Visual Inspection
A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible mold contamination problem. The extent of any water damage and suspect mold growth is visually assessed by the inspector. This assessment is important to aid in determining remedial strategies, if needed.

Micro Inspection Camera
A micro inspection camera with a color screen and three foot cable with an inspection lens is used to perform detailed visual investigation inside wall cavities and hard to reach areas, which allows us to locate water or mold damage where others may often miss

Moisture Testing
A portable Tramex Moisture Encounter Plus is used to determine the moisture content of building materials within a Structure. In general depending on the type of substrate or materials to be tested, levels greater than 15% are considered unfavorable and could result in mold growth if not immediately corrected. The Moisture Encounter Plus is a patented instrument, which enables non-invasive moisture measurement and detection in a wide range of building materials. The instrument operates on the principle that the electrical impedance of material varies in proportion to its moisture content. Information provided by moisture encounter plus user guide.

Infrared Thermal Imaging
An Infrared Thermal Imaging camera is used as a tool to aid in visual examination of accessible areas of a building in order to inspect for water intrusion within areas impacted by a known water intrusion in order to determine the extent of damages or to locate plumbing leaks or hidden water inside of a wall cavity. You can’t repair hidden water leaks or prevent hidden mold if you can’t find it!

Thermography is a “heat diagram” or a visible picture using the infrared spectrum. This imaging technique is a powerful and non-invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of buildings. Infrared inspections can provide immediate documentation of as-built and post restoration conditions, post-casualty cause and origin data, plumbing and building envelope water intrusion, post-flood and fire & water damaged materials assessment, energy inefficiency, and electrical problems. Typically water on building materials will evaporate and cool by about six degrees. A wet spot, when observed with the infrared camera is visible as a distinct cool spot.

Temperature and Humidity Levels
A portable Mannix ™ Thermo-Hygrometer is used to determine the current temperature and humidity levels from the interior of the building and from the exterior for comparative purposes. In general, humidity levels greater than 60% are considered unfavorable and could result in mold growth if not immediately corrected.

Surface Tape Lift Sampling
The purpose for collecting tape lift samples is to determine whether or not mold is growing on the surface sampled, and if so, what types of molds are present. The sample is collected by tape lift imprint of discoloration using a “Bio-Tape” prepared tape lift slide. When the laboratory results are returned we can compare them to the mold air sample results in order to determine the possible source if elevated mold airborne levels are detected.

Bio-Tape™
Bio-Tape provides a sampling method for use in the determination of possible microbial, bioaerosol, and inorganic dust contamination in a simple, standardized way. It provides the ability to quickly take a sample and measure the relative degree of contamination.

Bio-Tape consists of a flexible plastic microscopic slide with a pre-defined adhesive area. A center-line marker on the slide aids the user in locating the center of the adhesive when taking the sample and also aids the laboratory analyst in finding the center of the sample area. Each slide is provided with a unique serial number for traceability and packed in a slide mailer to prevent cross contamination. Information provided by Bio-Tape user guide

Non-Viable Mold Spore Trap Air Sampling
The Objective
To capture and quantify a broad spectrum of fungal spores (both culturable & non-culturable) present in the air as well as to assess whether the levels present suggest a fungal problem in the interior locations sampled.

Mold Air Sampling Overview
Non-culturable spore trap samplers draw measured volumes of air through the sampling device for a specified length of time. The collection surface is a coated glass slide. Particles in the air (spores, dust, etc.) impact onto the sticky surface and are “trapped” for later analysis.

Air Samples are useful in assessing 1) exposure levels to people in an indoor space, and 2) whether spore aerosolization is occurring. Air samples may also detect hidden reservoirs of fungal growth. There are two main types of air samples, culturable and non-culturable (also called “non-viable”, “total”, or “spore trap”). Ideally, both should be used in an investigation. When budgets or time constraints are critical, usually spore trap samples are recommended over culturable air samples.

Zefon Air-O-Cell Mold Air Sample Cassette
The Air-O-Cell air sampling cassette is a unique sampling device specifically designed for the rapid collection and analysis of a wide range of airborne aerosols. These include mold spores, pollen, insect parts, skin cell fragments, fibers, (e.g. asbestos, fiberglass, cellulose, clothing fibers) and inorganic particulate (e.g. ceramic, fly ash, combustion particles, copy toner).

As the particulate-laden air enters the cassette, it meets the sampling substrate upon which the particles become impacted, while the air flows continues out the exit orifice. The design of the air flow pathway creates a deposition of airborne particulate (the “trace”) on the adhesive coated glass slide contained in the cassette housing. After samples are taken, the glass slides are removed and direct microscopic analysis can be immediately performed.

Information provided from the AIR-O-CELL sampling guide.

Recommendations for mold remediation are based on the elevated moisture levels identified, the microbiology laboratory results as well as the site conditions observed during the inspection process. The main purpose of mold remediation is to remove the mold or water damaged materials in order to restore the property to normal or pre-loss condition. During the demolition process the deficiencies that created the moisture and mold problem may be easily identified and repaired.

During the Initial Mold Inspection we are able to develop a scope of work and prepare a remediation plan. Upon completion of the remediation process we will consult with your mold remediation contractor to ensure they are ready for the Post Remediation Verification inspection.

GETAMOLDTEST.COM uses the following industry standard guidelines listed below for reference, in conducting the inspection and for providing mold remediation recommendations:

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification Standards

Standard IICRC S500, Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration (third edition published April 2006)

S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation (second edition published August 2008) www.iicrc.com

Mold Remediation in Schools & Commercial Building

A Post Remediation Verification inspection is conducted following the recommended remediation process outlined in a report from the Initial Mold Inspection. It is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the remediation process and in order to ensure the mold airborne levels are acceptable prior to the contractor removing there containment and prior to the reconstruction of the previously affected areas. An Initial Mold Inspection is commonly referred to as a “Baseline Inspection”. The Post Remediation Verification inspection is commonly referred to as a “Clearance Inspection”. A clearance inspection is beneficial in that first a visual assessment will be conducted to determine and document if the recommended removal of affected building materials, or amount necessary was removed as outlined in the initial inspection report, as well as to visually observe the remediated areas to ensure no remaining discoloration presumed to be mold growth is present, or remaining conditions that may be conducive to microbial growth, for example, “musty” odors and/or evidence of water penetration in the areas remediated.

In addition, microbial air sampling in remediated areas and areas located outside of the designated remediated areas may be performed in order to document that following the completion of the remediation process, the interior mold spore levels are acceptable.

Upon a favorable visual inspection and mold air screen, a “clearance” inspection report and independent laboratory results will follow. This report is your official documentation of the favorable completion of the remediation process and can be used to your benefit for future reference, or upon the future sale of your property (if desired to sell) to present to perspective buyers and real estate agents if disclosure is being requested.

GETAMOLDTEST.COM uses the following industry standard guidelines listed below for reference, in conducting the inspection:

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

How do you know when you have finished remediation/cleanup?

www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification Standards

12.2.8 Re-Occupancy Criteria

Standard IICRC S500, Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration (second edition) www.iicrc.com