Mold FAQ

Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter.

There are many different kinds of mold species that come in many different colors. Molds are sometimes referred to as mildew.

They are found both indoors and outdoors in all climates, during all seasons of the year.

Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures including allergic reactions. Asthma, and respiratory reactions. See Chart .

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the buildings.
Controlling indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

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.

Molds can be found almost anywhere or any surface with moisture present, (ie) wood, paper, carpet, walls and floors.

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.

Regulations: Currently there is no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.

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: 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.

Testing: Testing can be done by a certification, training, or an examination for indoor air quality.

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.

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.