Mold can grow rapidly on wood surfaces during a construction project, especially if the materials do not have sufficient time to dry before being enclosed from the outdoors. An certified home inspector may be hired to inspect a home that is under construction. Most wood used in construction has a manufacturers moisture content on the label of the wood. The recommended moisture content of wood used for construction is between 9 and 14 percent. A moisture meter can be used to determine if wood used during a construction project is elevated above the recommended content or the manufacturers documented moisture content. While this measurement does not provide the client with information on mold content, it can help the client understand if they have a potential issue to discuss with the builder prior to enclosing the house from the outdoors.
Moisture intrusion is the primary area for a home inspector to focus on when determining if a house has a potential mold issue. The ability to articulate this to your clients, as well as the importance of correcting the moisture instrusion, goes a long way in educating the home owner (or buyer) regarding mold control in a house. Mold testing can provide your clients with valuable information in the decision making process and therefore is a valuable resource for a home inspector to be able to provide to their clients as appropriate.
In the How to Perform Mold Inspections Course, it was indicated that mold spores are everywhere, laying around and flying about the air - indoors and outdoors. Notable is that with 20% relative humidity (RH) the inactive spores can grow (become activate) and at 27% RH the mold colony begins to reproduce.
Mold inspection course, the course has taught me that every home should have a Mold inspection, for the safety of the client. To visualize it and Detect it, find out how severe it is. Finalizing by taking a course of action, For a solution
This room was observed with apparent mold on the wall surfaces. This condition poses risk(s) to occupant health and good maintenance, e.g. allergy, respiratory issues and/or property damage. A qualified specialist, e.g. certified mold inspector is recommended for prompt bio-investigation, analysis and remediation overview as needed.
This section of ductwork was exposed to water damage after a hurricane. After doing a visual inspection, I noticed water draining for the bottom. Knowing water had being introduced, I cut into the duct board to see if mold had started growing. The system was contained and dehumidifier. Futher test have to be done, sample tape test, moisture test, and general odor test, to see if this section needs to be removed.
Abrasive blasting for mold remediation sounds a lot like sand blasting rust off steel. Dry ice seems to be the most effective ways, but a cost analysis needs to be done to see if it is cost efficient on smaller jobs. A negative pressure containment area needs to be achieved to make certain other areas don’t get contaminated.
Staining on the wall of the back bedroom did not register moisture at the time of inspection. The source of this staining appears to have been corrected with the installation of the new roof (permit 6/2018). Recommend cleaning with a water and detergent solution and monitoring to ensure the issue does not reoccur. If you have sensitivity to mold, consider having this area further investigated by a certified mold inspector.
Moisture production from domestic activities such as showering/bathing without proper ventilation can lead to mold growth in the home. Opening a window or using a bathroom fan while showering/bathing will help to keep moisture levels down and reduce the risk of increased mold levels on interior of the home.
This is a water leak on the concreate slab in the basement. The water is located below the water softener however does not appear to be coming from any of the associated piping. Within close proximity is a partially finished wall with gypsum drywall and wooden framing. These conditions could pose a risk for mold growth and should be monitored and evaluated by a specialist.
Caution should be used by homeowners when using power strips. Daisy chaining or the connecting of a number of power strip to each other can cause electrical hazards which may result in fires in the home. It is also important to ensure that all power strips being used have the UL stamp on them indicating they are safe for domestic use.
The picture shows possible moisture intrusion indicated by efflorescence (white powder substance) and the black staining on the basement wall. Further sampling of the black substance to confirm presence of possible mold growth is recommended. Further evaluation is also necessary to determine and correct the moisture presence on the wall.
The article was on Basic Waterproofing for Basements. This article stated that basements are the number one area to have water penetration and mold problems. This is due to the presence of moisture in the soil adjacent to the foundation wall. Basic remedy is to keep water away from the foundation by swales, gutters, storm sewers, etc. Water sealing compounds can also be applied to prevent infiltration by capillary action. By removing moisture, mold growth will stop, removal of mold is only one part of prevention.
Maintaining a containment area under negative pressure will keep contaminated air from flowing into adjacent, uncontaminated areas and possibly spreading mold. A fan exhausted to the outside of the building can be used to maintain negative air pressure. If the containment is working, the plastic sheeting of the containment area should pull inward on all surfaces. A proper seal is key to a good containment area.
Maintaining a containment area under negative pressure will keep contaminated air from flowing into adjacent, uncontaminated areas and possibly spreading mold. A fan exhausted to the outside of the building can be used to maintain negative air pressure. If the containment is working, the plastic sheeting of the containment area should pull inward on all surfaces. A proper seal is key to a good containment area.
While perform a mold inspection,the HVAC system must be inspected. An inspector must inspect any visible air ducts and a representative amount of return and supply registers. Water finding its way into HVAC ducts can cause mold growth. Much of the dust and dirt inside is a great food source for mold.Any contaminated HVAC system should not be used until remediation has been performed.
Preventing mold in homes is important for
the health of the occupants and the structure of the home itself. Checking for leaks inside and outside the home are crucial. Specific things to look for include, roof damage, poor drainage, damaged windows or siding, overgrown landscaping, and vents that do not terminate outdoors. Basements and crawlspaces are high areas of concern. Addressing these issues is a great start in preventing mold.
The image taken indicates apparent microbial growth at customers house during inspection.
Upon inspection, customer was complaining that family was feeling ill and visible dark areas were observed. This indicates that further testing will be needed to determine if the substance is fungi growth, such as mold.
I did not preform health related questions and notified customer that they should seek medical help from a professional. Further testing would be needed by a qualified mold testing professional.
Mycotoxins are totentially toxic substances that can cause allergic reatctions and irritation especially in young childen and seniors.
Carpet in basements are especailly at risk for mold spores. Eventhough mold is not apparent on the surface of the carpet, it is possible that it still exists.
The best way to prevent mold in the carpet is to prevent it from being wet. Damaged carpet from mold will likely require removal as its difficult to properly clean.
No sampling needed. Immediate mitigation recommended by a qualified mitigation specialist. Complete tear out is recommended then identify the source of water intrusion before putting the structure back into a livable condition. Do not enter the home. Your health will be most likely compromised.
