Pricing:
Up to 3000 sq. ft. = $495.00, add $50/500 sq. ft.
Includes full Inspection, report, follow-up meeting, lab analysis; of 1 exterior control air sample, 1 interior air sample, 1 lift or bulk sample & 1 air sample of area of concern. Additional samples for lab and analysis = $80/sample analysis + $95 for shipping & handling.
A Travel Fee of $50.00 will apply when the inspector has to travel more than 60k
The Inspectors Goal
The mold inspection is to competently identify the source of moisture problems and water penetration or humidity build-up within the building, and recommend a course of action to improve the air quality in the building. At the same time, the intrusion may not be located immediately, but simply treating the surface for mold, will not remedy the problem. The goal is to determine the cause for mold growth, so that solutions can be implemented.
Mold
The fast growing building industry, along with meeting a demand for a more tightly sealed environment, has contributed to the increase of mold growth in buildings.
What is mold?
Mold is a natural environmentally present organism. Mold’s primary function is to breakdown material and recycle nutrients back to the earth. It is estimated that mold and other fungi make up approximately 25% of the earth’s biomes. When mold occupies our homes and working spaces, in high concentration, the potential for health problems to exists.
In order for mold to grow, it needs 3 elements: an organic food source, a source of moisture and the right humidity. Mold becomes a problem when excess moisture is present.A humidity over 50% of the indoor relative humidity (RH), allows mold to grow on inorganic materials such as glass, metal, plastics, or concrete.
How does mold grow?
Mold is a very simple life form that exists in two stages. We do not know how many species of mold exist but it is estimated that there are 100,000 to 300,000 fungi worldwide (not yet classified). In Canada there are at least 1000 known varieties. Mold can complete its growth process in as little as 24 to 48 hours. It is important to inspect as soon as you suspect there may be mold. Its presence may be detected by strange odours or health problems (especially respiratory) even before it is seen. The first stage is the mycelia stage or growth stage. The second stage is the dormant stage and can remain in this stage for a long time. Once the spores are introduced to the 3 elements, mold will multiply and break down organic material like paper faced gypsum, cotton clothing, and wooden items.
Mold colours and odours
Mold presents itself with an array of colours. Have you heard of the phrase “Black Mold”? This is not a species or specific kind of mold, nor is it a toxic mold. It is a media term we do not use for inspecting mold. We use the term toxigenic fungi because many colours of mold produce microbial mycotoxins that can be released into the air. They may not be visible.
Microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emit strong and unpleasant odours produced by mold. These smells strongly suggest there is mold or mildew growing in the structure. It should be investigated due to potential health risks.