Ensuring A Solid Foundation For A Happy Home

Mold Inspection

Got Mold?… That is the Question!

It’s a question most people ask during a Real Estate transaction. The truth is all homes have some cocktail of mold particles within the confines of their structures. It’s either blown in with the wind or hitches a ride on our person, even our furry family friends are carriers of those unwanted house guests.

Fact: Mold only thrives where there’s an elevated moisture or high RH (Relative Humidity) issue.

Fact: Majority of homes, at some point, have had a moisture intrusion issue.

Fact: Mold never dies, it simply goes to sleep until it’s time to feed again (moisture returns).

Shhh, Industry Secret: If you see visible mold, you probably do not need to spend your money on a mold inspection. You are better off spending your time and resources on correcting the reason the mold is present (controlling the moisture) and mitigating the affected areas.

Obvious conditions conducive to mold growth include things like:

  • Deteriorating/Missing exterior components (i.e. roofing materials, siding materials, windows, gutters, grading, etc.)
  • HVAC, Plumbing, Venting deficiencies
  • Elevated RH (humidity), Obvious signs of moisture intrusion

Common indoor strains include: Cladosporium, Alternaria, Penicillium, Aspergillus and the infamous Stachybotrys “Black Mold” which produce Mycotoxins that, through elevated and prolonged exposure, can damage living tissue and contribute to several health concerns including:

  • Allergic Reactions/Human sensitivity – By far the most common through inhalation or contact with spores (i.e. itchy eyes, irritated skin, change in breathing patterns, odors, irritated sinus)
  • Asthma – Exposure to spores can trigger or escalate an asthma episode
  • Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (a lung disease) – May develop after acute or chronic exposure
  • Opportunistic Infections (OIs) – Exposure to an immunocompromised (weakened immune system) individual can lead to infections
  • Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS) – Produces flu-like symptoms

Another adverse outcome of a mold infestation is the deterioration of building materials which can compromise the structural components of the home. Not to mention the unwanted aesthetic effects mold can produce both visually and aromatically.

Our Inspection Process

During an RC Fields general home inspection process we often notice conditions conducive to mold growth, however, the only way to confirm the presence/strain of mold within a property is to conduct a mold inspection. RC Fields inspectors are trained and equipped to investigate and sample suspect conditions to provide you with the laboratory-confirmed information needed to make educated decisions during your Real Estate transaction.

Using industry-standard, controlled methods, samples of suspect conditions will be taken using IAC2 protocols (International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants) with approved equipment. Samples will be sent to a Certified Independent Laboratory for analysis and reports will be delivered within 2 days of the inspection.

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