Area under kitchen sink was inspected visible signs of mold. While no visible signs of mold were found, there is evidence of past moisture infiltration, however moisture readings were low in comparison to adjacent components. No further sampling is recommended.
Oh boy, getting ready to learn about mold
Taking mold inspection course
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Potential Mold:
The photo above is of the ink base cabinet and shower wall juncture. Potential mold is indicated at the lower base of the wood cabinet. The cabinet is also starting to rot due to possible water damage. Recommend evaluation and repair by a qualified contractor.
Basic Waterproofing for basements;
Homeowner can improve their property by waterproofing their basements. Basements are typically located below grade as a result water intrusion is possible. Moisture inside the home can lead to the growth of mold. Mold will damage the property, cause potential health issues and look unsightly. Basement waterproofing can be a significant benefit to homeowners that will add value to their property.
The below image is of a blue well bladder tank and it’s white PVC plumbing located in an unconditioned basement space. Mold is observed growing on both the base of the tank as well as the PVC plumbing attached to the tank. Condensation from the cold water inside these fixtures in a humid unconditioned air space provides the necessary moisture intrusion in this environment for mold growth.
Recommend evaluation and remedy by a qualified HVAC contractor to improve the humidity levels in this basement area.
Excited to take this course!
Upon a non-evasive visual inspection my hall bathroom. I saw no visible apparent mold and no visible conducive conditions. So no testing was involved in bathroom.
“How to perform mold inspections”
I chose to write about air sampling for mold inspectors. Since mold spores cannot be seen naked eye it is important to learn how to take air samples. Proper air samples can help laboratories determine the type of mold you may do it. I can also help to determine the severity. There are several different Samsung devices that can help determine if there is a mold intrusion
My company offers mold inspections. After our initial home inspection results the buyer concluded that they would like us to provide a surface sample while going to the home to pickup a Radon Unit. The area was surface sampled, the COC was completed and the data / sample was sent to the lab we use. Unfortunately, I am not provided with those results and they are conveyed to the client by my employer.
I read
Flood Hazards
Building Wrap
Building wrap explained in greater detail appropriate installation methods and explained the timing of that installation. It also described common errors and mistakes in installation as well as alternative materials (alternative to Tyvek) that are available. Clearly it is a valuable resource to have on the home and knowing about this topic helps.
Flood Hazards spoke about issues and hazards at flooded homes. There was more than I had thought about. These include the possibility of septic collapse; ceiling collapse and animals in the home. The tip about shoes with thick soles to prevent cuts was also a relevant surprise. I believe that accessing a badly damaged / flood damaged home would make my worst crawlspace inspection look dreamy by comparison.
Places to look for moisture intrusion some of which are shown here, include
around pipes. The piping shown are in laundry area the vent, to sink to adjacent bath supply pipe and cleanout ,along with washer supply and drainage in Basement. in this photo you can see black mark on stud on left this is not mold but an burn mark from connection of the copper pipes. signs of previous water damage are seen below these pipes on drywall.
A photo of rusty outlet cover indicates moisture in area the dryer lint dust on this outlet an indication of possible moisture intrusion from dryer venting.
Last Pic shows apparent surface mold on a shower wall where no ventilation is provided. Recommendations are to provide a ventilation to the exterior of house in shower room and clean and monitor the affected area for return of any signs of mold growth.
Memo to Real Estate Professionals Inspecting Crawlspaces with water
Referring to the SOP this information helps to clarify the reasons that an Inspector may disclaim a wet crawlspace. Revealing the dangers inherent to
the same. Animals Electricity. Mold Sewage etc… Written to the R.E. Pro.
a very good explanation when the hazards are inhibiting a more through inspection at a site.
Outhouse Inspection
Look out for and report splinters. A very real hazard. An Outhouse should never have chlorine or other chemicals added to the waste area, harmful gasses could result from the mixture of urine with the chlorine. this is a good place to put non-meat food scraps since the natural breakdown will help the process of bio degradation. The ventilation and construction considerations of a working outhouse are outlined here. because of the introduction of moisture Mold and insects are a concern and tips to prevent are here as well.
