Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows a positive indication of moisture in the subfloor as measured from the crawlspace of this home. Mold can live in this environment. Mold was not visually apparent at the time of this inspection, but without eliminating the source of the moisture, it can be expected to occur.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Interior fans should not vent to the attic or through the soffit. The air that these fans move is heavy with moisture and can cause conditions that are conducive to the growth of molds and other fungi that can negatively impact air quality.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The kitchen sink was visually inspected with no visible signs of apparent mold or water intrusion. No signs of leaking from the supplies or drain lines. Moisture testing was done to the inside of the sink base cabinet and surrounding toe kick areas with no elevated readings.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A float switch was viewed with the possibility of water intrusion caused from it failing. The plenum area and ac drain line are common areas of possible water intrusion which could introduce moisture which would cause mold if not caught at the appropriate time.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is an image of the front of the house. There is evidence that the structure was completely under water for 5-50 years, but even given that assessment, the siding material looks to be in great shape and I guarantee it will last easily another 100-200.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold can be terrible stuff in the home. It can cause serious health issues. At the first sight (or smell) of mold, the home owner should consult a home inspector certified in mold inspection and then rush off to his or her nearest cardiac specialist to rule out any possibility of sky-rocketing insurance premiums.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an example of a problem I encountered in a crawlspace today. The occupant had about thirty feet of dryer duct running under the nouse and it was broken. Needless to say, there was serious moisture issues jn the crawlspace and apparent visible microbial growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read about abrasive blasting and hepa vacuuming up mold. The abrasive blasting sounds pretty messy and I would think that it would just spread the mold spores everywhere. The hepa vacuuming sounds like a much better idea and less time consuming.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture on the Sink kitchen cabinet present evidence of the previous water damage, but at the time of the inspection appear dry , to prevent of the future it is recommend put coking on the wall age of the backlash kitchen counter top to prevent water filtration and monitor if the licking stop
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of vinyl tile with missing baseboard. Apparent visible mold growth is visible. Are was moist, environment was humid. I recommend a sample to be swabbed at the affected areas. General air sample should be taken as well.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is a an older less gas product. Therefore carbon monoxide detectors shoul be placed on all levels of home. Carbon monoxide should be placed near bedrooms. In general all habitable living spaces should be monitored.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Typical location for mold issues. This crawl space had plumbing issues beneath the bathroom area. Obvious water staining is present. The potential for mold growth should be considered high with the surrounding humidity of this enclosed crawl space. Recommendation is for internal and external air sampling along with a swab or tape sample.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article on mold aimed at consumer education provided consumers with good knowledge without initiating fear. This is important as many mold issues, if identified and remediated when small, can be handled by the consumer. As indicated in the article once these issues expand to an area beyond ten square feet, then professional remediation is required. Identifying methods for clean up helps consumers realize small issues can be handled without great personal expense.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Mold can grown easily and fast in your home under certain conditions. Those conditions are water, humidity, and nutrients. Mold can begin growing immediately if the spores are attached to an item with the right conditions. Keeping your home dry is the best thing to prevent mold.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article “Mold, Moisture and Your Home”. I learned that when trying to clean up mold , that it may not be able to make the item you are cleaning up look like it originally did. This is because mold stains and can cause cosmetic issues. Sometimes the best thing to do is dispose of the item.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo air conditioning register has condensation on it. On the ceiling next to it are some small black dots and discoloration that could potentially be mold. Recommend testing for mold and remediation if necessary. This area looks as if it stays moist which gives a good environment for mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article, Moisture Meters for inspectors, the types of meters and the potential uses for inspectors is covered. Pin type and search mode are the two different meters avaialble with both having appropriate uses. Detecting hidden moisture is the most common use for search mode while determining actual moisture content is for the pin models.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
You will see suspected mold growth around and in the wall register. Mold can and will grow when the environmental conditions are optimal. This includes high RH% and MC%. It is advised to further investigate possible water intrusion throughout the HVAC system to stop further damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold, Moisture & Your Home:
Moisture is the number one concern when it comes to mold growth within a dwelling. When a water intrusion event happens it is critical to dry out any wet materials ASAP. The best standard of practice is to do this within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If building materials stay wet outside of 48 hours mold growth is likely to happen.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Attached is an image of a dehumidifier that was installed in a customers crawlspace. It had an initial setting of 55% in order for the dehu to turn on. Within a week the system had failed and the humidity level had risen to 78%, which in turn caused some mold growth to return. Luckily it was still within the warranty period and was replaced and is now working properly with no signs of growth present.
