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MOLD INSPECTION FAQs
What is Mold and why does it matter?
Mold is part of the natural environment. In nature, mold plays an important part by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen trees. However, mold growth is less common indoors. Mold reproduces by producing tiny spores. The spores are invisible to the naked eye and travel through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when a source of water present. Mold growth on surfaces may commonly appear as black, grey, green, or olive discoloration and more rarely white, yellow or other colors.
If indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore exposures People exposed to high spore levels can become sensitized and develop allergies or other health problems. Mold growth can damage furnishings, such as carpets, cabinets, clothes, and shoes. In time, unchecked mold growth can cause significant damage to the structural elements in your home. (CA Dept. of Health Services).
What is a Mold Investigation?
A good mold investigation begins with a through visual inspection of the building. (home). The visual inspection should include the attic, crawl space, and HVAC system. Any stains, discoloration, or signs of moisture intrusion, as well as around items such as dishwashers, and other appliances that may be sources of moisture should also be investigated. Taking samples of the air and or surfaces are sometimes helpful to provide a better assessment. For example, surface samples of discoloration can determine if they are mold growth or not. Air samples can help identify whether there is hidden mold growth or sources within walls that lead to human exposure in the home. The use of qualified experienced investigators and laboratories help lead to accurate, cost effective, and useful conclusions and recommendations.
Both the buyer and seller can benefit from a mold inspection.
Is a Mold Investigation necessary?
No. Real estate deals are often broken by fear and worry. A mold inspection facilitates an honest assessment and evaluation of the property. Consequently it enables both the buyer and the seller to close a real estate transaction with less uncertainty and fear. It can provide confidence, smooth the transaction, and help both parties feel good about the sale. The buyer has greater confidence that there are no hidden problems that will result in expensive repairs, adversely affect their health, and/or decrease the value of the new home. The seller can show that their home has no hidden moisture problems, and that this is an open and honest transaction.
Won't it break the Real Estate deal?
No. Real estate deals are often broken by fear and worry. An honest, open and accurate mold investigation alleviates fear and worry so that a fair and satisfactory transaction may occur for all parties. If mold is found, this may mean that there was a source of moisture that enabled this growth. In this case, water problems should be repaired. During repairs, any mold found should be removed.
Mold FAQ
What is Mold:
Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter.
What are things I need to know about mold:
There are many different kinds of mold species that come in many different colors. Molds are sometimes referred to as mildew.
Where is mold found:
They are found both indoors and outdoors in all climates, during all seasons of the year.
Health and symptoms
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures including allergic reactions. Asthma, and respiratory reactions. See Chart .
Controlling Mold:
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the buildings.
Controlling indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Main ways to control moisture and Mold including cleanup:
If mold is a problem in your building or home, you have to clean up the mold and eliminate the moisture. Fix the source of water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. Reduce indoor humidity to 30-60 percent to decrease mold growth. Vent dryers, bathrooms, and other moisture generating sources to the exterior. Use exhaust fans while cooking, dishwashing, cleaning. Clean any dry or wet building materials and furniture within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Clean mold off of hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry completely. Replace absorbent materials like ceiling tiles with mold on them. Reduce condensation on cold surfaces (ie) windows, pipes, walls, floors, roofs by adding insulation. In areas where there is a perpetual problem , do not install carpeting around fountains, sinks, and concrete floors with leaks or condensation.
Where is mold found:
Molds can be found almost anywhere or any surface with moisture present, (ie) wood, paper, carpet, walls and floors.
What does mold smell like.
Mold Smells: musty, stale and earthy, similar to wet socks or decaying wood. Smells can vary - most common characteristics are musty and stale like old socks or a stuffy attic that hasn't been aired out in months.
Federal regulations or Standards regarding mold.
Regulations: Currently there is no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.
Does Ultra violet (UV) radiation from UV lamps kill mold:
Ultra-violet light can be used to break up the DNA in mold. To be effective in eliminating the mold or mildew, it needs to be exposed directly to the UV-C light.
Using Bleach to clean up Mold:
Using bleach to clean up mold: use a solution of no more than one cup (8 ounces) of household laundry bleach per one gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces. Remove all moldy water-damaged items from inside your home. Scrub and clean all surfaces such as wood, tile, stone with soapy water and a bristle brush. Drywall with mold must be removed.
Requirements for testing for Mold:
Testing: Testing can be done by a certification, training, or an examination for indoor air quality.
Mold Testing and Reports:
Commercial and Residential Inspections can take air or swab samples. We then take all samples to a qualified laboratory to be analized. A detailed report is then given to the inspector an we go over the report which is then sent to the client with recommendations summary. A sampling report is very important as we will know the kinds of mold, their strength and if the mold could possibly contribute to health problems.
Conflict of interest:
Commercial and Residential Inspections only does the testing.
We do not do mold remediation work. We can recommend any remediation companies when we test for mold.
