A mold inspection is often performed after a recent water damage event or to assess the effectiveness of a remediation job. It can help determine the size of a mold problem, whether it’s harmful to your health, and identify conditions that may cause future growth.
Before your appointment, close all doors and windows to maximize the concentration of mold spores for easier detection. Also, avoid vacuuming, dusting, or heavy cleaning. Contact Ace Mold now!
Moisture meters help inspectors spot areas of a structure where mold is likely to develop. They are non-destructive, quick, and efficient, helping inspection professionals cover a large area in a short period. These instruments detect elevated moisture content, which can be an indicator of fungal activity and lead to serious structural damage. Microbial growth thrives in areas with high moisture levels, so identifying these areas is vital to prevent a costly repair bill and protect the health of building occupants.
A variety of moisture meters are available to suit specific inspection needs, including pin-type and pinless models. These instruments use electromagnetic frequencies to “scan” materials for moisture content. They typically include a display panel to show readings and feature a hold button that locks the screen for easy reference. They also typically allow users to choose between various testing modes for different materials, including wood and drywall.
The pin-type moisture meter uses a pair of pins that penetrate the test surface to measure %MC at an incremental depth. This method is invasive but provides accurate and consistent results, and can detect moisture that may not be visible to the naked eye. Some models have a second set of pins that penetrate at a deeper level for testing thicker materials or subflooring.
This type of meter operates on the principle that electrical conductivity changes inversely with moisture. It emits a low-frequency electromagnetic wave, and the amplitude of the return signal varies with moisture content. The instrument then calculates the moisture content and displays a reading on its screen. Some moisture meters also have a search mode, which is helpful for inspecting behind surfaces, such as drywall, where a pin-type meter may not reach.
Some models of the pinless moisture meter, such as those from Tramex, operate on the same principle as a pin-type meter but are able to penetrate more deeply into the test material. They also provide consistent, repeatable results and are able to detect metals such as copper wire or rebar that can alter wave characteristics and raise readings.
Visible Mold Growth
Visible mold growth is a major red flag that needs prompt remediation. The more visible the mold, the more likely it is to produce mycotoxins – which can cause respiratory problems, neurological issues and even death if inhaled.
Mold growth often shows up as staining or fuzzy splotches on building materials like walls, ceilings, furniture and wood. It can also be found on insulation and paper products such as toilet paper and napkins. Visible mold growth in buildings should be routinely checked, especially in areas that are always damp or are prone to condensation, such as basements and laundry/utility rooms.
Even a visual inspection may not be enough to detect a problem, especially if mold is hiding behind wall studs and insulation or underneath floorboards. An experienced mold inspector should be able to find hidden colonies by examining the underlying surfaces of floors, walls and ceilings with a moisture meter or infrared camera. He or she should also be able to locate water leaks and other sources of moisture in walls by looking for sagging or discolored sections of drywall.
The most definitive way to confirm a mold problem in a wall is to take a laboratory sample of mold spores from inside the wall cavity. This can be done by drilling a hole the size of a pencil into the drywall and using an inner wall sampling attachment to suck air from the cavity. This is an invasive procedure and should only be performed by a qualified inspector who has experience cutting into walls, as well as the proper safety equipment to avoid exposure and dispersal of airborne mold spores.
In addition to sampling, a professional mold inspector should advise homeowners on remediation techniques. These include the use of a negative air machine that can be rented at most equipment rental stores to suck contaminated air out of the affected room and blow it outside, as well as improving ventilation to reduce humidity and prevent condensation that produces a favorable environment for mold. Other recommendations include removing or containing the visible mold, cleaning up contaminated surfaces and stopping active leaks that are producing a humid atmosphere that is ideal for mold growth.
Air Sampling
Air sampling is a critical tool used by mold inspectors to precisely identify the type and concentration of mold spores present in a building. This information allows for effective remediation efforts that reduce health risks and prevent re-infestations of mold.
To conduct an air sample, a technician takes a swab of the air in a livable area and sends it to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. The lab determines the number of different mold spores present in the sample. Non-culturable air samples also reveal whether long chains of mold spores are still intact, which can indicate that there is a significant mold source nearby.
An inspector can use several tools to collect an air sample, including the spore trap, a cassette sampler, or a mycotoxin testing device. The most reliable of these tools are the cassette samplers, which utilize forced air to direct spores into a collection plate for analysis.
Regardless of the tool used, the inspector must ensure that the collection process is conducted in an area where the HVAC system is operational and all doors and windows are closed during the sample period to capture an accurate snapshot of typical indoor air quality conditions. The collection time should not exceed 10 minutes to avoid skewing the data.
A chain-of-custody form should be completed to record the air sample number, location, and date of collection. Weather conditions must be recorded, as well, as high winds or rapid changes in barometric pressure can skew the results of an air sample by altering the rate at which spores are drawn into the home.
Surface sampling can be performed if the visual examination of the property yields evidence of moisture intrusion, water damage, musty odors, or apparent mold growth. The inspector should take at least one swab sample per area of concern and additional samples may be necessary depending on the building’s condition and other factors.
Remediation
Mold spores can continue to grow and spread in areas of a building that aren’t cleaned or treated. This could lead to health problems for the inhabitants of the building or structural damage to the property.
To prevent this, it is important to have a professional remediation company remove the mold. This is a highly specialized process and requires special training and expensive equipment. A professional can also help you navigate the process and get your insurance company involved if necessary.
Remediation begins with a thorough walk-through of the area by your mold inspector, who will note any visible mold growth and moisture sources. Then they will take air samples from inside the area and an outdoor sample to compare. This will give them a baseline for what the mold spore count should be in that room and help them determine how to proceed with the remediation.
Then they’ll begin the actual remediation, which involves removing all moldy surfaces and cleaning them thoroughly. This may include drywall, carpeting, wood floors, insulation, and other building materials. Then the professionals will sanitize and disinfect the affected area with an antimicrobial spray to kill any mold spores that are left behind. They’ll also use fans and dehumidifiers to remove any excess moisture from the room.
Once the contaminated area is clean, the mold inspector will re-inspect it to ensure that all mold spores are dead. They’ll also do a moisture assessment of the space and test airborne spore levels to make sure they’re safe to reoccupy. This is called clearance testing and is an important step to ensure that the contaminated area is safe for reconstruction and occupancy.
After the remediation, your mold inspector will create a comprehensive report that outlines the steps that were taken to remove the mold and remediate the moisture source. This is an extremely valuable document that can be used to show that the mold has been completely removed and that the property is safe for rebuilding or reoccupation. This is often required by your home insurer, and it can be helpful when selling your house in the future.