Mildew and molds are fungi – simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere there is a moist environment. Molds are a necessary part of the environment; without them, leaves would not decay and aspects of soil enrichment could not take place. It is their ability to destroy organic materials that makes mold a problem for people.
Mildew (mold in its early stages) and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold colonies can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce via spores – tiny, lightweight “seeds”- that travel through the air. Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material. In addition to the damage molds can cause in your home, they can also cause mild to severe health problems.

We are state licensed (MRSA122), we carry errors & omissions insurance and general liability insurance.

The purpose of a mold inspection is to determine the presence of mold spores in an indoor environment, our mold inspection will determine what kind of mold species were found, the amounts found in the air or a surface if mold in visible and if the amount of spores found are normal for that environment or elevated.

The potential for health problems occurs when people inhale large quantities of the airborne mold spores. For some people, however, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems. Infants, children, immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions and the elderly are at higher risks for adverse health effects from mold. We suggest that you and or your family consult a doctor regarding any health concerns. (Take your lab results to the doctor)

1. We walk through the entire property looking for possible (red flags) water intrusion, water stains, leaks or odors that indicate possible contamination.

2. We check these possible water problems to determine if the moisture is active, using moisture detectors or Infra red camera if needed. We also check for moisture around windows, plumbing fixtures and appliances.

3. We take relative humidity readings, dew point, Grains per Pound and ambient temperature readings, to determine humidity or condensation problems.

4. We inspect the HVAC system/s for microbial contamination, including the air handler, AC coils and ductwork, we also test the functioning of the equipment like the temperature differential from the intake to the supply to determine if AC is cooling the air properly. (AC are inspected only if they are easily accessible)

5. We take air or surface samples of possible mold contamination as required.

6. The samples taken are analyzed by an AIHA accredited laboratory.

7. According to the lab results and the environmental data gathered during the inspection we write a comprehensive report indicating what kind of mold spores we found and how much of it was present in the air or surface sampled, and we also determine if the mold present in the environment is normal or elevated. In addition write recommendations on how to remove the contamination and prevent it from returning in the future.

Infrared cameras are used to detect moisture hidden inside walls and other areas by measuring very slight temperature differentials between cooler wet surfaces, and warmer dry surfaces.
Particle counters are highly sensitive scientific instruments that use an internal laser to count particles passing through it that are of a predetermined size range (from 0.3 Microns to 10 Microns). These devices cannot identify the particles they count; however, many of the particles they count may be mold spores because they verify the particular size of the particles that are counted. Air sampling is required to identify particles.

Hygrometers are used to determine the temperature, humidity, content of water in air and condensation temperatures in the environment used.

Laser thermometers are used to measure temperature on surfaces. They are used to check the AC and other components that could condensate such as AC registers.

Moisture meters are used to determine the moisture content in a specific material, moisture meters can detect moisture on the surface as well as moisture in about ¾” deep in the material, they are very effective when detecting moisture behind sheet rock walls.

Smoke Pens are used to determine air flow and pressure of indoor environments. The smoke released by a smoke pen is non toxic.

All prices given by phone or in writing are estimated prices and might not be exact.
The number of samples to be taken and the services performed during the inspection will determine the final price; before any extra samples or additional services are performed the client will be asked for an approval. Sampling is based on findings during the inspection so it is impossible to quote an exact number of samples before the inspection is performed; sampling protocol is also based on IESO (Indoor Environmental Standards Organization) guidelines and standards.

There are many factors that determine the amount and location of samples taken, as per standard guidelines we are required to collect 1 exterior control sample, 1 interior sample per level and or numbers of AC’s present and one sample in each area that shows visual conditions such as water intrusion and or visual mold growth.

Examples:

2 story house, 1 Ac per floor: 3 Samples are required
1 story house, 1 AC: 2 Samples are required
1 story house, 2 AC’s on the same floor: 3 Samples are required.

These are minimum requirements and often more samples are recommended. All samples recommended to you by the inspector have a justification on why they need to be collected.

The exterior sample is used to compare the inside spore levels with normal fungal ecology outside, this is the most relied upon method of analyzing test results. A normal indoor environment should have spore levels equal or lower than those found outside.

We only access crawlspaces or attics that are 3.5 feet or higher and that do not pose a danger to our inspectors.

Moisture is linked to microbial growth, after building materials get wet it only takes 48 to 72 for mold and or bacteria to start growing, so most likely if materials are moist they will have to be replaced, some non porous materials can be treated.

It all depends on the size and complexity of the situation, but usually we do not recommend that an inexperienced person tries to remove microbial contaminated materials. Mold remediation is a complex procedure that requires special equipment, knowledge and expertise.

After the remediation process in completed there is a need for an additional inspection called post remediation verification or clearance inspection. The purpose of this inspection is to determine if contamination has been removed properly.

Yes, there is a charge. The price of this inspection will vary depending many factors, you can call us or ask your inspector for a quote.

Since every individual reacts differently to mold exposure we cannot make any recommendations regarding if environments are safe or unsafe for certain individuals, but we do suggest you ask your doctor on weather your house is safe for you and or you family or not.