I have enjoyed studying the InterNACHI materials for this course of study. Of course I knew what mold was prior to taking this class, but I now know where to better focus my energy during a mold inspection, as well as articulate the findings of the inspection to my clients.
I also believe the knowledge gained from this class will instill confidence in the realtors that refer me to clients.
A regular inspection of my own HVAC ducts will be added to the list of maintenance items in my own home as a result of taking this class. Filter changes will be more frequent too!
Living in Colorado I came across an article for mold and other issues you may find with a person having a grow house or a former grow house for marijuana. There are a lot of people that grow here in CO. The article talked about the possibility of additional moisture in some areas that were used to grow and even stealing power by inserting fish hooks in power lines before it reaches the meter. Inspectors in CO be on the look out!
The pictures submitted are of my apartments HVAC system installed in a utility closet located next to my porch. The drain hose was installed directly in front of the filter access. This makes changing the filter extremely difficult, which is probably why there wasn’t a filter there when I moved in. I made a recommendation to the building manager to have the drain hose re-routed towards the left with an elbow at least three inches and then down to perform its function and allow an easier filter replacement.
I really enjoy everything this membership and course has to offer. My research topic is on GFCIs.
A GFCI is a great innovation in the electric field. This ground-fault circuit interrupter detects an unbalanced current between an energized conductor and a neutral return. When detected it shuts off the electric current in less than .25 of a second. Statistics show that there are over 300 deaths due to electrocution each year. GFCIs have been adopted in construction practices since the 1980s. Some States require a GFCI within their local codes within 6 feet of a water source and in garages. A GFCI can also protect up to two additional circuits if wired properly. I always use my GFCI tester during my home inspections to ensure proper electrical connection and protection for the potential buyer.
Pictured, is a steel-pane bathroom window with apparent mold growth. Water produced from the bathroom fixtures was condensing on the window face and pooling on the wood, causing damage to the paint and wood, creating a conducive environment for microbial growth. The bathroom had a functioning exhaust fan, but it required cleaning and the avenue in which it vented and terminated was at the time, unclear.
Here we have what looks to be some pretty serious apparent mold, probably from flooding. It appears that the piano and walls were uniformly hit and remediation was not conducted in a timely manner. Had the owners been able to act within 48 hours and been able to conduct drying operations, they most likely could have saved much from this situation.
I inspected the laundry room in my “new “old house. I suspected the presence of mold because of the musty smell in the laundry room. I began the inspection around the floor, where I discovered a black slimy substance growing on the baseboard and trim. I pulled the paneling off the wall to discover heavy black mold on the paneling and sheetrock behind it. I then began to remove the sheet rock from the walls and uncovered black rotten wood all along the walls and floors. During the process, I wore an N95 mask and a tyvec suit with rubber gloves and booties. I was able to use my rolling garbage cans to remove the debris from the house. I have had to remove all of the wood from most of the laundry room including large portions of the wood sill on the floor. I also uncovered evidence of a bathroom that existed in the laundry room at one time, including this shower which was hidden in the wall! Fun! Sorry the Picture was not sideways when it was downloaded!
Mold
Mold will grow wherever water is present, because the dust and dirt present within most indoor spaces is enough to provide the nourishment it needs. For this reason water and dampness should be eliminated or kept to a minimum in all indoor spaces, because mold can cause a health hazard to humans.
One of the ways to inspect for mold is odor. While doing an inspection last week, there was a heavy musty smell. This let me to further review any tell signs, for example any leaking fixtures. After closer look, I noticed ceiling damage, which let me to the bathroom above. It had a leak. It all ties together.
The basics of Mold. The key is to control moisture. It is important to dry water damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours. You should clean up any affected areas as soon as possible to prevent future problems.
The attached photo shows a well tank in the attached garage of a home in Virginia. The black covering on the drywall is an area of concern and shows moisture content above the readings in the drywall near the area. The discoloration is only located in the garage and there is no evidence in the rest of the home of a moldy smells, high humidity or discoloration that looks like mold. This is enough for me to suggest a tape test of the area according to IAC2 standards.
Connected devices and fixtures (observed from a representative number operation of the ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles located inside the house, garage, and on the dwellings exterior walls .)
Repair or replace
At least one outlet shows open ground in the living room. Electrical issues are considered a hazard until repaired. This is a safety issue that needs to be corrected. A qualified licensed electrical contractor should inspect further for this and any other issues and repair or replace as necessary.
The results of mold sample showed tested areas have acceptable level levels of non-hazardous mold, as defined by inspector lap. They established a clearance protocol used to decide whether an area is cleared. In addition, the moisture sources created the excessive mold at this house has been taken care of.
The mold clearance criterial depend on whether the test were taken before or after remediation and whether the clearances was performed by a professional mold remediation or not. There are three cases.
