Moisture intrusion is one of the highest ranking causes of mold and property damage. If moisture is allowed to build and stand, mold can form creating possible adverse effects on the buildings structural integrity and adverse health effects for the buildings occupants. Moisture intrusion should be carefully monitored and if found re-mediated as quickly as possible to avoid these risks.
Water damage had occurred to this bathroom recently so all of the base was removed and thoroughly dried for 48 hours to help prevent mold from growing on the gypsum. As seen here the drywall is completely dry and there are no visual signs of mold.
For this research assignment I decided to read the article on mold. Throughout the years I have dealt with many different situations where mold was involved and this article hits the nail on the head about moisture intrusion. In almost every case of mold I’ve come across, there had been some sort of moisture intrusion whether it be from a flood in the basement or a leaking roof. Also try and identify the source of the moisture or the problem will just keep coming back even after cleaning up the current mold situation.
I have had several classes on moisture intrusion in homes and learned considerably more about mold reading the textbook. I have dealt with numerous water damaged homes with major mold issues in the repair stages and its always fascinating how different mold reacts in every situation.
Mold and Mildew
A little about mold and mildew:
Mold is usually fuzzy in appearance. It can be many colors – blue, green, brown, yellow, grey black and white.
Mildew is usually flat and may appear powdery. Mildew usually starts out white and may later turn yellow, brown or black.
Both can cause respiratory problems and headaches.
Mold can also cause allergic reactions, inflammation to the joints and fatigue.
An interesting bit of information -
I was employed by two international bio chemical companies for quite a few years where we raised microorganisms. CPC International and Genencor International.
I majored in microbiology at Blackhawk Technical College in Beloit, Wisconsin which was paid for by CPC International.
Some microorganisms we raised were fungi such as aspergillus niger (Common Black Mold).
Aspergillus niger is used to produce the enzyme used break down long chains of carbohydrates into a smaller chains of carbohydrates so that they can be more readily utilized by other microbes.
Ironically, the enzyme this organism produces is used in the first step in the manufacture of sweeteners such as dextrose, glucose and fructose utilizing corn starch as the carbohydrate which is broken down into smaller and smaller segments. These of course are sweeteners used in food. As the chains of the cornstarch carbohydrate is broken down into smaller segments, it gives a sweeter “mouth feel”.
I know you wonder why someone of my background would be in home inspection so I’ll explain.
My father was a builder and part owner of a construction company. My father in law owned rentals which I worked on. I learned by hands on experience.
I enjoy learning and experiencing life is my excuse-
My background is varied and also includes a college education from the New York Writer Institute, (I have had published stories), The Kansas City Art Institute ( I have won state awards for my paintings), The University of Missouri Conservatory of Music (play the violin). If you stop learning, you stop living.
Joe Saladino - Reliable Home Inspection
Can I get rid of mold entirely?
Simple answer NO - not entirely but you can control its growth.
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors.
Mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. They are everywhere but mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present.
Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.
If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and remove as much of the water source possible. One overlooked area is the condensate on exposed water pipes. Running a dehumidifier can help with this along with wrapping the exposed pipes.
If you clean up the mold but don’t remove the water source, most likely, the mold will become a problem again.
Joe Saladino - Reliable Home Inspection LLC, Janesville WI
Given the right conditions such as the right temperature, the right amount of moisture and the right food mold can grow and be seen within a 48 time. As soon as mold is suspected the home owner should contact a qualified mold inspector. along with contacting the mold inspector they should avoid contact with the expose surfaces or room as much as possible until the issue is remediated.
Air Sampling for Mold
Air sampling for mold should be done for identification of the particular type of mold spores that are to be removed. This can be accomplished by using of the following collection devices, either a impaction sampler or a airbourne particle collector. When using one of these devices place it as close to the center of the room and about 6 feet from the ground. although these are needed to detect air bourne mold you should follow up with a complete mold inspection and a post inspection.
Course photo essay:
Defect: Inspector observed apparent mold growth and water damage on the drywall adjacent to the 1st floor shower stall. A moisture meter reading indicated moisture levels at that time were within normal parameters, and therefore not conducive to mold growth. The drywall surface at that location was devoid of a protective coating of paint.
Areas near wet areas such as shower stalls should be fully finished to help protect their components from moisture intrusion and mold/fungal damage.
Recommend mitigation of the apparent mold growth and any resultant damage, and completion of the protective paint coating applied to the adjacent area to help prevent recurrent damage. Recommend recaulking the shower door to help prevent future moisture intrusion into this area.
