tn: STORMS - PRAYERS AND DAMAGE CONTROL!
- 02/06/08 04:52 AM
First, for those of you who know someone who lost their lives or were injured in this recent storm damage please accept our condolences and know that our prayers are with you at this time. Second, when these major storm damage events come through there is much to be done to stabilize the situation if your home or the homes and buildings of neighbors, friends and relatives are damaged. One of the most likely damages is to the roof. It is critical to put in place temporary systems to prevent water from entering the building any more than already has. Then take … (0 comments)
tn: Question: How much does a mold assessment cost?
- 01/23/08 06:03 PM
ANSWER: Protocol dictates that a mold assessment starts with a mold survey/inspection. From a mold survey/inspection comes a recommendation for mold sampling. Each component of this process has its own cost. Mold samples are charged per sample. Normally the most basic service involves a mold inspection followed by two air samples (one inside and one outside for comparison) and perhaps a contact or carpet sample. The final cost is based on which services the Client wishes to purchase. … (0 comments)
tn: Question: How do you take mold samples?
- 01/23/08 06:01 PM
ANSWER: There are 3 types of mold samples that can be performed; indoor and outdoor air testing, contact (swab, bulk or tape), and carpet testing. A thorough and complete evaluation will usually involve all 3 types of samples. There are two categories of mold samples taken. These include viable (field collected and lab cultured [grown]) and, non-viable (field collected with laboratory microscopy identification). These categories are often used in conjunction to create a profile of airborne microbe concentrations. Viable sampling (contact) captures spores that may not show up well on spore traps, and may provide insight into which molds are actively growing … (0 comments)
tn: Question: Why should I have mold sampling done?
- 01/23/08 05:58 PM
ANSWER: The science of mold is growing daily. There are literally hundreds of known species of mold and many more suspected. Different molds develop from different habitats. If you can determine what kind of mold you are dealing with you are more likely to find the source of the mold growth and fix it. If you simply remove or kill mold, the mold could easily return if you do not stop the source of the moisture and mold. Mold sampling to evaluate for mold may tell you what is causing the mold so you can stop it from coming back after … (0 comments)
tn: Question: If I cannot see the mold is it still a problem?
- 01/23/08 05:55 PM
ANSWER: YES! If mold is in your building it is a problem even if you cannot see it. The main health threat from mold is mold spores. Mold spores are microscopic. In other words you cannot see spores. Once dispersed the spores can be spread through the air. If mold is in your building you should make every effort to have the mold removed or killed. Mold is frequently located in places where you cannot see it. Examples include behind walls, in the crawl space and behind furniture or applicances. Not only is mold a health threat but mold can also … (0 comments)
tn: Question: If I just stop the roof leak isn’t my mold problem solved?
- 01/23/08 05:53 PM
ANSWER: NO! Stopping the source of water does not completely solve the problem. If mold is deprived of its source of water it does not die, it only goes dormant. If the moisture returns, such as from humidity, the mold comes back to life and continues to grow. … (0 comments)
tn: Question: How and why does mold get started growing?
- 01/23/08 05:50 PM
ANSWER: Mold and mold spores are present as a natural part of life on earth. As long as a habitat for mold growth is not inside a building then this natural mold is not an immediate threat to our indoor air quality. Mold needs 3 things to survive: moisture, food source, and a surface to grow on. If moisture is allowed to go where it is not suppose to go the process of mold growth can start. An example is a roof leak that allows water to enter the attic and onto the ceiling or down the walls of the structure. … (1 comments)
tn: Question: Does everybody react the same to mold?
- 01/23/08 05:47 PM
ANSWER: No. People can react differently to mold. Within the same family some people can react very negatively to mold while others do not react at all. Mold can be allergenic, pathogenic or toxic. If exposed to toxic mold, the reaction can be fatal. People can be exposed to mold thru inhalation, digestion, and skin contact. The fact that people react differently to mold can be very confusing. Parents with children who react to mold can experience frustration trying to determine what the source of the reaction is. Results of a mold assessment can be presented to the family medical staff as … (0 comments)
tn: Question: What are the physical symptoms of mold?
- 01/23/08 05:43 PM
ANSWER: Symptoms of mold exposure may include respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include sore throat, blurred vision, headaches, memory loss, aches and fever. A classic symptom of building induced physical symptoms including mold is when you feel better (ie. the symptoms dissipate) when you leave the building. It is important to remember that mold is only one of several possible sources of health related symptoms. Other sources such as pet dander, insect feces and building materials can cause similar symptoms. Mold itself may appear in many different colors or shapes. Mold texture may seem dry or wet … (1 comments)
tn: Question: Is a mold inspection the same as a Home Inspection?
- 01/23/08 05:41 PM
ANSWER: A mold inspection/survey is not a home inspection, but a mold inspection/survey can be done in conjunction with a home inspection. This will, of course, add time to the overall length of the combined inspection/survey. A mold inspection is conducted in a manner that is similar to a home inspection but there are differences. Specifically, in a mold inspection the home is inspected in search of red flags that indicate the presents of mold or mold-like substance. In a home inspection these red flags may be identified as a coincidence of the home inspection but not as the primary purpose … (0 comments)
tn: Home Inspector Advise: A Story About Radon (January is National Radon Action Month)
- 01/20/08 06:01 PM
A STORY ABOUT RADON By Richard Acree President HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January is the National Radon Action Month. This is a story about radon that everyone should read. First a brief review. Radon is an odorless and invisible radioactive gas that is produced from the natural breakdown of the uranium found in most rocks and soils. As the breakdown occurs, radon emits atomic particles into the air we breathe. Once inhaled, these particles can be deposited in our lungs. The energy associated with these particles can alter cell DNA, thus increasing the risk of lung cancer. … (2 comments)
First, for those of you who know someone who lost their lives or were injured in this recent storm damage please accept our condolences and know that our prayers are with you at this time.;)
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