About The Mold Inspection Process
Our inspections can be broken down into five basic phases.
Mold Inspection:
Phase 1
Questionaire:
One very important step in properly diagnosing a potential mold or indoor air quality
problem is always to inquire by phone and in person of any current or past problem
conditions, such as but not limited to the following: humidity or condensation problems,
moldy odors, past or present roof leaks, plumbing leaks, or any visible mold
observed.
Mold Inspection:
Phase 2
Visual Inspection:
During the investigation we will do a complete visual inspection of all accessible
areas of the home, locate potential water penetration and other problem conditions,
and search for any visible evidence of mold growth throughout the habitable areas
of the property during this inspection. If necessary, devices - such as moisture
meters (for detecting moisture), hydrometers (for measurement of indoor humidity),
borescopes (for viewing inside some sections of walls) and laser thermometers (for
checking surface temperatures and the operation of AC units) - may be used during
an inspection. Digital photographs may also be taken to document your particular
conditions.
Mold Inspection:
Phase 3
Sampling:
On some occasions evidence of a problem condition cannot be visually seen,
but must be detected instead by taking air samples for analysis. Typically, air
samples are taken of the outdoor and indoor air by using a Cyclex Sample, Air-O-Cell's,
or Micro 5 Spore traps for spore collecting. This is done to determine if mold spore
counts filtered from the indoor air are unusually high in comparison to the mold
spore count filtered from the air just outside your property. It also indicates
types of mold at the property. This is a typical and basic test that is often done
as part of a professional mold inspection routine. Other types of mold sampling
may be required, depending on visible conditions, may include but are not limited
to the following: viable spore sampling using an Andersen Impactor Plate, mold spore
sampling of carpet by utilizing a carpet cassette, surface-lifted samples
of actual mold using samples of mold scraped directly from building material surfaces,
surface samples obtained with the aid of swabs and/or simple, clear tape and
bulk samples taken by cutting away actual small samples of building materials contaminated
with mold. Your Florida mold inspector will have at his disposal professional mold
inspection tools such as: Borescopes, Cyclex sampler, Andersen Impactor, Air-O-cell
spore traps, Micro 5 spore traps, Swabs, Bio tape and more.
Mold Inspection:
Phase 4
Sample Analysis:
It is crucial that a professional trained analyst be used for analysis of any mold
or mold spore samples obtained at the property. Test samples are collected by the
inspector. A mold inspection report is provided which supplies information
on the number of spores per cubic meter of air and the specific types of molds found.
Mold Inspection:
Phase 5
Reporting:
A written report of the inspectors findings, including color digital photos,
spore levels and types, and the inspectors final conclusions and recommendations
will be e-mailed to you as one final comprehensive report. Only when a professional
inspector has reported the locations and severity of your mold problem, and
cited the reason for, and solutions to the infestation, can you know
what you are up against. Occasionally, mold is found that constitutes a problem
for you and your family's health and these problems must be dealt with before
they get worse.
Where to Next?
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