Kevin Goff
Certified Inspector

517-699-7787
Fax: 1-877-805-7619

Links of Interest

Mold Inspections

What can I expect in a Mold Testing Assessment?
An initial walk through is done throughout the property to find and potential sources of Mold and fungi. This can include, but not limited to:

• Interior and Exterior mold assessment

• Inspect the basement and the garage visible mold intrusion

• Investigations of crawl spaces and attics for mold problems

• Checking the HVAC system and filters for visible mold intrusion

Any potential areas of concern discovered during a mold assessment will be documented and photographed. When testing for mold, our inspectors always prefer to collect the most information possible during a mold assessment.

Then the mold inspector will take samples of suspect areas and non-suspect areas to determine the factor of the mold problem and/or if a mold problem exists. The samples can include air samples, tape samples and swab samples. Exterior samples are also taken for comparison.

What mold testing equipment will be used during the mold assessment?

• Borescope – used to examine hard to reach places and for mold inspection behind walls

• Digital Camera – used to visually document the finding during the mold inspection

• Air sampling pump – to test the interior and exterior for mold spores looking for their count and species

• Tape sampling supplies - used to take sample of the mold to send to a n accredited lab for analysis

• Swabs and culturable sampling – to sample mold in places where tape sampling is impractical or sample the mold so the lab can grow it in a culturable sample to determine the species. (Certain mold spores look identical under the microscope. It isn’t until the lab grows the mold that they can identify the specific mold species. All molds grow differently)

• Moisture meters – to identify possible problematic areas

• Relative humidity monitors & thermometers – to gain the humidity levels in different parts of the house.

• Personal protective equipment – respirators, gloves, Tyvex suite, goggles- this is used to protect the inspector while he is conducting the mold

If the answer is "yes" to any of the following questions, consider a mold inspection or mold testing now:

• Is there a "musty smell in your home or building?

• Are there visible signs of water damage anywhere?

• Has the property ever suffered a leaking basement?

• Has the property ever suffered a roof leak?

• Has the property ever suffered a plumbing leak?

• Has the property ever suffered a sink or sewer overflow?

• Has the property ever suffered other water problems?

If any of the family members, residents or occupants have experienced any of the following adverse health effects, it may indicate that mold is present in their environment. 

• sinus congestion

• nausea

• sneezing

• runny nose

• coughing

• skin rashes

• fatigue

• flu-like systems

• headaches

• restlessness

• dizziness

• irritation of the eyes, nose or throat

• wheezing

• fevers

• asthma

• emphysema

Mold is a microscopic organism found virtually everywhere indoors and outdoors.  Mold can be found on food, plants, and other organic material.  Mold can also be found on cardboard, paper, ceiling tile, sheetrock, carpet, carpet padding, wood, plaster and air conditioning ducts.

Mold spores are easily detached and become airborne. When moldy materials become damaged or disturbed, spores (reproductive bodies similar to plant seeds) can be released into the air.

People at high risk for adverse reactions to mold exposure are:

• Infants

• Children

• Elderly

• Immune Compromised Individuals

• Pregnant Women

• Individuals with Existing Respiratory Condition

Black Mold on Floor Joist
Black Mold or Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra) aka: Toxic Mold Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra) is a greenish-black toxic mold that colonizes particularly well in high cellulose material such as straw, hay, wet leaves, dry wall, carpet, wallpaper, fiber-board, ceiling tiles, thermal insulation, etc.  It does not grow on plastic, vinyl, concrete, or ceramic tiles.  It is not the green mold on bread or the black mold on the shower tiles.  There are about 15 species of Stachybotrys or Black Mold known throughout the world.  This toxic mold grows in areas where the relative humidity is above 55%.  Before drying Black Mold (aka: Stachybotrys) is wet and slimy to the touch.  Stachybotrys or Black Mold produces a mycotoxin that causes human mycotoxicosis.  This type of mold is thought to be a possible cause of the “Sick Building Syndrome”.

Interior and Exterior Mold Assessment

• Inspect the basement and the garage for visible mold intrusion.

• Investigations of crawl spaces and attics for mold problems

• Checking the HVAC system and filters for visible mold intrusion