks to be apparent mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold, moisture and your home. This article discusses briefly what mold is, what it does, how to prevent and how to clean the mold. Prior to taking the mold inspection class, I had a misunderstanding with mold. Although mold is bad, I believed every house did not have mold. However, mold is everywhere and learning to control it inside is key to a healthy home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Mold spores are everywhere and most of the time they are harmless. Under the right conditions, mold can become a problem. Molds need water and an organic substrate upon which to grow. A common place for organic growth is on the wall behind the shower if the shower pan leaks. The leak must be repaired and the wall board, trim and flooring replaced in order to get rid of the mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold, Moisture and Your Home
The way to prevent mold is to prevent moisture in the home. Mold can grow within 48 hours so moist items must be dried within 24 -48 hours. It is important for homeowners to examine their homes for water intrusion and to repair areas where water might enter the home.
