The above photo consists of a fairly large swath of some type of mold around the inside of a window frame. This mold needs to be photographed and documented in the report that is given to the customer, as some molds can be toxic.
Mold growth in a home is most commonly associated with moisture control. Mold growth is a natural event in nature with the purpose of breaking down dead organic matter. Proper steps need to be taken in the home to prevent mold growth.
There were indications of moisture intrusion made evident by moisture stains, efflorescence, and high moisture readings. The moisture intrusion was located on the foundation blocks in the crawl space below the kitchens. Moisture readings were 23.1% at the time of inspection.
The article was about easy ways to save energy and money in you house.
Installing programable thermostats
Periodically replacing filters
Replace incandescent lights with LED
Install tankless water heater
Seal and insulate your home. Some common places to insulate are:
electrical receptacles/outlets;
mail slots;
around pipes and wires;
wall- or window-mounted air conditioners;
attic hatches;
fireplace dampers;
inadequate weatherstripping around doors;
baseboards;
window frames; and
switch plates.
During a recent home inspection I found a black mildew or mold like substance in the interior of the A/C evaporator housing. I advised my client that some black mildew or mold like substances are known safety hazards and the only way to know if it is to have it tested with a swab or tape lift and to send it to a lab for analysis.
To prevent mold from growing in your home the best way to prevent it is with proper home maintenance, specifically with moisture control. This means having a positive grade so water drains away from the home, downspouts that exit 4-6 ft from the home, the attic has proper ventilation, the basement/crawlspace is kept dry by adding a dehumidifier if needed to control humidity levels (between 40 to 60%)and the HVAC system is properly maintained.
The exterior and/or interior of the indoor air handler/conditioning units cabinet in the attic of the house displayed evidence of potential microbial growth in various locations at the time of inspection. Microbial growth testing is highly recommended to determine air quality safety.
Article: Moisture Intrusion
A major cause of building defects and health ailments for building inhabitants can be attributed to moisture intrusion. As inspectors, we should have at least a rudimentary understanding of how moisture enters a building as well as the areas where problem most commonly arise.
Moisture-related problems include the following:
Structural wood decay
High indoor humidity and resulting condensation
Expansive soil - foundation issues
Undermined foundations
Metal corrosion
Ice dams
Mold growth which adversely effects or causes fatality in people with
the following health conditions:
*Asthma
*Allergies
*Lung disease
*Compromised immune systems
The bathroom was covered with mold stain .i had to used the bleach chemical to clean the Wall.I remove the bad part of the wall .i fixed the leak and reinstall the drywall .i applied a special product in wall to protect it for future mall problem
On Jan. 2019. I received a call from neighbor about a mold problem .i went over her house .i inspected the house .i discovered that a serious mold stain in the bathroom area I tested with my moisture meter .and clean it with bleach
During the inspection of the attic area, ceilings and walls have apparent microbial growth. The area was musky smelling and shows signs of the possibility of prior water penetration. Recommend mold testing to evaluate for possible mold in the attic area.
I learned from reading article Mold, Moisture and Your Home that “Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.”
In this picture we see under sink component in reference to mold inspection we would want to use our sense of smell and visual inspection to see if there is any apparent mold. We would also want to ask if there are any active leaks or if any plumbing issues have corrected in past. If any apparent mold is visible we would want to swab the area using the standards of practice.
In the image of this bathroom ceiling is observed staining which is pretty extensive. The bathroom does not have any type of exhaust ventilation. The room does have a leaking sink an visible moisture damage inside the vanity as well as a musty odor.
In the article “Air Sampling for Inspectors” it is discussed when to and not to take air samples. If visual examination and conditions determines possible mold samples should be taken but not if a resident is under care for mold exposure or litigation is in progress for mold.
The article I chose was Mold Testing for Home Inspectors, it is noted that mold inspection falls outside the InterNACHI’s standards of practice. It discusses the cause of mold and that the best way to stop mold is be vigilant in stopping the causes, which mainly is moisture from water leaks.
what a great course! Every Internachi course I’ve taken is far and above any other course of the same topic. I’m adding mold testing to my new business and this course will definitely get me prepared to so that. Thanks!
My name is Carl Daniels and I am an inspector from the State of NH. I’m taking this course as part of my continuing education requirements by the State. Happy to be joining. Having recently built a new home in Florida this course has special interest for me.
Also, I do not see how to start a new port on this thread so I ended out replying to the opening post for my introduction. If anyone wants to give me some guidance on how to start a new thread let me know.