This is inspection was around interior basement perimeter (as had substantial rain in past 24 hours). No evidence of water intrusion. The basement is partially finished (carpet and bare concrete). Using moisture meter at middle of room for baseline readings and worked around room perimeter. Found no evidence of inconsistent readings, no staining noted in carpeted areas. The same results in back SE room and laundry furnace area w/ concrete floors. There were
Carpet cleaning services that don’t use fans to dry carpets during angle after cleaning can lead to mold growth make sure to ask your floor cleaning professionals if the use fans to dry carpets and that there extracting as much of the water used in the cleaning process
Moisture introduced through a clogged drain at a basement window well can lead to big problems not only for the windows the foundation but also the will plate but also the floor framing and possibly the waLLC framing this could introduce lots of moisture to several building components increasing the chance of mold growth
Mold, moisture and your home. This fungus is everywhere, including your home the trick is controlling it. Controlling humidity levels and eliminating the source are the first two issues. Keeping below 60% ideally between 30 -50 % R.H., ensuring appliances correctly vented, use of bathroom fans, climate control (a/c, dehumidifier, etc) could help. Finding, correcting and eliminating sources , the problem won’t go away on it’s own. Cleanup may require specialized remediation depending on area involved. Under 10 sq. ft. using PPE can typically be done yourself. Over that starts to involve extra precautions and planning. If any questions regarding health issues always refer them to health authority.
A black substance was discovered under the full bathroom sink. with the use of a moisture meter it was determined that the moisture level in this area was significantly higher then on adjoining walls. This would suggest that an active leak or moisture intrusion is present. Recommendations to have this area further evaluated the cause of the elevated moisture be discovered and repaired. Also, that the stained area be properly cleaned or replaced.
Image: Bathroom Fan Venting, Uploaded January 12, 2016
One of the findings associated with the Research Assignment is the the bath area being inspected did not have a ventilation system. One of the recommendations of the inspection is that a ventilation system be installed. For this situation, a ceiling fan unit or wall mounted fan, with a wall vent, installed by a qualified professional, is recommended.
For my essay I decided to look into a mold sampling kits. I found this Air-O-cell starter kit made by Zefon. It comes with a pump with integrated flow meter/regulator valve. The kit includes tubing, sampling stand, bioisolation filter and caring case. You can buy the starter kit for around $319.00.It also comes with 10 Air-O-Cell sampling cartridges.
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During the course of a limited mold inspection, a bath area, as noted in the picture, was inspected. The area showed signs of water leakage (warping of wall/tile around plumbing), excessive ambient moisture (cracking/peeling of paint above shower stall), musty odors, and visual indications of surface mold (on walls and uncaulked areas at ends of grab handles that penetrate the tub structure). Additionally, the bath area did not have adequate moisture ventilation, other than a small window (which was very inefficient and probably contributed to condensation). As a significant source of the moisture may be leaking plumbing (behind tile) and water penetrating the tub structure, a more invasive inspection is warranted.
For my essay I wanted to review mold. Mold is everywhere, but you do not want to have higher levels inside your home than outside. The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture. Find and fix water leaks. Dry,clean or repair area affected and maintain a RH between 30% to 50%. Re-inspect.
Mold growth was visible at the exterior surface of the HVAC system located in the garage. Air leaks were detected at the units cover and plenum. Dirt and dust was apparent on the exterior surface of the HVAC system therefore with the estimated RH being above 70% in the garage and the cold air leaks allowed mold to develop on the unit. The air leaks were the dominating factor in this case and control strategies such as sealing the air leaks at the HVAC along with proper maintenance of the system should remedy this mold issue.
Moisture Intrusion-Downspout
This situation can be minimized or eliminated by regrading exterior landscape away from the home and extending the gutter downspouts away from foundation. The unsealed area around isolation joint line is allowing moisture penetration at foundation wall. Recommend sealing with hydraulic cement and polyurethane caulking.
The health of the occupants is the main concern of the inspector.He should first find out the concerns of his clients. His inspection should address their concerns and his findings should be backed up with evidence that has be properly collected and documented.
This is an example of mold in a cabinet under a sink. This may have been the result of a long period of neglect. The conditions in this area were perfect for mold growth and the homeowner had covered the damaged area with a plywood board.
From the image I chose in the gallery, I learned that using an infrared camera during a mold inspection can assist in identifying areas of moisture around windows and walls which will also help to identify areas of possible mold growth.
Pictured is a photo of inside the air handler box. There have been catch pans left inside the box. The air filter is dry and there are no apparent visible signs or smells associated with mold to be found. However, there is excessive moisture accumulating on the A coil, dripping down below its designed discharge path, and creating conditions conducive to mold growth. Further investigation recommended by a certified HVAC technician.
I read through a legal article about having the real estate agent sign the home inspection agreement on the clients behalf. I feel that they should be able to sign the agreement, as that is a normal part of the home purchasing procedure. However, I do find this interesting because there cannot be any kind of referral incentive or kick-back. But they can just chose who to hire and then sign the agreement on the clients behalf. It seems unlikely to me that you would not be able to obtain a digitally signed copy of the agreement directly from the client with the available technology.
Since I’m limited to one photo, I submit this of the roof which is a wood shingle roof system with a number of failing sky lights and flashings. Roof is beyond its designed life span (LOL). Water intrusion into the wall system and subsequently into the crawl space area below created a large mold project. Visible mold was apparent for the interior areas for leaking. Wall paper was pulled back revealing black mold colonies. In the crawl space moisture was dripping from the fiberglass insulation due to poor ventilation. Several bio-tapes were lifted and sent to the lab. Subject property was in a state of extreme differed maintenance. It is only being saved due to its uniqueness and commanding view location.
Deck / wall intersections are particularly vulnerable to moisture intrusion especially if pan flashing is missing under a door penetration. Often times the improper or missing installation of flashing allows moisture intrusion into the framing under the door system thus damaging the rim joist and mold in this area is often found.
When I did this home inspection last week I entered the crawlspace to check for humidity and moisture. Ventilation and insulation problems often support mold growth in under-floor crawlspaces. Exposed dirt floors as you see here, should be sealed with a vapor barrier all the way to exterior wall and its currently not. I also checked for condensation on plumbing pipes and un-insulated ductwork passing through non-conditioned spaces.
How do you get rid of mold? Many people have this question and actually it’s quite simple. Get rid of the moisture problem you have. You cannot have mold without moisture. If you clean up the mold but don’t fix the moisture problem the mold will return. How do you know when you have remediated the problem? When you have completely fixed the water problem.
