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AMI mold inspections are non-invasive, non-destructive visual inspections for mold and conditions that cause mold.
Non-Invasive means we do not cut open walls, tear up floors, rip out cabinets, etc. W.E.T. inspections are technology-based using state-of-the-art inspection equipment such as infrared cameras and moisture detection instruments to avoid destructive inspection procedures. If your mold inspection is not conducted with infrared thermal imaging, your inspection is inconclusive.
Mold and Conditions That Cause Mold means the inspection focuses on more than just obvious mold growth. We inspect the interior and exterior of the structure for any conditions that are commonly associated with indoor mold growth.
Even with the latest and greatest technology available, a non-invasive inspection can have certain limitations. As a rule, identifying mold problems and their source is fairly straightforward and can be done with just a cursory visual inspection. Other times however, a red flag or suspicious condition is detected, such as water damage, high moisture retention in a wall, etc., but no visible mold growth is seen. At that point the visual inspection has reached its limitation. That’s where testing comes in.
The purpose of surface sampling is to evaluate whether a suspected stain, discoloration, blemish, or other irregular appearance on a surface is mold. Just as the name implies, surface samples are used to identify what type of mold – if any – may be growing on a specific surface, such as construction materials or personal contents. Surface samples are usually taken with a sterile cotton swab or tape lift and are only relevant to the exact area where the sample is taken. As such, surface samples are not to be relied upon for conducting risk assessment as it relates to airborne mold spore levels.
When Should Surface Samples Be Taken in a Mold Inspection?
As a rule, surface samples are unnecessary. Seeing visible mold growing indoors is enough to confirm that there is a mold problem. Mold should never be growing on any construction materials indoors or on any of your personal contents stored indoors. Occasionally however, it can be difficult to distinguish the difference between mold and dirt with a visual inspection alone. For that reason, it is important to define your objective before deciding on whether or not to sample a surface for mold. The four most common questions people have for sampling surfaces are:
If your objective for sampling suspected mold on a surface is not one of these four reasons, surface sampling may be unnecessary. To discuss your specific situation and whether or not surface sampling will answer any questions you have, call a W.E.T. Certified Inspector for a no-cost consultation.
The purpose of air sampling is to evaluate the probability that an elevated or unusual mold condition exists indoors when such a determination cannot be made by visual observation alone.
In a non-invasive inspection it is not always possible to visually determine if a “suspect condition”, such as water damage or moisture is in fact a mold problem or not (see pictures of hidden mold growth – in gallery). Testing airborne mold spore levels near a suspect condition provides analytical data that can be used to either confirm or rule out hidden mold growth.
When Should Air Samples Be Taken for Mold Testing?
If you suspect you have a mold problem, don’t wait until you can visually see it. Many people who call W.E.T. say, “I don’t see any mold”. But the fact is, most mold problems go unnoticed long before any visible signs appear, and the costliest mold repair jobs are the ones that no one knew were there until after the damage is done.
Mold growth can spread exponentially inside walls, under cabinets and floors, above ceilings, and deep into heating and air conditioning vents as long as the right conditions exist. By the time hidden mold is detected, it can cause thousands of dollars in property damage and pose significant health risks.
The time to test for mold is when you suspect you might have a mold problem. If you smell musty odors indoors, you have a reason to have a mold inspection. If you’ve had a roof leak, a plumbing leak, or a flood (past or present) a mold testing is certainly warranted. Prompt action can mean the difference between an inexpensive repair project or a several thousand dollar mold remediation job and health implications.
In the photo gallery of this text is an example of how hidden mold in a bathroom can cause damage long before it becomes visible. These pictures were taken on an actual W.E.T. inspection.
For more information or to speak with Certified Mold Inspector about how these services apply to your specific situation, call: (513) 381-6653
Cause: Improper window seal, moisture retention inside wall cavities, temperature-humidity regulation.
Consequences: Moisture seeps past window frame and into wall cavity causing water damage and mold growth inside wall.
Cause: Improper window seal, moisture retention inside wall cavities, temperature-humidity regulation.
Consequences: Moisture seeps past window frame and into wall cavity causing water damage and mold growth inside wall.
Cause: Improper window seal, moisture retention inside wall cavities, temperature-humidity regulation.
Consequences: Moisture seeps past window frame and into wall cavity causing water damage and mold growth inside wall.
Cause: Water leaks due to cracked or inadequately sealed grout, plumbing leaks inside wall, etc.
Consequences: Mold comes back within a few days after cleaning, severe water damage, degradation of construction materials, and mold growth inside wall cavities.
Cause: Damaged or improperly installed roofing paper, tiles, etc.
Consequences: Severe water damage, degradation of construction materials, and mold growth spreading under shingles, water damage and mold growth on sub-roof materials.
Cause: Damaged or improperly installed shingles, roofing paper, tiles, etc.
Consequences: Severe water damage, degradation of construction materials, and mold growth spreading under shingles, eventual water damage and mold growth on interior construction materials.
Cause: Poor drainage, excessive ground water, covered weep screed, etc.
Consequences: Degradation of stucco and other construction materials, water damage and mold growth extending into and past wall cavities eventually into the interior of the structure.
