Research & Writing Assignment:
Taking air samples and why it is important to test the outdoor and indoor air for mold. Setting up 2 outdoor air samples on both the windward and leeward sides of the home as well as taking the indoor samples. I Was not aware that 2 outdoor samples were necessary but understand that this helps to provide more detail as it pertains to the indoor samples taken.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When conducting a mold inspection it is important to look for moisture intrusion. In this picture that is evidence of an organic material on the bottom corner of a window. After observing this the next step would be to look for signs of moisture intrusion. It may also be beneficial to take an air sample in the room and or physical swab sample.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A mold inspection is similar to a home inspection. It is a non-invasive, visual inspection of the interior and exterior of a home. An inspector is looking for signs of moisture intrusion. Usually there is evidence of potential mold such as but not limited to musty odors, roof leaks, plumbing leaks, poor site drainage,and improper termination of vents.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon the request of a full mold inspection of 123 Sheldon Ave., Cincinnati, Oh, there was no musty/moldy odor or visible mold in the interior. However, during the exterior inspection, it was noticed the west southern corner grade was sloping toward the foundation. It is suggested that the grade be corrected away from the foundation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
During the mold inspection, there was a musty odor in the master bathroom. It was noticed underneath the left sink, the p trap had a leak. This leak has made the bottom shelf of the vanity to be moist with visible mold. It has been suggested that a certified plumber be consulted and the shelf be replaced.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I have a picture of a home here because there are many entry points for water or moisture intrusion into a home, If the house is built correctly and components are maintained regularly then the likelihood of mold growth is diminished greatly. Mold prevention literally starts before the home is actually built.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of apparent mold growth on a rim joist in a crawlspace. The apparent mold was found after removing the batt insulation from between the joists. Mold growth can damage structural components of a building, in this case, the rim joist. It is recommended that a qualified contractor be contacted for further testing and removal, as well as determine the cause. The most likely cause is insufficient insulation allowing warm air to contact the cold joist and causing condensation behind the insulation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This essay is about mold and moisture in your home. Most homes in the U.S. have some mold present. The main way to control mold is to control moisture. There should be vapor barrier in the crawlspace. All plumbing leaks(or any other leaks) should be fixed. The bathroom vents and kitchen vent should vent to the outside of the home. In hot, humid climates a de-humidifier may need to be used to control humidity.
If the mold problem is small, moisture elimination and control will likely solve the problem. If the problem has gotten out of hand, professional mold remediation will have to be used.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While doing an inspection for mold it is very important to make sure to use your personal protective equipment (PPE). Glasses, gloves, respirator and a tyvex jumpsuit. Your personal safety is extremely important so you should take every measure to insure it. Do not take your well being for granted.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Essay on Abrasive Blasting for Mold Remediation
Abrasive blasting is an efficient method to remediate mold problems. It works by blasting baking soda and dry ice over areas contaminated with mold.
Abrasive blasting is also more effective in which it can clean over irregular surfaces such as brick, inside corners, and small surfaces that are hard to get to using traditional methods like hand scrubbing and soap.
It also saves time in completing remediation since it cleans much more uniform and thorough in less time.
Last but not least abrasive blasting combined with baking soda, dry ice and the use of HEPA filters in order to remove any left debris helps bring the best results.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
while inspecting the home the inside wall shows signs of mold formation. wall is currently damp from water intrusion. mold samples should be taken and sent to a lab to determine the type of mold present. correction of this problem is recommended by a licensed mold inspector.
Research & Writing Assignment:
in this course i have learned how to properly inspect for mold and the conditions that cause the growth of mold. i have also learned how to handle the situation if mold is found to possibly be present in a home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Attached is a photo of a home well bladder tank. Water softener next to it.It appears that at the water supply on the bladder tank was leaking at some time but upon visual inspection the area on the concrete floor appeared dry and verified by a moisture meter. There is dark discoloration on the concrete floor around where the leak had been and mold testing would need to be administered to show if there is mold.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose a picture of mold growth to write my essay upon. The picture is of what appears to be an unoccupied home that has sustained major water intrusion where there is major mold/microbial growth through out. Since the microbial/water damage well exceeds 100 sq.ft. this would be considered a large scale remediation. Due to the extensive apparent mold growth full PPE must be worn by all who enter the area. Full containment must be constructed.The mold inspector must follow IAC2 practices as to when to conduct mold tests and final clearance tests.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In an effort to stop moisture intrusion towards the property, asphalt tar was applied to the foundation at grade level from the outside. The sealant has developed visible cracks. Applying tar in this manner is an ineffective way to control moisture as it is not a best practice. The presence of moisture in a building can develop mold and cause deterioration of materials. The inspector recommends further investigation by a qualified contractor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The above picture of a basement foundation wall was taken during a standard home inspection. Evidence of moisture intrusion is obvious. The masonry block is presently damp and there is water puddling on the basement floor. Effloresence is present on the block. Signs of microbial growth (dark spots) are also noted in multiple areas. This area is located just below where two gutter downspots dump water directly at the exterior wall. It was noted in another section of the report that these downspouts should be directed away from the structure to prevent moisture intrusion, such as this. First: The source of the moisture intrusion should be determined and corrected. Second: Testing of evaluation of the microbial growth should be performed to determine if this is mold or some other organism. Third: Remediation or cleaning should be performed by a qualified professional.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold is a member of the Fungi family and is prevalent in places that are subject to moisture intrusion. Mold feeds off organic products and will damage and destroy structural components of a home if not corrected. Adverse health issues have also been reported by individuals living in homes affected by mold. The best way to correct a mold issue is to determine the source of the moisture intrusion and stop it from entering the structure. Determination of mold can be performed via surface sampling or air sampling, using specialized equipment or collection procedures. Lab testing is required to make the official determination of a mold sample. Remediation of mold, or suspected mold, should be performed by qualified professionals, with specific attention being paid to collecting all materials and disposing of them without spreading the mold spores to other areas of the structure.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
this photograph depicts a basement area with water heater installed haphazardly on an earth surface. it reveled a slow leak at its supply valve that added , over time, significant moisture to the basement earth floor area. enough so, as to create ideal moisture, as well as heat conditions, perfect for mold growth .the results of this neglect towards proper maintenance allowed exponential spread of mold throughout the basement girders and sub-structure eventually greatly adding to interior humidity where continuing mold growth was noted.
Research & Writing Assignment:
THIS ESSAY IS CONCERNING ATTIC VENTILATION WITH FOCUS UPON FRIEZE BLOCK VENTING . OFTEN I FIND IMPROPERLY INSTALLED INSULATION AT THESE AREAS EITHER BLOWN-IN OR BATTS BLOCKING THE VENT OPENINGS .A MOISTURE LEVEL CHECK BELOW THESE POINTS (AT THE INTERIOR) ALMOST ALWAYS REVEALS AN EXCESSIVE AMMOUNT IN THE CEILING SHEETROCK. MOST OFTEN DUE TO CONDENSATION OF INTERIOR HUMIDITY . UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THIS CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO MOLD GROWTH.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Visual inspection of apparent evidence of mold at bedroom window. Recommend air sample and/or surface sample be tested for fungal growth. Window leaks need to be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor. If mold is present, recommend mitigation or remediation performed by a qualified mold mitigation professional.