Mold is suspected or present
Generally if not an airborne hazard as moles are less than twice then what is found in the outdoor air space and none are found in bulk, tape or swab samples, the area considered to have acceptable mold levels.
Remediation not performed by mold remediation professionals
Generally, if nonhazardous mold are less than twice then what is found in the outdoor air sample and are not found in bulk, tape, or swab samples, the area is considered to have acceptable mold levels.
Remediation performed by mold remediation professionals
Generally, if nonhazardous mold are less than what is found in the outdoor air sample and none are found in bulk, tape or swab samples, the area considered to have acceptable mold levels.
The included photo shows a HVAC system that was installed ina recently renovated home. As the photo shows much white dust exists in the fancabinet. This dust is presumed to be from the sanding of joint compoundassociated with the renovations. Unfortunately, this is a condition concernquite frequently encountered in both new construction and in renovationprojects as works will tend to use the HVAC as they perform their tasks.
The concerns that such dust presents in numerous however inthis summation the focus will be on the potential for creating an atmospherewhere mold can develop.
It is likely that the dust will seep into the condensercompartment located on top of the furnace and this dust will tend to cling onto the fins of that “radiator” like component. When the cooling season beginsthe condensation that develops on the fins will turn the dust into a mud likesubstance that will flow into the condensation collection pan and relatedcomponents.
It is typical that the mud will clog these needed drains andallow the condensation water to bypass the path it is supposed to travel. Sucherrant condensation will typically flow onto the floor around the air handlerwhere it may not be observed by the residents for a period of time.
The displaced moisturecan present ripe conditions for the development of unhealthy mold spores whichputs the residents of the home at risk for potential health related events.
Respectfully submitted,
The included photo shows a HVAC system that was installed in a recently renovated home. As the photo shows much white dust exists in the fan cabinet. This dust is presumed to be from the sanding of joint compound associated with the renovations. Unfortunately, this is a condition concern quite frequently encountered in both new construction and in renovation projects as works will tend to use the HVAC as they perform their tasks.
The concerns that such dust presents in numerous however in this summation the focus will be on the potential for creating an atmosphere where mold can develop.
It is likely that the dust will seep into the condenser compartment located on top of the furnace and this dust will tend to cling on to the fins of that “radiator” like component. When the cooling season begins the condensation that develops on the fins will turn the dust into a mud like substance that will flow into the condensation collection pan and related components.
It is typical that the mud will clog these needed drains and allow the condensation water to bypass the path it is supposed to travel. Such errant condensation will typically flow onto the floor around the air handler where it may not be observed by the residents for a period of time.
The displaced moisture can present ripe conditions for the development of unhealthy mold spores which puts the residents of the home at risk for potential health related events.
Respectfully submitted,
A couple of pictures from one inspection that shows moisture intrusion and damage from the intrusion. One side of the basement there was water staining and mold growth but when I went on the other side of a divider wall, there was damage to the floor. The floor was heaved about 1-2 inches. This home had foundation cracks all around the house. Some were wide enough to stick a pencil in.
Water is the most destructive element to a building. It always finds a way in no matter how diligent the owners get in keeping it out. Most of the moisture comes from infiltration moving in the form of vapour. Diffusion, plumbing and roof leaks, flooding and people bathing are other ways of moisture getting into the building. Building damage and mold growth are the consequences of not keeping moisture out.
The attached image is an shows apparent mold growth around the area of the removed sink cabinet. To determine if this is actual mold will require sampling and a lab analysis.
The perimeter of the sink cabinet that was removed appears to be the source of moisture intrusion
This article addresses many of the basic concerns such as: What causes mold in homes, how to get rid of it, who should do the cleanup as well as preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the potential for the growth of mold in your home. Tips and techniques for prevention and removal of mold are outlined as well. For these reasons I feel this would be a helpful article to share with clients that have mold concerns.
The attached picture shows a fireplace fire box that is falling apart and is unsafe. The inspection steps leading to the discovery began in the finished basement, in the utility room with the hot water heater and furnace. A water stain was observed on the rim joist, next to where the chimney is attached on the outside of the home. Inspection of the fireplace revealed the chimney is unlined. It consists of mortared common red brick. Serious failure of the mortar joints was observed.
The point where the chimney and beveled cedar siding met on the exterior was sealed with mortar, not byutal, poly, or elastomeric sealing calk. Although the specific source point of the leak was not identified (even with infrared imaging), the insufficient sealing of the joint between the chimney and the siding is obviously the defect.
The interior of the fireplace was then inspected and the burnt out firebox discovered.
Recommended the fireplace be evaluated by a licensed and qualified mason. Notified client the fireplace may be unsafe for use until properly inspected by professional mason.
