Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows one of the most critical items when it comes to mold prevention. It contains the down spout and extension to keep water away from the foundation. It also shows the grade at the foundation, which is also critical for keeping water away from the home. Moisture is the number one component for mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The images in the gallery show many critical items in terms of preventing mold growth in attic spaces. These include insulation with vapor barrier to the warm side in a cold climate, ventilation including correct distribution to pull air up and out of the house , and bath fan venting direct to the outside.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The Exhaust flue on the water heater has been improperly installed. The supports have been bent outward so that the hood is flush on top of the water heater. This does not allow for proper drafting of the exhaust gasses.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Continuing ed classes help the inspector to keep up with the ever changing world of building construction and building science. It is also a good way to stay fresh on topics that you do not encounter frequently enough to be on top of.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The Photo is the cooling coil of an Air Handler at a home where I did a four point inspection. Mold saturated the cooling coil. Home is in Sebring, Florida, a high humidity location. The filter had been changed and was new. The hypothesis is that the black mold developed on the cooling coil was caused by dust that collected over several years of operation. It appeared as though the coil had never been cleaned. Moisture appears to have collected on the coil after the dust absorbed the moisture which grew the mold. The coil could be cleaned with a spray bottle containing a mixture of 10 to one/water to Borax. Except for cleaning the excess liquid the borax can dry on the coil and will block future mold growth. The supply air grilles did not indicate any signs of mold. The supply air ducts should be inspected for mold. If mold is found, then a remediation company should be engaged.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The picture is of an apparent problem with a wood floor, located in a kitchen. There is equipment in this picture as well as in the kitchen. The wood has visible damage to the seams. The equipment is not plugged in.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture is of an apparent effected area of concern. The wood floor has evidence of some type of apparent damage , as you can see in picture. The picture also shows equipment that seems to be going to be used in relationship to this apparent problem. The equipment is in the kitchen of this home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The Photo is the cooling coil of an Air Handler at a home where I did a four point inspection. Mold saturated the cooling coil. Home is in Sebring, Florida, a high humidity location. The filter had been changed and was new. The hypothesis is that the black mold developed on the cooling coil was caused by dust that collected over several years of operation. It appeared as though the coil had never been cleaned. Moisture appears to have collected on the coil after the dust absorbed the moisture which grew the mold. The coil could be cleaned with a spray bottle containing a mixture of 1 gallon of water to a cup of Borax. Except for cleaning the excess liquid the borax can dry on the coil and will block future mold growth. The supply air grilles did not indicate any signs of mold. The supply air ducts should be inspected for mold. If mold is found, then a remediation company should be engaged.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Pictured here is a clothes dryer located in the northwest corner of the home’s basement. As indicated in the study materials dryer vents, when possible, should always be vented to the outside as the exhaust air from the dryer contains large amounts of moisture which can potentially provide the proper environment for moisture damage to occur within the building envelope.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In keeping with the course just studied I read through the consumer targeted article, “Mold, Moisture and Your Home” (no author indicated), and found it to be a great source of information. From tips to how to’s this article covers the majority of frequently asked questions a homeowner may have with regard to recognizing and proper remediation methods to resolve potential mold issues within the home. Excellent article!
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Use an EPA registered disinfectant labelled for HVAC use to clean non porous surfaces (Duct work, coils, plenums, pans, etc) of mold, mildew and other dirt. … Fog the area with an EPA registered disinfectant. 7.) Apply a mold and mildew inhibitor to all components of the HVAC systems.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from a joint or as part of a weather resistant barrier (WRB) system. In modern buildings, flashing is intended to decrease water penetration at objects such as chimneys, vent pipes, walls, windows and door openings to make buildings more durable and to reduce indoor mold problems. Metal flashing materials include lead, aluminium, copper,[1] stainless steel, zinc alloy, and other materials.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
the image shown in the picture is of an exterior with visible wood rot along the bottom. The damaged wood can lead to moisture intrusion and standing water entering the building envelop. The water and moisture can lead to mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The image I studied was about cold air infiltration. The cold air can penetrate through the sole plate or window sills. This can lead to mold spores along the baseboard. The mold can be be dectected by small black spots.
Research & Writing Assignment:
It is important to keep moisture levels regulated under sixty percent and preferably under fifty percent, in a effort to create unfavorable conditions for mold to grow. If a building is flooded due to accident, it is important to dry the materials within twenty four to forty eight hours.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of microbial growth that was located between a baseboard and the gypsum drywall board. It is on the first floor of a slab on grade house in Florida. There was several areas nearby containing the same growth. We suspect the areas are linked together. We removed additional drywall and found that an upstairs bathroom leaked.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this picture there is a large water stain in front of the dishwasher, after performing a moisture meter test found it to be dry. I explain to the customer Mold does not need a lot of moisture To grow since the stain was in front of the dishwasher, mold could become active.I recommended to keep a close watch on this area and maintaining this area to be clean and dry.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Visual indication of microbial growth located on the floor and the walls alongside the water heater. Water heater located at a the outside storage room at the left side of the dwelling is missing front door. Further testing and professional remediation is recommended
Research & Writing Assignment:
Article Mold, Moisture and Your Home
Mold can grow Within 24 to 48 hours and the key ingredient for mold growth is moisture so it is important to keep areas of concern dry.
So here are a few things you should know about mold;
The potential health effects, correcting water problems which can create areas of mildew or mold growth, keeping humidity to a level of 30% to 60%, preventing condensation from forming in bathrooms, windows, doorways etc… Always keeping in mind that mold is everywhere, the key is controlling moisture in the homes environment which is the best way to prevent mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The best defense against mold is moisture control. Controlling moisture in a home is the homeowners biggest task. Moisture can allow for mold to grow within 24-48 hours. Mold not only can be a nuisance to see and smell but it can also be harmful to ones health
