Good information in this course.
Carpeted bathrooms were more common prior to the 1970’s. Carpeted bathrooms are both unsanitary and a source for mold growth. Bathrooms are an environment conducive to mold growth. Carpet adds to that significantly as they hold and trap moisture. Additionally areas around toilets are a big concern for rot and decay of wood from a leaky toilet seal as the carpet hides the leak. Carpet holds not only fungi but bacteria was well. Any time an inspector finds a carpet bathroom it should be noted in the report for the negative possible effects it may have or had on the building. Commercial bathrooms prohibit carpeted bathrooms for these reasons.
Green lumber is sometimes used in framing lumber of homes. Generally it is more typical to find Douglass Fir to be green. Commonly this lumber comes from the north west but is used throughout the United States. Because it is green it has a moisture content above 19% and often has mold growing on it. Homes framed from this lumber need a longer time to dry out or acclimate. Also, these homes may contain much more active mold in them within the first few years than homes built of kiln dried lumber although most all homes built become wet while building and need to dry out. Once dried out to below 19% MC mold should become stabilized but spores will more than likely remain and if moisture is introduced in the future to allow lumber to reach above 19%MC than the spores may multiply with the result of mold intrusion. This may be more likely to happen than homes framed with kiln dried lumber.
This is a photo of an open acces panel for a soaking tub. Although this may be considered invasive it is relatively simple and not extreme to remove the access panel. This particular area of the bathroom had a musty smell which appeared to be coming from under the tub area. The concealed area of the tub contains plumbing lines to feed the tub valve. Upon investigating, microbial growth was found on the floor behind the tub which was also wet. The fitting in the tub faucet supply line was leaking a minute mist of water creating an ideal enviorement for mold growth. Remedy is simple. Repair the fitting and clean up the mold with water and detergent. Fortunately the growth was on the vinyl flooring that extended under the tub which makes it relatively easy to remediate. Because the affected area was much less than one square foot which is small, a mold test based on that alone is not warranted.
This is a photo of the roof of an attached patio/sunroom. There was no flashing observed at the time of the inspection, only a heavy coating of roof sealant. Notice the dipped/stained area in the photo, this area was very spongy. Observation from inside the structure confirmed significant moisture damage to the sheathing. Failure of the roof and the structure itself is imminent. Recommend repair/evaluation from professional contractor prior to closing.
“Zoning Ordinances for Inspectors”
This article provided a brief overview of how local zoning ordinances can impact our clients (Buyers). The benefits of knowing some of the local ordinances could include being able to inform your clients of a potential violation that they may be responsible for should they purchase the home. Since this is beyond the scope of a standard home inspection it may be best to recommend that they check with the proper council to ensure the item in question is compliance.
“What is a Green Home Inspection?”
A Green Home Inspection is a adding to a standard home inspection by confirming the presence of existing “Green Features” in the home. The seller may claim to have certain features in the home that make it more energy efficient, the inspector would confirm this during his inspection.
The photo above shows apparent mold in the attic adjacent to the gable vents. Had this been a mold inspection I would’ve taken a surface, and air sampling and sent it to the lab for confirmation. I would make the appropriate recommendations based on the results of the samples I took.
“Abrasive Blasting for Mold Remediation”
This article is about how mold is able to grow, its’ health affects, and how to get rid of it. Mold grows from mold spores that are naturally occurring in the air. Mold needs moisture and nutrients to grow, nearing all surfaces provide mold the nutrients it needs. Mold has been known to cause allergic reactions, which are most common, asthma attacks, and general irritation of various organs.
The first way to fight against mold is the not allow environments that promote growth, exist. If mold has already begun to grow, it must be completely removed and the the affected areas must be cleaned and/or replaced. Abrasive blasting is the process must commonly used in mold remediation.
Blasting can come in the form of soda-blasting (baking soda) and dry-ice blasting, which are the two most common forms, and HEPA Vacuuming, which involves a special filter. Either form of blasting used in combination of the HEPA vacuuming is the most effective form of remediation.
“Air Sampling for Mold Inspectors”
This article reviews air-sampling for mold inspections, the devices used, when, where, and the difficulties sometimes present performing one.
Air-sampling is used to determine is mold is present even if it cannot be seen by the naked-eye, it can also determine the scope to which mold is present. Areas that are treated with mold remediation should be re-tested to confirm that the mold has been removed.
Some of the devices that can be used include impaction samplers, that use a calibrated pump; cassette samplers, which could be disposable; and airborne-particle collectors that trap spores directly.
