Air sampling is an effective way of determining if there are high mold counts inside a structure in comparison to the exterior air. 2 Exterior samples should be taken to establish a base-line mold count for the air around the structure. Indoor samples are able to be taken whether or not there is visual evidence of mold at the discretion of the inspector and client. Locations of the air sample should be selected to ensure the most accurate sample is taken from any rooms that are of concern. Care should be taken to record calibrations, chain of custody, and methods used for samples collected.
Inspected bathroom floors along the baseboards in the master bedroom. There were no signs of water stains or damaged boards. No musty odors observed. Additional verification was made using a moisture meter. The meter readings were normal with no significant elevations.
Mold and mold spores are impossible to completely eliminate from the home interior . Growth of mold spores will stop if moisture is not present. Therefore, it is crucial to control and prevent moisture inside the house. Mold should be cleaned up immediately and the source of water problem corrected. If, however, the source of the water problem is not corrected, then the mold will most likely reappear.
When doing a mold inspection the crawlspace is an important location to look for mold. This vapor barrier that is not fully covering the dirt floor could potentially let in moisture. This could contribute to mold being present in the area. Also looking for any signs of water intrusion from the foundation walls needs to be accessed.
Mold testing for home inspectors. A mold inspection starts out as a home inspection. Knowledge of how mold starts and where to find it is essential. Looking for signs of water leaks from the exterior in and from the interior plumbing are but just a couple of ways moisture can get into the home and start a mold issue.
Moisture intrusion into a building can cause major structural damage a home inspector needs to know what a properly installed building component looks like then recognizing when something is a defect is easy moisture problems include rain structural Decay mold growth high humidity condensation a wet Foundation for the most part these problems are preventable
Molds live on plants and on dead decaying matter they live in the soil Outdoors molds break down leaves wood and other plant debris. Molds produce spores to reproduce just as plants produce seeds the mold spores can be found indoor and outdoor
Because a drum type humidifier contains a pan of stagnant water and a drum pad that requires routine maintenance, a humidifier should always be considered a potential source of mold. In addition to potential mold growth at the water pan and drum pad, moisture from drum type humidifiers is introduced into the home’s ductwork system and can be a contributor to mold growth within in ductwork.
Following confirmation of mold through proper testing and analysis, mold remediation by a qualified contractor may be required. There are a number of techniques used for remediation. Abrasive blasting methods using medias such as sand, corn-cobs, dry-ice, and baking soda can be effective in physically breaking the mold away from it’s growing surface. To complete the remediation process all surfaces and residual blasting media must be vacuumed using HEPA filtered vacuums.
Sampling equipment must be protected, clean and properly maintained at all times. The sampling devices shall be clean, and free from dirt and debris prior to starting sample. If re-usable collection devices are used, then they shall be handled and cleaned prior to use.
A mold inspection starts as a home inspection, which is a non-invasive, visual examination of the home’s interior and exterior, and its various systems and components. Musty odors, moisture intrusion via a roof or plumbing leak, or even evidence of suspected mold can warrant a mold inspection.
Location under bathroom sink
Scope of work Limited Mold inspection.
Although Visual inspection shows no apparent mold it is recommended that samples be taken by swab of location and air samples as well. Recommend repair of leak by suitable contractor.
Mold inspection is an important for both Health concerns and structural concerns and it can damage a structure beyond use. Often lack of maintenance is the cause of these problems Items like the roof, HVAC,plumbing and drainage are often to blame. Problems should be dealt with quickly as molds can grow with in a 48 hour period. A key part of that inspection is visual because it is non-evasive and will great no further damage in itself. Low RH helps to prevent mold growth so keeping an area free of excess water is always to be considered.
Visible leak at kitchen faucet,substance (possible corrosion) at base of faucet. No presence of mold spores inside base cabinet at the time of inspection. Recommend bleach and water clean up and replacement of existing faucet to prevent possible mold growth under base of cabinet.
Maximizing Your Perceived Value. This article is chock full of highly informative ways to increase an inspectors perceived value. Homeowners are making the largest purchase of their lifetime and it is incumbent for Home Inspectors to validate the importance of our role in their homebuying process. By doing so, specifically with the CPI designation, this designation speaks volumes. The designation immediately informs the perspective homeowner or seller, that an Inspector takes his/her profession seriously. Often times, after closing, the papers are tossed away in the file cabinet, keeping the: Now that You Have Had Your Home Inspection book handy, reminds the homeowner to refer to the book. Consumers are more than likely to pick up a book or pamphlet to review vs an report that can be intimidating, particularly one that is colorful! Realistically the information provided in this article is a empowering Home Inspectors to market one’s self in extraordinary ways. The Buy Back Guarantee, gives the perspective homebuyer; immediately places trust in the Home Inspector and provides a sense of relief. New Builder Warranty inspections create a sense of security, knowing that you can note possible flaws prior to the warranty expiration is an added benefit.
Taking an air sample to test for the presence of mold requires a pump and a collection cartridge. Air is pulled through the cartridge by the pump at a predetermined rate of flow. The air leaves particles of dust, debris, and any biological spores trapped in the cartridge’s internal media. The media in the cartridge is then tested to reveal what particles were trapped in the air.
There are two types of moisture meters, Pinned and Pinless. A pinned meter has two sharp un-insulated points that can be inserted into a substance to determine it’s moisture content by measuring the electrical resistance between the two points. The second type is pinless, it uses the principle of electrical impedance to determine moisture content without needing to “mark” or penetrate the test material.
Moisture intrusion due to small roof leaks, over time, can cause significant damage. This particular picture was from a home where only one side of the sheathing was stained. Roof covering appeared to be in good condition but chimney bracing relied on sealant where it attached to the roof sheathing.
Air Sampling for Mold Inspections:
Knowing when to take air sample for mold inspections is important. If the non-invasive inspection reveals visible apparent mold growth, conditions conducive of mold growth or musty smells, an air sample is recommended. If these things are not revealed, an air sample can be taken if the client agrees.
I visually inspected the home for any signs of mold. There was one place of concern that the home owner had where she wished further inspection. There was a previous roof leak, that had been repaired recently. The ceiling was just sprayed with Concrobium, a liquid mold remover. She also indicated that the area had been washed with soap and water before the treatment of Concorbium. I could not see any signs of mold or even any musty moldy smells. I could tell a little that the area had been previously wet, but there were no signs of any moisture present at this time. A little paint and caulking was needed to finish the job or restoration of the affected area. If the home owner wishes to do a mold inspection for here peace of mind she could do so to make sure.
