Why is Mold a problem today?
Since the 1970's, when there was a shortage of oil, home construction has changed dramatically. It is now common practice to heavily insulate homes, wrap the exterior with a vapor barrier, and create less ventilation from the outside air. This can cause the potential for mold growth if there is a water event. According to statistics from the Bureau of the Census, 35% of homes are damaged due to water or moisture yearly. With the wood, cellulose, and other organic materials used in buildings, this is now a fertile platform for mold growth.
All buildings can be affected by excessive moisture. The source of the water intrusion must be identified and fixed to prevent further mold growth. Suspected visible mold growth can only be determined by Laboratory analysis for positive identification.
Identifying mold or mold problems should be done by a trained inspector who is knowledgeable in all factors of mold growth. A thorough inspection by Right at Home Inspections will identify all possible causes of mold growth within the premises. I can also take the appropriate samples for laboratory analysis of suspected mold growth.
My process is thorough and comprehensive.
I provide two types of mold assessments:
Limited- This is focused on areas of your concern. You will receive 2 nationally accredited lab certified sample tests with this inspection. Additional samples are available.
Comprehensive- This inspection covers the whole house and outside areas. You will also receive 2 sample tests with this. Additional samples are available.
Step 1:
Client Interview
Though often overlooked by my competitors, this is without a doubt one of the most important steps for any mold testing specialist to take. It is the foundation of all my assessments. In order to answer your mold or indoor air quality related questions I must first know your questions. I start with questioning you over the phone and in the field about any past or current moisture and mold issues, humidity or condensation problems, and suspected moldy odors. I must know your very specific concerns before I can help resolve them.
Step 2:
Visual Inspection and Testing
During my visit I conduct a comprehensive visual inspection of the home in question. My goal is to find signs of water damage and other conditions conductive to fungal growth and overall poor air quality. During this step I utilize as needed the latest equipment the industry has to offer. I utilize devices including:
- Infrared thermometers that digitally read temperatures being produced by AC units.
- Handheld moisture meters that pass tiny electrical signals through building surfaces in order to determine the moisture content of such surfaces.
- Humidity meters that can read the percentage of evaporated moisture in your air.
- E Lite Sampling pump that collects samples onto a collection medium.
- Collection swabs and tapes for lab analysis.
My industry specific detection tools, when combined with human skill enable me to:
1- Determine the cause and origin of problem conditions.
2- More accurately pinpoint where mold may be hiding if in fact it is an issue in your home.
Step 3:
Communication of Findings
If you need a qualified and certified mold inspector to provide a truly expert and professional quality written report do not gamble. I utilize cloud-based report software for generating computerized reports for all of my clients. This is an online based system for reports that expedite the report process. I will include pictures and all important data collected into my report. My client will also receive the lab analysis of all collection samples.
Step 4:
Cleanup
Because I inspect only and do not provide remediation services of any kind, I have no conflict of interest thus, I have no desire to recommend extensive and expensive corrective measures that are not needed. My job is to discover, describe, document, and disclose conditions that may negatively impact your indoor air quality so that you can have such conditions properly addressed.
