Mold Inspection / Testing
The first step in an inspection is to assess the structure as whole, visual observations of the exterior grading, guttering and extensions, foundation areas, and ventilation of the home. A visual inspection of the interior follows by inspecting the attic, windows, bathrooms, kitchen and interior foundation areas, and ventilation in the home.
Once mold is found or suspected within a home, the inspector will further evaluate those areas. Using tools such as infrared meters, Hygrometers (relative humidity gauge), or moisture meters, the inspector can sometimes reconstruct how the mold grew.
These methods are considered to be non-intrusive and only give a general picture of the actual mold within the dwelling. Sometimes more intrusive methods are needed to assess the level of mold contamination. This would include moving furniture, lifting and/or removing carpets, checking behind wallpaper or paneling, checking in ventilation duct work, opening and exposing wall cavities, etc.
Careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors are used to find problems needing correction. Efforts focus on areas where there are signs of liquid moisture or water vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation aims to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.
In most cases, proper testing should be conducted to find the extent or area(s) of contamination. Mold tests are usually requested when fungus is seen growing within the structure.
Mold testing can be very helpful when mold is suspected and not seen. An aerobic screening can find hidden mold in ventilation systems or building cavities that can be extremely difficult or impossible to access without first performing demolition work. High concentrations of spores are normally a sign of poor ventilation and or advanced mold colony development. Testing is performed by an independent, A.I.H.A. (American Industrial Hygiene Association) accredited laboratory to determine the types of mold present. Test Samples, both surface (swab, tape, carpet) and air (air-o-cell, micro-5, and impaction) should always be compared to a baseline using the exact same type of sample. A baseline shows or represents what is normal for a given home or structure.
Post remediation testing is performed in order to verify that the remediation was completed successfully and is based on predetermined guidelines. In cases where remediation was performed in unoccupied space, such as attics and crawl spaces, cross-contamination post remediation testing is performed within the living space.
