Investigation and Fact Gathering Process
Before we begin any inspection we always start with the complete background history and explain our services and how we can help you. We then answer all of your questions and have you show us the affected areas or areas you suspect to have mold or water damage. Following our detailed visual assessment and moisture investigation we will then explain to you our findings and any recommendations. Upon completion of the Initial Mold Inspection we will provide you with a detailed report documenting the visual inspection, moisture findings and laboratory results along with our recommendations that can be used as a written protocol should professional mold remediation be needed.
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.