Samples should be taken where visual or non-visual evidence of mold is present, or if conditions that promote growth are observed. If there are no signs of mold, or moisture intrusion air-sampling is not needed. When taking air-samples, it is also important to take out-door samples as a means of comparison. Before performing a mold inspection, inspectors should find out if the property is currently under litigation involving mold.
Samples are ideally taken at a height of 3-6 feet off the ground, in the center of the room, and should allow the pump to run for 10 minutes if ideal conditions are present. Exterior doors/windows should be kept close during this time to ensure sampling is contaminated
Air-sampling must be paired with other means of sampling and inspection to get the most accurate findings.
Here is a picture I took during a move out inspection between tenants. From the looks of it, I assumed mold. I was not able to perform a test to help out the owner of the property, but I did advise that she get professionals out to sample and test. She did and the results were positive for mold and she went through the steps to mitigate.
“Air Sampling for Mold Inspections”
Just going over all of the reading and updating in this course was beneficial. But reviewing this section is a good thing on imprinting this into the knowledge bank. Mold spores you cannot see with the naked eye, so air sampling is a way to detect them. Being a competent inspector I would think that the inspector would have with them both air and tape sampling at a minimum.
“Mold, Moisture and your Home”
Another good review after doing the mold course. Remembering that the best way to control mold or not have mold is moisture control. Making sure you keep the humidity in check and maintaining the property. Cleaning up spills, floods, etc. will also help in the fight against mold. Knowing what to do if something happens is the first step. If you’re not sure it doesn’t hurt to call professionals to help out.
The article on “Mudjacking” was interesting. Mudjacking, also known as “concrete leveling”, “pressure grouting”, or “slabjacking”, is when you pump slurry beneath a sunken (often cracked) concrete slab in order to raise it back into place. Instead of tearing up the entire area and pouring new concrete, mudjacking is inexpensive, requires fewer workers and less equipment, and doesn’t take as long to fix.
I also read the article “Outhouse Inspection”. Lime, sawdust, wood ash, straw, peat moss, and kitchen waste. “Nuff said”…
I am surprised that a debate still exists on whether, certain types and quantities of mold, are health risks or not. Articles that I have read in newspapers and scientific journals point to a link between building health and human health. It seems to me that this argument should be settled once and for all.
The article I read was one Mold. To sum everything up, moisture intrusion and mold go hand in hand. Moisture in a building envelope is a homes biggest worry. Not only for structural and material issues, but also personal health.
The interior cabinet and plumbing associated with the kitchen sink were inspected for the possibility of plumbing leaks that may contribute to mold growth. Some staining was observed to indicate a past leak, but no active leaks were observed at the time of inspection. No evidence of organic growth was observed.
I reviewed the article titled “Air Sampling for Mold Inspections.” I found the information on types of air sampling devices to be very helpful. I also appreciated the information provided on not only when to sample, but where to sample and how to position the equipment.
Hello
In my home ,I have been noticing every winter that Black Mold forms in window sills, specially in the bathroom . I also notice continuous formation of Pink colour material in the Shower drain .
This Mold is definitely due to moisture ,as the windows are clear in Summer
Of course the Shower is always wet ,so further investigation and abatement is is required .
Thanks
Waiel Hasan
Through this course I learned that there is more to performing a mold inspection than just taking test samples. I have now started to analyze a home to see where there are possible water intrusion points for the home. I do wish that there was a tutorial of an individual doing a home inspection.
During the evaluation and inspection of the HVAC system. Heavy accumulation of debris was observed on the interior coils of the air handler. Further evaluation and repair is needed by a heating and air contractor.
While performing a home inspection, I came across what appears to be mold growth on the North East corner of the basement walls. Upon further investigation, the ground drain-line has settled and pulled loose from downspout on the right corner (facing rear). It needs re-connecting. It is typical for ground drain lines to settle within the first three years of back fill on new construction. However, this problem needs correcting to prevent erosion which can continue or become worse if not corrected possibly leading to water intrusion. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as needed.
The first article I read about was “Ceiling Fan Inspections”. I have been in numerous homes where the ceiling fan does not have a 7-foot clearance to the floor. This would give someone a headache for sure if it was running. I found the fun facts about the ceiling fans rather funny. Apparently I missed the MythBusters episode stating that an adult human cannot be decapitated by a ceiling fan but a powerful industrial-strength fan could damage a skull or slice someone’s neck.
Second article I read was “Central Humidifiers”. This was good article to read, due to the fact that this assignment is for mold testing. I am not sure many people are aware of the hidden dangers of these units. This article definitely educated me on central humidifier dangers. A must read if you have not done so.