Course research essay:
For my research essay, I read “Carpet Mold: Identification, Prevention and Removal”](https://www.nachi.org/carpet-mold.htm) by Nick Gromicko and Ethan Ward.
Our present course takes a whole-house approach to mold inspection although both “Complete” and “Limited” inspection models are presented. The article I have chosen reduces the focus down to a very important element in modern homes - carpeting and mold growth.
In my past experience as a remodeler, I was often consulted when clients experienced home damage. As a licensed builder, I always considered carpeting to be a finish application. Expensive as it can be, it is simply not part of a home’s structure. If it degrades a home’s value, it should be removed and replaced.
The current article expresses a similar view. While carpets can be dried and cleaned, this must happen within a rather limited time frame. Oftentimes, damage and water intrusion has occured while a home owner is out-of-town, and mold has already set in.
As a part of the how to perform mold inspections I also read two different articles on remediation and common causes in the state of Minnesota. No big surprise that a majority of mold is caused by excess humidity in basements. Interesting to find that there are furnace installers not installing fresh air after they install a high efficiency unit.
I decided to take a look at the mold and moisture article. What I find interesting that when you talk about mold with people their more worried about just how they can get rid of rather than how to I prevent it in my house once it is gone. The article does a great job of reiterating the importance of not only how remove it but making sure that you are keeping the humidity low in the house or removing the source.
Pictured below is a basement with significant amount of mold on the drywall. The occupants of the building decided to vent the clothes dryer into the basement area in an effort to save on their heating bill. The basement is old and uninsulated so when the hot moist air from the dryer came into contact with the cold air and materials it caused significant condensation and high levels of humidity which allowed for the mold to grow on the drywall paper.
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Out of the 300,000 types of mold that exist, not one of them can survive without moisture. Therefore the best way to prevent/control mold is to maintain a low relative humidity in your home and immediately stop and dry any leaks. If you already have mold stop the cause of the moisture then properly clean up the mold. Hard surfaces can be cleaned by scrubbing them with soap and water. Porous materials like ceiling tiles will typically have to be thrown out.
This photo is a perfect example of what routine maintenance will prevent if neglected.
This photo is of an area in a exterior wall that has a angle stop valve for a refrigerator water line. There is also visual signs of mold in the wall cavity, the insulation about one foot up the wall and also the drywall and studs on opposite side of the wall.
Cgarcia2
NACHI16042023
Carpet Mold: Identification, Prevention and Removal
by Nick Gromicko and Ethan Ward
Carpet most at risk of growing mold spores is carpet in damp cold climates, in basements and if it has ever been wet and not dried properly. Mold in carpets can be detected by visible signs of mold, musty stale odors and by pulling back carpet and checking the padding for wetness. The best method for combating mold is to not allow mold growth in the first place. The best way to do so is by ensuring that conditions conducive to growth do not exist.
The best method for combating mold is to not allow mold growth in the first place. The best way to do so is by ensuring that conditions conducive to growth do not exist. A home owner can mitigate mold in the home by reducing the indoor humidity, Installing carpet intelligently by installing in area that is not subject to high moisture. Choose a high quality carpet padding. And probably the most important is never allow standing water in the carpet.
cgarcia
NACHI16042023
This is for my assignment #1.
Attached photos are actual mold inspection from a client’s condo apartment. We had provided 4 samples during the inspection, one at the living room, one in the hallway near the return, one in the master bedroom, and one in the outside balcony. During the home inspection, we did not find any evidence of mold substance but buyer insisted to have a mold inspection done. All samples’ collection time were 5 minutes of air atmosphere.
Subject had a toilet supply valve that had been leaking unnoticed for days as this was a secondary half bath rarely used. Mold had developed along corner wall (Drywall), baseboard and tile floor. All effected areas were removed and treated with a mold inhibitor.
Dry Ice Blasting vs Soda Blasting:
Soda Blasting is an effective cleaning method. Soda Blasting, like all open blasting, creates a great deal of secondary waste. Often, the time spent blasting is matched, if not doubled by the time it takes to clean up the extra waste soda blasting creates. The residue and waste left behind by soda blasting can adhere to wood and other substrates being blasted and can be used safely on electrical components. Meets USDA, FDA and EPA guidelines. Dry ice blasting uses nonabrasive dry ice that often surpasses the clean left behind by soda, but does so without leaving any secondary waste to dispose of. Dry ice blasting is environmentally, employee and equipment friendly alternative to most conventional surface preparation and cleaning methods.
