This is a photo taken at my friends house from the pull down stairs to access the attic. This is the vent for the exhaust fan for the microwave and gas range. As you can see in the picture the vent was never properly vented through the roof to the outside. It would be very difficult to test for mold in that area because the spray in insulation is so high it would make it difficult to get over there. I suggested that he seek a roofing contractor to finish installing the vent properly before he has the area checked and possibly treated and to not use the exhaust fan until this is complete.
I viewed the picture of the window from the naked eye and then the one with the infrared camera. Looking at the window with the naked eye you can tell that there is some damage in the bottom right corner of the upper window, which is right above the upper right corner of the bottom window. It looks like there is moisture intrusion and the IR camera confirms that. The source of the leak would need to be fixed first before taking the drywall down and treating the area and fixing the drywall.
This is a photo of an attic access door, into the lower roof section of a 3-level split residence. For the purposes of this report, I am assuming it is mold as there has been no official test done. The mold may have been caused due to the access door not being insulated. On very cold days, water may condense here due to the large temperature differential across the access door. There is no apparent moisture issues otherwise and the mold does not seem to be actively growing.
Although all Chain of Custody forms should have the same basic information, forms from different labs can look quite different from each other. When selecting a laboratory, it could be a good idea to briefly go over the form with them to ensure that all the required data is being recorded properly.
Picture showing mold spores,mold spores should not be taken lightly in which it my cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, they should avoid these areas that they think have mold for there safety, if they feel ill they should see there doctor for any health issues.
Mold spores can enter the inside of the home from walking in and out of home leaving windows open, from animals going in and out. You want to prevent any micro organisms from entering the home for any health issues that my arise from coming in contact with or breathing in. If you are having any health issues seek a health professional.
When inspecting AFCI and GFCI protected circuits, I learned that it is important to learn the basic difference between the two systems. The GFCI circuit trips when it detects and in balance in the current between an energized conductor and a neutral return conductor. An AFCI circuit trips when it detects to potentially dangerous electrical arcs in home branch wiring. It is also important to stay current with the locations for the branch circuits and that the resets for those branch circuits are readily accessible.
The ceiling of the front second floor bedroom had a stain that is consistent with a moisture problem. The area is below a third floor bath tub. The ceiling and wall registered high moisture levels when tested with a moisture meter.
It is important to understand that in order to actively control the potential for mold growth within an indoor environment, that moisture intrusion, or reasons for an increase in indoor relative humidity are identified. The item pictured, is a readily available product to attach to a dryer vent in order to vent indoors. While this product will contain the lint that is commonly exhausted from a dryer, it does little to trap the moisture that is exhausting. Not only will this increase the RH in the area of the dryer, but the containment bucket is an item that will have constant water within it, and therefore becomes an area for mold growth itself.
While performing mold inspections can be a vital service in maintaining indoor air quality for homeowners, an inspector must remember that his or her own personal health safety can be placed at performing this type of inspection. Personal protective equipment in accordance with the level of the inspection must always be adhered to. Respirators rated for VOC, eye and face prection along with protective clothing and coverings are all items that may be needed.
The photo I included shows indoor mold growth, from an apparent water/moisture problem in the area of the hot water heater. Here a tape/swab sample could be taken as well as an air sample in the area. Of course the water/moisture problem must be taken care of first the remediation of the mold.
Under air quality I viewed a picture that showed a failed tub slip that was allowing water that over flowed to pool. This will create conditions prime for mold, which if not treated can/will lead to wood rot, which if not treated can create a structural problem that can weaken the floor supporting the tub.
Time to learn about Mold. This is going to enhance my knowledge greatly.
Have a good day all.
Crawlspaces can present many hazards. Exposure to mold is only one of many. Hantavirsus is also a potential threat. Rodents are drawn to areas where there is limited light and/or human disturbance. Death may occur as a result of exposure to Hantavirsus. There is not a known cure for Hantavirsus.
The photo shows a small area of mold in a shower area. The home did not show any other evidence of mold, no odors etc. Bathrooms should have an adequate exhaust fan or operating window to minimize the risk of mold growth in shower and tub areas.
The picture shows a dryer exhausts and notes several important elements that should be inspected:
There are no hidden or inaccessible sections of flexible duct.
The duct should be easy to disassemble (no screws) outside the wall for cleaning.
It should vent to the exterior.
Recently, while in a crawlspace, I observed mold like substance on the floor joist, insulation, and subflooring. The owner stated that after building the house a spring had developed in their crawlspace. A 55 gallon barrel was observed with water from the spring being directed into it in this crawlspace. There were many cardboard boxes of items stored in this crawlspace. Will these items have to be destroyed if in fact the results of testing indicate mold? How would you get mold off of, and out of that many items? This was a three story new home!
The article I chose is titled “Air sampling for mold inspections”.
The article was especially helpful in understanding the proper use and functions of air sampling equipment and devices. The article featured a number of factors to help determine proper placement and location for sampling as well as why weather conditions, location inside and at the exterior of the home, and length of testing all have an affect results of laboratory analysis at each specific example given. I’ve learned important factors in getting an accurate reading and how to effectively use the equipment available for air sampling.
The attached photo is in a basement in a building built in 1896, apparently not built with the intention of livable space in the basement. The entire basement shows multiple signs of moisture intrusion from various sources. The area appears to have large areas of visible water damage throughout, and large areas of concern for mold growth. The appearance of potential black mold can be seen at most drywall, framing and exposed concrete. In this inspection, I recommended further evaluation by the appropriate contractors for clean up and resolution of all sources of moisture intrusion.
A mold inspector should use a moisture meter to find wet areas. Moisture allows mold to grow. A mositure meter allows for a better level of detection than what is available visibily.
A high-quality moisture meter goes beyond simply detecting how much water is in a particular structure. They pinpoint the precise problematic spots hidden within or behind the surface to show areas of potential mold buildup
