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.
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.
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.
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.
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.