EIS Engineered Inspection Services

The microorganisms that cause mold and wood decay belong to the plant group known as fungi. Mold feeds on organic material such as cellulose (wood, paper, drywall) and release millions of spores in the process. Mold growth requires 3 basic conditions as follows:

warm environment
sufficient moisture
food source (wood, paper, etc).

Mold is most often found where moisture is present such as in damp crawlspaces or basements, poorly vented attics and areas near leaking plumbing. Remember that without moisture, mold cannot grow so the homeowner should make every effort to prevent moisture infiltration. This includes keeping gutters clean, downspouts discharging away from the foundation, and a positive grade of the soil adjacent to the house. Crawlspaces should be completely covered with a polyethylene vapor barrier to minimize humidity levels. Also be sure to keep all wood, paper and cardboard out of the crawlspace areas.

The presence of certain molds can lead to allergic reactions and have symptoms similar to a cold such as watery eyes and a runny nose. Some molds can cause serious health effects and some are even poisonous. In addition, continued mold growth can even cause structural damage. Mold is not always visible but it can still cause health problems when it infiltrates a homes heating and cooling distribution system. When looking at a potential property, a “red flag” for possible mold problems is the presence of musty odors.

A very good source of useful information on mold can be found in the booklet "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home". It can be viewed or downloaded from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website at www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html.

Engineered Inspection Services can provide mold testing including air, carpet, swab and bulk sampling. The standard testing involves collection of air samples on all levels of the home as well as outdoors. The indoor samples are compared against the outdoor sample. All mold test results require professional laboratory analysis and usually require 24-48 hours for results following collection of the samples. The lab analysis identifies the type and quantity of each mold species and gives a detailed explanation of the molds typical origin and health effects on humans.

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