You may need a mold assessment if:
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You are buying home
Mold assessments are not included in a home
inspection. You should know what you’re buying
before the deal closes. Mold problems may not be known
to the seller and therefore not disclosed to you. You
may also want to consider a Healthy Home Evaluation
- click here for more info. |
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You suspect moisture / mold intrusion
Mold can actively grow for months without
detection to the naked eye. Even after moisture levels
are reduced, mold growth may continue or the mold will
go dormant – it will not die! If you suspect a
problem, you most likely have one. Find out the extent
and how to deal with it as soon as possible. |
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You notice a musty/moldy smell
Because it grows within building materials, you can
often smell it before you see it. If mold growth is
obvious, the problem is in an advanced stage. Do not
take the “wait and see” approach. |
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You suffer from persistant respiratory/allergy-type
symptoms
Mold will affect you and your family’s
health. The severity depends on the type, concentration,
personal susceptibility, and many other factors. See
our section on the characteristics of mold and the associated
risks to find out more. |
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You know of problems in other areas of the
building
Mold can travel through and under building
materials from one area to another. If you see mold
or are aware of mold in one area, it may be part of
a larger problem affecting a greater area. A complete
mold assessment will determine the full extent of growth.
Don’t settle for just an air sample – it
doesn’t tell the whole story!
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What is included in an assessment:
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Interview with occupants and/or owners to determine
potential problem areas
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A visual survey of all interior and exterior areas
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Hygrometer readings to identify areas with elevated
relative humidity levels
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Scan of all walls, floors, and building materials
to determine relative moisture levels
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Point readings of moisture levels in areas of concern
or areas prone to high moisture levels (window sills,
walls with plumbing fixtures, etc.)
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Visual inspection of wall interiors using fiber-optic
equipment
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Samples taken using a combination of the following
as needed:
- Outdoor control sample to determine background
mold spore levels
- Indoor ambient air samples to determine mold spore
levels within the home
- Sampling of wall interiors
- Non-destructive carpet samples
- Swab, tape lift, and/or direct samples of suspected
mold colonies
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Detailed analysis of all samples, performed by an
accredited
professional laboratory
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A detailed report including:
- findings of the physical investigation
- location and levels of excess moisture and/or mold
contamination
- species present and their growth characteristics
- recommendations for remediation
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479KB Download |
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How much will it cost:
Assessment fees are dependent upon the size of the home
(square footage) and the number of samples taken. Evaluations
start at $275. Sample fees start at $80 per sample for standard
turn-around time of one-week. A quicker turn-around time can
be accommodated for an additional fee. Because each home and
situation is unique, the number of samples required will be
determined at the time of the assessment. Most assessments
require 3 to 5 samples. If remediation is necessary, follow-up
evaluations (“clean air clearance” evaluations)
are offered at a reduced rate.
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