Research & Writing Assignment:
There are two types of mold inspections. The first inspection is called a Complete mold inspection where there is an inspection of the entire building. The second type of mold inspection is known as Limited mold inspection where there is an inspection of a specific area.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image I am presenting is of concern. Not only is a musty smell present, but there is apparent mold like substance on structural substrates that is of concern. In this case visible evidence can be referred to and sampled as part of a limited or complete mold inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The image I studied was designed to assist as a reminder of where moisture intrusion often occurs as it relates to a mold inspection. Starting with the roof and working down to the actual drainage conditions surrounding the structure, there are many many ways moisture can help activate a mold problem in buildings.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Carbon monoxide or CO is a dangerous byproduct of non-fully combusted fuel specifically from fossil fuels. It is critical to have a new CO alarm installed within 10 feet of bedrooms. Has the CO alarm installed per manufacturers direction by a qualified person for safety. Have the batteries from these along with smoke alarms every fall.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The toilet was leaking. The toilet was no longer fastened to the floor. The studs that are normally connected to the bottom of the toilet were rusted off. The floor joist in the bathroom were broken as viewed in the crawlspace. Human waste was found in the crawlspace. This is health concern. Further evaluation by a carpenter, licensed plumber and representative of health and human services is recommended.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of the exterior of a master bedroom shower stall surround. The surround is not adequately sealed to prevent water from permeating to the exterior and absorbing into the drywall area adjacent to the shower. The area should be caulked and sealed to prevent any further water intrusion. This will help the area remain dry and limit the possibility of mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A new method of mold remediation is abrasive blasting. Initially one wants to remove any conditions that are conducive to any type of mold growth. Abrasive blasting is a process of cleaning surfaces by blasting air and particles against the surface. The particles commonly used can be baking soda or dry ice. Combing abrasive blasting with HEPA-filter vacuuming is an effective remediation technique for mold.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
As a limited mold inspection, the photo taken was on a wall in the closet behind a shower in the master bedroom. The moisture intrusion allowed for quick organic growth on the gypsum board. This was a non-invasive inspection and no samples were taken at the time of inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While reading the article, Mold, Moisture and Your Home, there are many tips to control, clean and prevent mold from growing in your home. However, if mold is discovered, finding the source of the moisture is paramount to controlling and preventing future issues with mold. If the source is not eliminated, then you will continue to clean and repair until you fix the reason the mold is occurring.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Prior to taking this course during an inspection of a condo I included in my report with the attached photo there was evidence of water intrusion and apparent mold. I did not do a mold test at the time and the buyer was not concerned with the finding as there was no odor and they intended to renovate.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Window-infrared-before. From this photo I can see there is no insulation between the frame of the window and the interior of the space or the window trim. With no insulation it is more likely for water vapor to enter the interior envelope of the structure and impact the RH.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I learned in the mold sampling inspection article the ideal conditions for performing air quality tests. The indoor test should be performed in the middle of the room and 3 to 6 feet from the floor. An outdoor test must be performed also for comparisons to the indoor test performed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is above a shower where the fiberglass shower enclosure meets the wall. There is visible apparent mold growth and it is in a humid area conducive to mold growth. A swab or tape sample and an air sample are to be taken.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The grading of a home or building should have a slope away from the structure of a minimum of 5% to keep water draining away from the structure. The siding should also be well above grade level to prevent water damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
To determine if mold is present, the type, and severity of the mold problem, taking air samples during an inspection is very important. These samples are collected using an air pump that forces air through a device that catches the mold spores. Once this has been done, the samples are then sent to a qualified laboratory for analysis under a microscope. If mold is confirmed, the next step is remediation of the affected area by remediation specialists. Another set of air samples will then be collected to ensure that the mold has been removed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
There is evidence in this attic of water damage and apparent mold growth. Additionally, during this inspection, I also noted a musty odor while in the attic. Based upon the visual indications and the odor present, we advised the client of the possibility of mold being present and recommended mold testing to further prove or disprove the hypothesis. We explained the possible consequences of mold being present including possible health effects, potential structural integrity issues, and the negative aesthetic effects. Although the client declined the testing, if they had elected to have the testing performed, we would have performed air sample testing and surface testing based on the evidence noted.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In studying the picture https://www.nachi.org/gallery/?level=picture&id=1021 , it is apparent how critical water drainage control from roofs can be when considering the negative consequences of improper controls with respect to indoor air quality. Speaking from personal experience, I had this exact problem with the house I purchased in 2002. The previous owners had allowed the gutter systems to terminate right next to the foundation walls. This allowed water to constantly settle along the foundation wall after outdoor precipitation events and contributed to a high level of dampness and humidity levels in the basement of my house. I noticed dark stained areas in the foundation walls, particularly near the areas where downspouts were located. To correct the problem, I extended the downspouts a minimum of 6 feet away from the foundation walls. I cleaned the dark areas of the foundation walls with a mild detergent and bleach mixture and allowed them to dry. After a month or two of monitoring, I confirmed that the moisture problem had subsided and the foundation walls were dry, and that the musty/damp odors had also subsided. Since my basement was going to be used for livable space, I then chose to further protect it by sealing the foundation block walls with DryLok to prevent moisture intrusion on the inside of the wall through the porous material in the future.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of an air handler with the access cover to the coils and heat strips off. It is in a garage in Florida. When inspecting this home I noticed visible, apparent mold on the exterior surface. An air handler located in the garage of a home in Florida should be insulated to deter condensation from forming inside and outside of the unit. I decided to inspect the interior of the unit for further evidence of visible, apparent mold. I recommend further evaluation and positive identification of this growth to a licensed mold specialist. I am not a mold specialist, nor do I claim to be.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image illustrates moisture is leaking from the top of this water heater. This moisture intrusion extends down to the floor and surrounding areas causing potential safety concerns and moisture wicking up the adjacent walls and concealing water intrusion to inaccessible areas. I suggest further evaluation by a licensed plumber and remediation services for what I observed here today.
Research & Writing Assignment:
After a full visual examination of the area from the exterior of the house as well of the interior basement there was areas were water infiltrates and is creating that the water accumulates on the wall creating mold growth around the lower wall area.
