Research & Writing Assignment:
The picture utilized from the gallery is Attic Condensation. This picture is a great illustration of where moisture can enter the attic space and create condensation that can create mold spores if not corrected and treated properly. With the amount of wood in the attic, mold spores has a lot of surface area to attach to and grow on. This picture shows this importance of ensuring that the attic is moisture free by showing where common entrance points are.
Research & Writing Assignment:
*Mold testing for home inspectors (article)
Mold Inspection licencing/certification requirements vary from state to state and it’s the inspectors responsibility to find out what is required for the state you work in. Mold inspections require the inspector to have a good working knowledge of HVAC systems, roofs, the interior & exterior and plumbing systems. A mold inspection starts as a home inspection with a non-invasive visual inspection of the homes interior, exterior, plumbing systems and anything that would factor in moisture intrusion. It’s is key to communicate to the homeowner that prevention is the best way to combat mold and they should be encouraged to locate and repair all plumbing leaks and any sources of water intrusion where mold can start to grow.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached inspection photo shows evidence of a water leak and apparent mold growth. The location is a corner in the kitchen ceiling. Examination in the attic above the kitchen showed signs of a water leak - the insulation was matted down and discolored directly below a roof vent turret that had water stains around the perimeter of its roof penetration. Examination on the roof found evidence of a recent roof repair around the roof went. A moisture meter showed no elevated moisture readings at the kitchen ceiling water stain.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold testing for home inspectors seems like a natural extension for the services they can provide. Having gone through the “How to Perform Mold Inspections Course”, it essentially is a home inspection that is focused on water intrusion detection. Mold can show up very quickly where there is water intrusion, knowing where to look for water gives you a better chance of finding suspected mold.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of mold discovered in a crawl space floor joist. The relative humidity in the crawlspace was over 60% which can cause mold to grow rapidly. The wood components should be inspected for damage and the moisture issues should be resolved immediately to prevent further damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold, Moisture and Your Home
Mold in your home is a reality for everyone. The key to controlling mold is to control the moisture in your home. If you can keep moisture levels low it will prevent mold from growing.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This inspection included the section of the Rheem furnace equipped with A/C A coil condensate pan and connected drainage piping to a sump drain. no signs of dripping stain or rusting around the A coil enclosure or were noticed and no sign of moisture intrusion were found in the electronic filter cavity or on the filers or screened pre filters. The unit did have a rotating disk humidifier connected to the return duct. However the system as been shut down and not in service. the unit seems to have been cleaned at shut down nd shows no signs of fungal contamination.
Research & Writing Assignment:
With regards to the construction of the exterior wall. The wall construction must pay attention to the materials and method of assembly. The inter wall board should arranged with both a breathable vapor barrier and an air gap before the interior wall insulation. The exterior wall should also allow and air gap the wall insulation in this way the temperature transfer will be slowed and moisture production reduced. The bottom of the wall should still have weeps to the out side to allow for the escape of moisture and ventilation of the wall.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo taken in a basement where there were concrete foundation blocks that had some crumbling and efflorescence (higher up on the wall). There was a question of possible mold, but there were no odors nor apparent visible mold on the surface. The moisture content of the wall was low (5.5%), and the relative humidity was low (23.8%), and the ambient temperature was normal (60.4 F). Today is a cold day of 38 F, and the living area temperature is 63 F. If the client is concerned about the observed condition, an air sample would be taken in this space, and 2 outdoor samples would be taken. All would be sent to the lab for analysis, a chain of custody would be maintained, and a final report would be written and given to the client.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This illustration is of a leak noted in the roof of this building. There is a broken or missing shingle(s), and damage to the decking. Rain water is allowed to flow into the attic and run along the inside of the decking, and then eventually drip onto the joists or attic flooring. A visual inspection might reveal apparent mold growing, and If found, surface samples should be taken and analyzed by a lab. If this is found to be mold, a remediation plan should be created to repair the roof and prevent all leaks, and the mold should be completely removed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Evidence of moisture intrusion was noted in the unfinished basement. Appeared to be from an prior problem and was not actively leaking or wet at the time of inspection. No moldy odors were detected in that area at the time of inspection, but recommend further evaluation and possible mold test in the area to rule out mold growth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article titled, “Mold, Moisture and Your Home”. It was good to read because it gave me some ideas of how I can talk to clients about mold in their homes and how to give them some good basic tips about preventing the growth of mold.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a picture of me taking a swab sample under the kitchen sink in a condo. This unit appeared to have some moisture intrusion from the exterior since there werent any present leaks in the kitchen plumbing. The lab report confirmed the presence of Chaetomium and Penicillium/Aspergillus. This should be remedied by first solving the moisture intrusion problem and then performing minor mold remediation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read an article called, Mold, Moisture and Your Home. I like this article because it pretty much organized and clearly summarized the key points in this class. It does well to explain that the key to controlling mold is controlling moisture.
Something interesting I learned from this article and the class is that biocides such as bleach arent usually necessary and that detergent is the basic substance used to clean mold. This led me to do some research and I found that bleach is unnecessary because it stays on the surface of porous materials due to its ionic structure. Its also corrosive and can damage some materials and can be a hazard if inhaled.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During a general home inspection, I observed what appeared to be mold in the basement of the home. The floor area adjacent to the wall shows evidence of prior standing water. My recommendation would be to perform a limited Mold Inspection in the basement of the home. When the report comes back from the lab, proper remediation steps should be taken to eliminate the current problem. Also, I would recommend that the homeowner find and repair the source of the water intrusion to prevent the problem from happening again.
Research & Writing Assignment:
After reading the article, “Mold Testing for Home Inspectors,” I learned that mold inspections can be offered to customers as a result of the general home inspection. In the course of the routine inspection, when evidence of mold or the conditions that are indicators of mold growth such as musty odors, evidence of water intrusion or evidence of moisture on surfaces, a mold inspection should be suggested. Mold can aggravate respiratory conditions and can cause significant damage to a home. Certification in mold testing is a way to let consumers know that I have been trained properly and it can reassure them that their home is a safe environment for their family.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
If youre buying a new home or want to inspect your current property, it is important to look for mold. One effective way to do so is through a mold test. Because mold consists of spores that travel through the air, it can spread quickly. Additionally, mold creates mycotoxins, which are dangerous organisms that attack the immune system and jeopardize health
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold is a byproduct of the breakdown of organic matter, such as plants, wood, and even food and certain beverages. The problem posed to humans by mold is their spores, which can be released into the air and land on damp surfaces indoors, where they will continue to grow, if the conditions are right. Mold growth left unaddressed can quickly spread and result in damage to the structure of a home. More importantly, mold can compromise the respiratory health of susceptible individuals.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached image is of a water heater pedestal that has been covered with wallboard. The image shows extensive water damage and mold growth on the drywall directly next to and on the water heater pedestal. This is an example of the damage that can be caused by an obviously moist environment.
Research & Writing Assignment:
For this essay Ive chosen the article Abrasive Blasting for Mold Remediation. The article describes the use of sodium bicarbonate as the medium propelled to help in the remediation of mold. This method is obviously restricted to certain types of hard surfaces but seems to work well and is less labor intensive than hand scrubbing the surface with detergents and water.
