|
 
Our
inspection is designed to identify conditions conducive to mold
growth as well as any visible signs of fungal growth, spotting,
water damage etc.
Some conditions include:
Cracks in exterior foundation, sprinklers directed at the structure
causing continual moisture, improper gutter downspout drainage, bad
grading, landscaping against the house, vapor barrier missing, etc.
When we enter the crawlspace,
we start by turning either right or left and we will begin checking
the moisture levels, proper insulation, proper drainage, vapor
barrier, periodically. We are looking for any hidden leaks that you
may not be aware of, we check under the insulation, around water
heaters, basically all water sources. We are looking for any
elevated moisture levels which may contribute to a mold problem.
How
do we moisture test? We use an invasive moisture meter which
measures the moisture content of the wood. It is a meter that has
two small pins and we place this on the wood to test the moisture.
The moisture level should be at 15% or below. The higher the moisture
content, the higher the chance for mold growth. If we find any
areas that have elevated moisture levels, or visible fungal growth,
water staining or other “Red Flags”, we will note them in the report
along with pictures.
Our base inspection fee is
$250.00. That covers travel time, inspection, and full report for
crawlspaces up to 2500 sq. ft., an addition $50.00 for each
additional 500 sq. ft.
Can
you tell me if I have mold at the inspection?
The
inspector will be able to tell you about active conditions in the
house as well as conditions conducive to mold growth; however, he
can never tell you if there is actual mold without laboratory
results, only what appears to be mold. (Sometimes something can
appear to be mold and end up being just dirt, dust etc.)
How
does mold grow - how do I know if I have a problem?
Mold
grows as a result of high humidity or water damage. It does not need
to be a catastrophic incident either. It can be as a result of a
toilet or sink overflowing, condensation, poor drainage, etc.
Because mold is naturally occurring in the air, when there is
elevated moisture, the mold that is in the air will gravitate
towards the damp surfaces and it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to
start growing. It can continue to grow until the moisture level
drops below 15%. Once the moisture level drops, the mold will stop
growing, but it does not go away, it will go dormant and as it dries
out, it will then become airborne and that is when most people will
begin to feel the effects. (Allergenic etc.)
There are no standard
permissible levels for mold and just because there has been water
damage, or you see minor visible signs of mold, does not mean there
is a guaranteed mold problem.
|
