Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached photo was taken during an attic inspection. It shows a wall cavity in the home that was not properly insulated. The attic insulation itself was not adequate which was detected by utilizing an IR gun at the living space level. This open cavity was also not detected on a previous inspection a little over a year ago.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The advantages of Solar Energy:
One of the most obvious advantages is that solar energy is renewable. Solar panels are low emission and produce no pollution. Although there are environmental costs associated through manufacturing, they are tiny compared to traditional energy sources. The panels are suitable to remote areas, provide green jobs, contain no moving parts and produce no noise, and solar power is economical in the long run. In some areas of the country net metering is offered. This means if an individual is producing more power than they consume they can return to power company and receive a credit in their energy bill. As solar power continue to advance in design and efficiency we may soon see an end to power lines.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Sampling for mold in the air involves collection of spores for direct examination analysis or cultured analysis. In door and outdoors samples are compared and evaluated to determine if there is an indoor mold issue. There are various limitations on when and where to sample and how to evaluate the results.
I have an issue where InterNACHI states inspectors should avoid taking samples if a resident of the house is under a physicians care for mold exposure, if there is litigation in progress related to mold on the premises, or if the inspectors health or safety could be compromised in obtaining the sample.
I am often called by a physician/ lawyer to evaluate one of their patients/clients residences. Can I still say I performed the inspection/sampling in accordance with InterNACHI guidelines?
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo shows apparent visible mold growth on an office ceiling tile. The client complained of a musty odor in the office.
Visual inspection indicated a soffit on the South side of the 28th floor has been impacted by microbial growth.
Tape Lift sample, of the suspect mold indicates that there were heavy levels of Stachybotrys sp. and Hyphal Fragments. Additional tape lift samples from around the office indicated that the entire office had Stachybotrys sp. and Hyphal Fragments contamination on all surfaces
Further investigation indicated the source of the moisture that was supporting the mold growth was due to condensation. A cold water line had a section of approximately 3 feet which was not insulated. Condensation on the pipe dripped on to the ceiling tile and caused the mold growth.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Apparent visible mold like growth on drywall below utility tub in laundry area of basement. This area should be sampled with direct swab sampling and presence of mold confirmed by laboratory analysis. Laundry sink and plumbing should be investigated to determine if there is an active leak. Correction and remediation required for this small job.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The optimum conditions for Mold Growth in the Attic primarily result in poor or inadequate ventilation. Bad air flow as a result of the gable vent being left open after it was installed and a lack of soffit and ridge vent system results in poor ventilation. This can be exacerbated by excessive negative air pressure in the attic causing air draw from the living area below. Moisture condensation on the roof sheathing and or ceiling stains may be visible as evidence. These conditions can lead to mold growth within the attic space.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image attached, shows an electric water heater in an inset closet in a mobile home. Upon removing the access panel, it was noted that the water heater had active leaks from one or more areas. Upon further inspection, apparent microbial growth was observed on the gypsum wall coverings on all four side of the water heater. A note was made that suspected microbial growth was present and a recommendation for further testing by a qualified professional was made. I expressed to the client that I could neither confirm nor deny the presence of mold as I was not certified and mold testing did not fall within the scope of the inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
From the articles library, I selected “Mold.” This article aligns with the Mold Inspection course and functions as a resource for the consumer to understand the characteristics of mold growth and steps to take to mitigate growth. It is important to remember to try to dry any areas affected by moisture with 24-48 hours in order to limit the potential for mold growth. If moisture is present, the homeowner should attempt to locate the source and take appropriate steps to correct or repair the source. Care should be given when attempting to remove or clean mold and proper procedures should be followed, as offered by EPA. If large areas are present or the occupant suffers from illness or allergies, a professional should be contacted for remediation. Nonetheless, if mold is suspected, a professional certified in mold testing should be contacted for appropriate and qualified testing.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows a block foundation wall located in a basement. There is a horizontal crack in the blocks, approximately 1inch wide. There is also significant inward bow to the wall. In addition, there is significant moisture in the block (27%). The moisture in the block increases as the wall increases in depth; furthermore, there is standing water at the bottom of the wall. This suggests hydrostatic pressure in addition to significant structural damage. I referred the client to a basement/foundation contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
OSB vs. Plywood
There are several differences between OSB and Plywood. OSB is made from small rectangular strips which are heat cured for strength in cross-oriented layers. By using this method OSB is made strong and can be manufactured in larger panels. OSB also weighs more than traditional plywood creating more stress on a structure.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
There are several sources of moisture that can enter a house, whether its from outside the building, condensation from HVAC ducts that are inadequately insulated, or as illustrated by this picture, potential plumbing leaks in the wet rooms of a house.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture can intrude into a house in numerous ways. As described by the article “Moisture Intrusion”. Around 98% of moisture enters the house simply as moisture in outside air entering the building envelope. Other sources of moisture include condensation in rooms that are colder than they should be, condensation on HVAC ducts, or plumbing and roof leaks.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
It’s almost a sure thing having settlement cracks on a home Foundation. Not every crack leaks but at this particular home today it’s a full walkout basement with proper grading. So here’s a typical crack at the rear corner of tje edifice.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Summer maintenance tip make sure you check your gutter systems it should be free from debris and tread water away from the foundation. As hurricane season approaches heavy rain can pool near the foundation increasing the risk of foundation damage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture that displays the presence of mold on a wooden frame. The environment for this to occur is moisture, temperature, and nutrients. An extensive mold remediation will need to occur to remedy this, and possibly replacement of the actual structure itself depending on the assessment given by the inspector.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This is concerning the article found here https://www.nachi.org/air-sampling-mold-inspection.htm. What I learned from this article is that the usefulness of air sampling during a mold inspection can be useful in determining the presence and/or severity of possible mold. Even if visual evidence of mold or water damage is not evident, a air sample can help determine if there is a presence of mold that may have been missed and/or hidden from view.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photos shows a water heater that has rusted and at the bottom of the tank nd is failing. Stains and signs of potential growth were observed. It is recommended repairs/replacements be performed and swabs/samples of growth be taken to ensure mold growth does not exist
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture represents the floor of the kitchen sink cabinet where an obvious water leak from the drain system has been allowed for a significant period. The black area was identified by the inspector as possible mold, and repair of the drain system by a licensed plumber and a thorough cleaning of the floor of the cabinet with appropriate soap and water was recommended.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The photo explains the importance of down spout extensions to avoid water intrusion into the basements below. The idea is to always divert water away from the buildings exteriors to avoid moisture problems/damage and potential mold growth at building walls.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture intrusion is the cause of many building defects and health ailments throughout the United States. Among these problems caused by moisture intrusion is the growth of mold. Mold can only grow in the presence of high levels of moisture, therefore the prevention and eradication of moisture intrusion is vital to stopping the introduction of mold in a structure.
