Mold Inspection . Certified Residential Inspection
Mold problems can occur anywhere and is often referred to as Sick Building Syndrome. Common complaints are allergic reactions, health issues, odors and general discomfort. Mold investigations involve gathering available information on the history of water intrusion into the structure, we use this as the basis for our own independent inspection of possible moisture sources. Mold issues do not exist without the current or recent past exposure and presence of moisture. In order to identify potential moisture sources PCI uses a variety of instrumentation to detect surface moisture, moisture below surfaces, on interior of walls and tests for current relative humidity. Once having determined potential areas of water intrusion PCI will take surface samples and / or wall interior samples.
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These samples are then transported to an EMLAB certified laboratory for analysis. If mold growth is detected on samples, PCI will develop a comprehensive remediation plan to assist in eliminating the problem. This plan based on ASHRAE guidelines can be provided to contractors who can provide remediation pricing and evaluate the mold issues identified.
Related News / Articles
How Much Do Mold Inspections Cost?
Mold inspection costs vary widely depending on the size of the property, extent of the mold inspection, number of mold samples, and other factors. We've heard of price quotes as low as $300 and as high as $3,000.
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Hiring a Professional Mold Inspector
It's always best to hire a professional mold inspector to do the mold inspection for you. Thanks to mold inspectors' experience and their knowledge of spots where mold most often hides, you can be sure that if there's any mold in your home that they will find it.
Why Do Some Companies Offer Free Mold Inspections
We can only hypothesize why some companies would do this. Our feeling is they offer free mold inspections because they make money primarily from remediating any mold problems that are found. However, this puts them in a conflict of interest. If they make money from mold remediation, they will want to find mold problems during the free mold inspection. Otherwise, they won't make money.
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Study: Clean up to reduce allergens in your home
They studied eight common allergens: cat, dog, cockroach, mouse, rat, mold and two types of dust mites. Homes with animals and pests were most likely to have more than one allergen present, as were older homes, rental homes, mobile homes and homes in rural areas.
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Official Sources (i.e. EPA, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, American Industrial Hygiene Assoc., Etc)
The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control
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Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
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Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
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RR-0211: Mold—Causes, Health Effects and Clean-up
This article briefly repeats some of the information in the other mold articles but also includes information on how to prevent mold in residential structures. Mold requires water. No water, no mold. Mold is the result of a water problem. Fix the water problem, clean up the mold and you have fixed the mold problem. For more information, see Popular Topics/Homeowner Resources.
How do people get exposed to mold?
Inhalation is considered the primary way that people are exposed to mold. Mold spores and fragments can become airborne and get into the air we breathe. People may also be exposed to mold through the skin. Workers should be properly protected with safety equipment when remediating, or cleaning up mold after a disaster. In some cases, people may be exposed to mold through their diet.
Facts About Mold
The available science on molds and their potential health effects remains under study, but considerable progress has been made. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Institute of Medicine of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the World Health Organization and Health Canada all agree that living or working in a building with mold damage results in increased risk of respiratory disease.