Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the article “Mold testing for Home Inspectors”. I learned some of the major differences between the air sampling and surface sampling and how to properly use and wear personal protective equipment to ensure health and safety. It was a very good article.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
What we need to do eliminate mold
Since mold spores are fluting outdoor it is impossible to eliminate all mold spores and mold indoor, because some of the mold spores are fluting in the air in the house. Mold spores will not grow in a dry area. Preventing mold from growing indoor is by controlling moisture, stop water leaks and keep the house clean.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Where to Find Hidden Mold
If you do not see mold in a room, but you suspect the mold because of moldy smells. To find a source of that smell you need to look in hidden places like Back side of drywall, wallpaper, paneling, a back side of a furniture, carpet, ductwork condensation pipes…
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The furnace filter was pulled from the furnace and the interior of the space was checked for moisture and the possible presence of any suspect mold. The interior was clean and the recommendation was given to the owner that the filter should probably be changed. The condensate was in working order and the drip pan showed no evidence of recent condensate or moisture.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold inspections are very much like a home inspection. Many of the same processes are used. Mold inspections take on an extra focus on looking for water intrusion and leaks if there is suspected mold inside the home. A musty smell can be a great indicator of the possibility of the existence of mold in a structure.The home owner should be cautioned about taking care of leaks or water intrusion in a timely fashion. Mold can grow so quickly, and the best way to prevent mold is to always address moisture issues quickly.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Recently I was in an attic with high moisture content frost on the underside of sheathing. The insulation was frozen stiff because of moisture dripping into it. Come to find out there was no vapor barrier and no insulation on the access panel. The moisture content on the surface of the wood was well over 60 percent. If nothing is done the conditions are perfect for mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold Moisture and Your Home
A good thing to remember in relationship with mold is control moisture in your home and you will control the mold. Because mold is and has always been part of our environment and needs food the right temperature and moisture. The one you can control is moisture.
If you have mold be careful in the clean up protect yourself and insure you contain the mold spores so they do not contaminate your self (PPE)and the rest of the environment. Remember before you clean the mold you must fix the source of moisture or water intrusion if not the mold will be sure to return.
Taking this course as a supplement to the Florida State Mold Assessor class that I took at the HOH 2 in Weston, FL.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I always check the evaporator coil at the air handler whenever possible on my home inspections. This is a good place for mold to hide and I will be sure to check this on any mold inspections that I do in the future.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the air quality in the home article. This is an informative article to learn about the different things that affect the indoor air quality. Everyone wants their home to smell clean and be safe for them to breath. Control moisture, change air filters and keep the home clean and the air should be healthy.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Section 26: Preventing Mold Growth
To prevent mold growth, moisture control to below 60% is critical! Bathrooms with insufficient ventilation or undersized fans, as shown in the included picture, can contribute to the humidity being too high in houses. Also incorrectly sized heat pumps can contribute to high humidity if the system does not run about 80 percent of the time allowing the humidity to be lowered along with the temperature.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Optimum Conditions for Mold Growth in Attic(Gallery Pic)
There are really two primary conditions that lead to an increase in the humidity in the attic which will lead to an increased probability for mold growth. The first is any leaking air from the house into the attic through areas such as improperly sealed bath fans, junction boxed or recessed lighting fixtures. The second is insufficient ventilation either caused by the incorrect design of the ventilation system or faulty construction methods such as missing baffles designed to keep insulation from spilling over and blocking soffit vents.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
After further inspection of this condensation drain pump I found that there was evidence of previous bio-growth on the drywall behind the unit itself. After a brief discussion with the owner it was discovered that there used to be a hard line drain that was clogged and the floor was flooded causing moisture in the wall behind the unit. The problem was solved with the drain pump and the bio-growth cleaned and contained.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article on moisture intrusion. I found it very informative and interesting. It amazes me as to how many ways water can enter a home and the amount of problems it can cause. It also amazes me that with just a few simple maintenance adjustments how easily these problems could have been avoided.
Research & Writing Assignment:
To collect an air mold sample, You first must determine where to collect the sample. When collecting a sample with a pump the collection device has to be 3 to 6 feet from the floor. More then one sample inside and out needs to be taken. After taking the air samples wright the date, time, outside conditions, and where samples were taken. Then send to lab to complete your report.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Mold samples were taken from crawl space by means of swab sampling. After putting my PPE The swab was removed from its container and rolled on the spots in question. The swab was then put back in the container, sealed, labeled, dated and listed from where the sample was taken. then sent off to the lab for identification.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
*Moisture Meter. The moisture meter is an essential tool when performing a mold inspection. The inspector should use the meter to find wet areas and determine the amount of moisture, where there are areas of moisture and concern there may be mold growing. It helps in the aid of detecting moisture/mold inside places where the visual aspect may miss ie.drywall,carpet, wood and ect.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I did a home inspection on a vacant 1971 home last week. Fortunately, the main water supply had been turned on prior to my arrival. As I ventured to the basement, I encountered a strong musty smell. My inspection revealed microbial growth in all the cabinets, staining on the floor and wall damage due to moisture penetration throughout the finished basement. As I proceeded my basement inspection, I began to see water seep up through the concrete slab. Fortunately, the buyer, the buyer’s contractor and the buyer’s agent were there to witness as water spread throughout the basement. What was amazing was that the buyer wasn’t fazed by the water penetration and she was anxious to close on the house.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold testing can allow the home inspector to better meet the needs of his clients. Many buyers are concerned about mold and homes which have encountered past or current water penetration can be alarming. A home inspector, who has been properly certified or licensed, will have the correct tools and proper methodology to analyze the home. Instead of offering a vague statement about microbial growth, a trained mold inspector can take samples, interpret lab results and give the buyer greater peace of mind about their new home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image included is that of a crawlspace. When inspecting for mold, a crawlspace can often be a place where mold is present. This is due to numerous factors such as leaking water pipes, lack of vapor barrier, and open vents that allow humidified air into the crawl space where it can become trapped, and vents terminating into the crawlspace instead of outdoors. It is important for an inspector to inspect carefully and critically for moisture intrusion in the crawlspace as well as ensuring that systems such as vapor barriers are installed and intact.
