Residential Mold Inspection
mold inspections and house mold testing services involve the use of our extensive knowledge of mold and mildew (black mold, black toxic mold, Stachybotrys, and other molds) and the conditions conducive to home mold growth as well as building construction, air flows, building materials, and heating ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
residential mold inspections and mold testing with the following goals:
Test for Mold – Determine mold types present and airborne concentration levels (Most people want to know what they are breathing.)
Locate and detect hidden mold growth, including black toxic mold;
Locate the source or cause of home mold growth or mildew;
Locate hidden water intrusion sources and moisture issues which may be causing or contributing to indoor mold growth or black mold growth;
Detect and locate plumbing leaks;
Inspect and assess water damage;
Inspect and assess black mold contamination and black mold exposure;
Inspect and assess mold contamination in HVAC systems and ductwork;
Assess the issues discovered thoroughly enough to provide our clients with good information and recommendations as to the cause(s) of the mold contamination and the possible remedies;
Collect air and/or surface mold samples, as needed, to determine types of home molds present and the black mold exposure levels or mold concentration levels;
Accurate licensed mold laboratory result interpretation.
comprehensive Residential Mold Inspection Services may include:
Black Mold Exposure Assessment
Moisture Intrusion Investigation
HVAC (Air-Conditioning Systems and Ductwork) Mold Inspection and Mold Testing
Water Damage Inspection and Evaluation (for repair or insurance)
Leak Detection Investigation
Microbiological and Bioaerosol Testing
Bulk, Swab or Surface, and Airborne Mold Testing
Moisture Testing of Building Materials
Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Testing
Preparing Scope of Work Reports and Mold Remediation Protocols per the Department of State Health Services Rules and Regulation
Contents Restoration Assessments and Scopes of Work
Post Mold Remediation Clearance Inspections and Testing
Issuance of a Mold Certificate – The Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation was prepared by the Department of Insurance
Mold Removal / Mold Remediation
Molds are fungi that live both outdoors and indoors. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are as many as 300,000 different species of mold. Mold grows and reproduces quickly in damp, warm conditions. Mold can grow on almost any surface from insulation to paint.
Many species of mold are harmless, but others can cause serious health issues. An example is Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold, which produces poisonous mycotoxins. Any kind of mold can be a grave issue for people who have underlying illnesses like asthma and allergies. Appropriate precautions are advised to avoid exposing yourself and your family to additional mold spores. When in doubt, seek professional assistance.
Signs of Mold
There are a variety of different signs that can indicate a mold problem in your home.
A Damp, Musty Smell
Have you noticed a damp, musty smell in your home recently? This is a clear sign that you might have a mold problem. You should definitely investigate musty odors. Professional mold testing can help you to pinpoint the source.
Visible Mold
If you see black mold on your walls, carpet or other surfaces, then you definitely have a mold problem. The downside is that at this point, you probably have a large amount of mold present in areas that are not easily seen. For example, if you see black mold on your carpet, you probably have it underneath in the padding and floor, as well.
Mold Inspection
mold inspection and mold testing services leverage our extensive knowledge of mold and mildew (black mold, black toxic mold, Stachybotrys, and other molds) and the conditions conducive to mold growth as well as building construction, air flows, building materials, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.
Moisture Detection
Where find mold, we find moisture. By locating the source of moisture and identifying hidden water intrusion sources can focus mold investigation in the right areas.
Infrared Technology
use FLIR infrared camera technology to enhance inspection services. This advanced, non-invasive technology allows inspectors to zero in and identify potential sources of moisture to more accurately determine testing and sampling investigations
Certified Mold Inspectors
value certification, education, and experience. Performing quality mold inspections requires all three. Each of inspectors, consultants, and project managers is a Certified Mold Inspector (ACAC and/or MICRO).
No Conflict of Interest
don’t perform mold remediation, repair, or construction. have no vested interest in the outcome of inspections other than to ensure you have the information needed to return your home or office to a healthy state
Common Causes of Attic Mold
Bathroom mold, kitchen mold, basement mold, these areas tend to get all the hype, but there is another area that property owners need to be aware of, too, the attic. Mold found in attic areas can be challenging at times when trying to pinpoint the exact cause and source of mold growth.
Roof Leaks
Yes, you guessed it, at the top of our list is roof leaks. Several issues can occur around the flashing or the area where the roof plane meets a vertical surface like a vent or a chimney. Missing, deteriorated, or improperly install flashing among other penetration points and inadequate roof repairs are the most common causes of roof leaks. Water seepage also occurs when the roof is beyond the end of its life span. An annual inspection of your roof by a roofing specialist and routine maintenance can prevent leaks in a roof system, effectively reducing the likelihood of mold growth in your attic.
Inadequate Roof Ventilation
Without adequate ventilation, moisture-laden air can remain in attic areas. Often, this will cause elevated moisture conditions around the roof framing and roof sheathing. During cold winter months, for example, condensation can occur on the cold roof sheathing creating this damp environment. You may think otherwise, but it is important to keep your attic cool during colder months.
Another common cause of inadequate ventilation is when your soffit vents are blocked by debris. This could be debris from trees, roofing materials, birds’ nest, or insulation – when it is blown into the attic. If proper care is not taken during this time, the insulation can end up blocking the soffit vents. Soffit vents are critical in a passive ventilation system to circulate air from the lower portion of the attic (intake vents) to the upper roof vents (exhaust vents).
Bath or Kitchen Exhaust Fans Vented into the Attic
Exhaust fans should be vented directly to the exterior of the home, and surprisingly we often find this is not the case. When an exhaust fan is missing its exhaust duct, or if the duct has become separated, the exhaust is then vented directly into the attic space, similar to the situation above meaning the warm damp air is trapped creating the ideal atmosphere for microbial growth. In this case, it’s important to correct the issue an re-route the vents to the outside.
Missing or Inadequate Attic Insulation
Attic insulation is key in not only energy conservation, but proper levels can also reduce the chance of mold growth in attic areas. As air travels up through a structure, insulation provides a barrier slowing the rate of conditioned air loss in an attic area. When an attic is missing insulation, the air movement increases significantly, and the influx of warm air can, once again, cause condensation on cold roof sheathing. This type of moisture condition resulting from condensation is a catalyst for mold growth. It’s important to check your insulation and make sure that you have even and adequate coverage throughout the entire attic, especially in the lower-north-side areas
DO YOU REALLY NEED A MOLD INSPECTION OR TESTING?
You need three things for mold to grow:
Moisture
Relative Humidity Above 60%
A food source such as drywall or wood
One other thing which fits this category would be time.
Some mold can generally start growing within 24-48 hours, however, there are certain types of mold spores that can take much longer to grow. Those are usually the more dangerous types of mold aka “black mold”.
Once you have those three presents, any mold spores floating around in the air will attach itself to the water damaged building material and start growing.
Do you need a mold inspection? This is a yes and no question. There are many different reasons why you may want to have a mold testing and inspection, but it ultimately fits into one of two categories:
You need it because you may have mold in your home
You need it because you want peace of mind