2 articles that I read for this course are Carpet Mold: Identification, Prevention, and Removal and Carpeted Bathrooms.
I read these articles because they relate directly to this course for how to perform mold inspections. Carpet and carpeted bathrooms are very susceptible to mold growth. If carpet becomes wet due to flooding or moisture intrusion, mold can grow very rapidly as carpet, carpet pad, and the wood subfloor are great food sources for mold. Mold detection in carpet is not usually diagnosed through visible means. If visible mold is found, then there is a very severe case of mold growth that has been occurring for a very long period of time. The most common way of mold detection in carpet is through the inspector using a moisture meter to see if the conditions are conducive to mold growth. If the carpet is found to contain moisture, the carpet should be peeled back and the mold area should be cleaned with detergent and water. Once cleaned the area and carpet should be dried properly and completely before re-installation of the carpet. In severe cases the carpet and subfloor may need to be thrown out and replaced.
These photos are from a secondary bathroom on the second floor of a house. The toilet appears to be in good working order with no apparent leaks from the supply valve or around the wax ring. In the photo of the floor at the base of the tub, there is no apparent mold growth, but the vinyl flooring is peeling back from the edge of the tub. I recommend that a certified mold inspector be contacted so a proper moisture reading can be performed to check and see if moisture intrusion/damage has occurred under the vinyl flooring.
Strong musty odor throughout home. Inspected master bedroom (limited inspection). Per homeowner, waterbed leaked in closed room and was undiscovered for several days. Waterbed heater apparently ran while leaking, causing steam to collect on walls and ceiling. Waterbed was dismantled and will be discarded. Entire ceiling, furnishings, drapes covered in mold-like substance. Temperature reading in room: 79 degrees F, humidity reading center of room near ceiling 43%. Collected air sample per customer request using Zefon Z-Lite IAQ Pump and Air-O-Cel. Ran pump for 10 minutes at 15 liters per minute, starting at 4:38 PM and ending at 4:47 PM, for a total pass through of 150 liters. Collected swab sample from dresser. Delivered samples to lab along with the outdoor air samples. Photo shows the ceiling, which is painted white, covered with a black mold like substance.
There is water intrusion at the base of the foundation wall. The elevated moisture content will lead to an environment conducive to mold growth. Recommend having a qualified basement waterproofing company assess and make repairs as necessary.
In taking this course, I have learned the best practices for air sampling as well as taking mold samples to be sent to a lab. It is important to were proper PPE when collecting samples as well as guarding and recording the chain of custody for all samples that are to be sent to a lab for testing. Indoor air quality and mold imparticular are major concerns that if left unchecked can lead to major health issues for the homes occupants and perhaps anyone who visits the home.
Continued awareness will help in the inspection process.
This gas hot water heater is leaking from the drain spigot. There is efflorescence from the water heater to the floor drain appx. 6 feet away. This is an ongoing source of moisture flowing at a greater rate when the appliance is heating. The leaking water has not come into contact with any organic substances.
No mold is visible in the area. No moldy or musty smells are present. Humidity levels are low.
Repairs should be performed to eliminate a situation that could be conducive to mold growth. Repair of the leaking water spigot and cleanup of the efflorescence is all that is required. It appears the efflorescence is a result of the water from the water heater and not due to any capillary flow from beneath the slab.
Mold spores are present throughout any structure. Moisture intrusion into a structure is conducive to mold growth. Inspecting and sealing any cracks or holes in the outside envelope is important to reduce the potential for mold growth. Interior plumbing pipes and HVAC systems should be inspected for leaks or condensation. Interior walls and ceilings should be inspected for staining and tested for moisture content if found.
If no water intrusion is allowed to enter the structure from the outside envelope and there are no sources of moisture from inside the chance of mold growth is dramatically reduced or eliminated.
Moisture meters are necessary equipment for many aspects of mold inspection and remediation. They prove invaluable in locating possible hidden leaks. They help determine what areas are involved in the remediation process. Once remediation is complete they can determine if the home or business is suitable for occupancy.
At the lower level bathroom location along the back right corner of shower there was some moisture intrusion, water damage, apparent mold growth.
Further testing is required to establish if the unknown substance is in fact mold growth.
It is recommended a qualified contractor evaluate and repair water leak from shower enclosure to stop any further water damage, and determine if water has damaged framing and drywall behind and beside enclosure.
The two articles I read for my assignment were Rockwool and Perlite.
Rockwool sometimes it is called mineral wool is insulation made from actual rocks and minerals and has a superior ability to block heat and sound. It can be loose fill type or used as for residential, commercial and industrial insulation, acoustical celling tiles and spray on fireproofing. One downside of Rockwool is that it can hold a large amount of water.