Carpeted Bathrooms
Having a carpet in a bathroom is a bad idea. Steam from the shower will condense on the carpet, water splashes from the tub, water from the sink, water leeks from toilet. With the presence of moisture on the pad will lead to the growth of mold and will decay the wood and weakened the structure. In addition to the mold growth beneath the carpet , bacteria can accumulate from urine.
This is a picture of a basement which had visible mold, musty smell and no ventilation. There had been standing water in the basement at one time but it was undertermined how long ago. The was the perfect storm for mold to grow, it had a high moisture level, it was dark and it had plenty of food sources. It was closed up for long periods of time and had a very high RH level when it was tested. It also had no dehumidifiers or way to get rid of the moisture problems.
1st article I read was “Abrasive Blasting for Mold Remediation” The removal of mold can be very time consuming and it is hard to get in all the places it hides by just using a chemical to wipe it down or using wire brushes etc to remove it. The blasting technique allows you to get in all the cracks and crevices, is much quicker and does a much better job. If certain techniques such as soda blasting or dry ice blasting is used there is virtually no clean up from the abrasive material and it is not harmful to breath either such as a chemical.
2nd article I read was “Concrete for Structural and Exterior Walls” I was amazed on how many benefits concrete had to wood studs. It has strength and weight and can hold up to hurricanes and even tornadoes. It is a great sound barrier when it comes to the exterior noises. It is great when it comes to fires from spreading through the wall. It seems to be a good insulator & requires you to have less HVAC equipment. The only drawbacks were it was more expensive to construct and more expensive to run things through such as plumbing or exterior ventilation.
On this inspection I found that this humidifier was filled with what looks like mold. The Hvac unit was on and blowing moist air around the house. My recommendation was to get a qualified HVAC contractor to remove the unit and to also get all the duct work cleaned and sanitized.
Central Humidifiers
Central Humidifiers are integrated into forced air heating systems so that they humidify the air as it is heated. If they are not maintained they will cause various diseases. Some of these diseases legionnaires disease and thermophilic actinomycetes. Constant cleaning and maintenance is sugested to keep a healthy home,
Efflorescence for inspectors
Efflorescence is a sure sign of moisture intrusion. Building materials such as concrete, wood, brick and stone are porous materials. Inspectors should know be able to distinguish between mold and efflorescence can be done by pinching the matter between your fingers, efflorescence will turn in to powder while mold will not.
First I want to say a big THANK YOU for providing such informative material regarding “How to Perform Mold Inspections”. I have taken other courses before and read articles on Mold but without question I can say this is definitely the A to Z coverage on the topic.
The subject I picked from your list is, “Moisture Intrusion” only because is it the chief culprit in providing the right ingredients for mold. As an inspector we are also an investigator of sorts. Knowing how moisture can infiltrate into a house is in my opinion paramount. From roofs, plumbing, HVAC and foundations just to name a few.
Moisture management can be determined by dryings clothes, running dishwashers, taking showers (and using the exhaust fan) and properly controlling the humidity whether by heat or air just to name a few.
Providing a healthy environment can involve more than just preserving the physical aspects of your home but your wellbeing also.
The photo of an upstairs HVAC supply (at least two others looked this way) shows signs of fungi growth in a home I inspected recently. I stated that I could not determine if the observed is in fact mold or fungi and this substance could possibly be inside the ductwork and should be inspected by a certified mold inspector. BTW, I did not inspect the evaporator coils or plenum.
The selling agent had another local inspector who is certified to inspect for mold come and make a determination. He simply said this was not mold and recommended cleaning the vents and repainting them.
I`m still concerned that there may be fungi growth inside the ductwork. Should
I have implied to have the HVAC system inspected by a professional HVAC contractor instead?