Perlite insulation is produced in a granular form as well as a powder form and combined with other materials to make an insulating board. Perlite is used for the insulation of low-temperature equipment, and is widely used as loose-fill insulation, especially in masonry construction. Perlite is moisture-resistant, making it useful for use in areas exposed to water or dampness, such as in floor leveling compounds and under-floor insulation.
Both are mined and need a great deal of heat to produce the final product, around 1,600° C for Rockwool and 871° C for Perlite. The Rockwool has an R-value of 3.10 to 4.0 and Perlite has an R-value of 2.7. Both are naturally-occurring and each have a place in insulating our buildings
A bathroom vent fan has been removed in the master bathroom. No windows were noted in the bathroom. Improper ventilation in bathrooms can lead to mold growth. Install proper ventilation as required.
The first article that I read was “A Garage Inspection” by Kenton Shepard. In the article he reports on numerous deficiencies with the truss system in the garage. One thing that he forgot to mention was the the improper hanger does not appear to be fastened to the trusses. The truss appears to be sitting on the hanger without a fastener.
The second article I read was “ Dryer Vent Safety” by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard. This is a great article to help inspectors explain to their clients the dangers relating to dryer vents. I have found deficiencies in dryer venting in many of my inspections.
Odors present in basement, smells of cat urine and mold. Visible apparent mold growth underneath the carpet in the corner where water is present at foundation. Recommend improve conditions to prevent water penetration, remove carpet and seal concrete walls and floor with hydrostatic paint to help prevent moisture intrusion and condensation issues.
I read the following articles: “Mold, Moisture, and Your Home” and “Moisture Intrusion”
I am already aware of the prevalence of moisture intrusion issues present in northern climates. I comment on the causes and issues regularly in my reporting. I was not aware until taking this course and reading through the associated articles, of the speed with which mold can grow. I have been in properties with minor mold issues under sinks or in basement corners, to properties with attics in full mold bloom or basements which flooded and were improperly mitigated. I would refer clients to others because I lacked the knowledge about mold to offer proper advice and testing. I am excited to be able to share my new knowledge and utilize the mold testing procedures to enrich my home inspections for my clients.
Attached is a photo of moisture stains/damage from an apparent previous leak at water heater in garage. The interior/adjacent room is the master bedroom which had a musty odor. Further evaluation and air testing was recommended.
The attached photos are of an attic of a home where moisture, and mold are often found. The sheathing, and around the vent areas showed no signs of moisture, or mold at the time of inspection. It had been raining for a few days prior to the inspection, and also on the day of the inspection. This gave me a good chance to see if moisture was intruding the home through the attic.
Finding better ways to save money and energy in your home is a lot easier than people really think. From heating and cooling your home by installing programmable thermostats, ceiling fans, to just having you curtains drawn over the windows can make a huge difference. Sealing your windows and doors properly can also help with the insulation of your home. You can even save on your water consumption by installing a low-flow shower head. Saving money by cooking smarter by using a microwave, or pressure cooker can be very energy efficient. Helping the homeowner in the area saving money & energy is a great thing for the Inspector to recommend.
Article 2: Anti-Scald Valves
Anti-Scald Valves are great to have installed knowing that scalds accounts for 20% of all burns. Knowing that over 2,000 children are scalded each year in America and the elderly are injured as well, the installation of this valve is important. This valve is typically simple and inexpensive to have installed by putting them at the water heater, or at a fixture. Anti-Scald Valves are used to reduce water temperatures that may be harmful to occupants.
Tile located just above the shower pan in the basement bathroom has come loose. There is evidence of water intrusion, water damage, and a mold-like substance is visible. It is recommended that a qualified contractor inspect and make any repairs to water damaged areas and fix any areas of water penetration.
This image is of an older guest half-bathroom. All it had in it was a toilet and sink, and the caulking was missing around the sink. This is an area of concern for mold, and caulking it now will save a lot of headaches later. Luckily, since it is used so infrequently, there are no signs (visual or smell) of mold. Yet. The wall is drywall covered in wallpaper, and we all know both are pretty susceptible for mold growth.
Air Sampling for Mold Inspections
This article explains why taking an air sample is so important when testing for mold. Mainly because we cannot see them. The article talks about where to collect the samples, when it’s necessary to take a sample, and what to do with after (send it to a lab). Air samples aren’t the end all be all, though. You should use other collection/ testing means as well.
Carpet Mold: Identification, Prevention and Removal
This article talks about the dangers of mold, and some health concerns. It mentions that the carpet is a high risk for mold growth. There are some examples of how to id a mold issue. There are also some ideas on how to prevent mold growth in the first place. A lot of it is common sense for an inspector, but still worth a read. The article finishes by talking about cleaning vs removing the mold-infested carpet. Personally, I would recommend just removing it.
