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Mold. Physical Inspection and Investigation of Buildings. Mold and I ndoor A ir Q uality. v Some mold problems are obvious – you will see it growing – if you are lucky. Others are not so obvious. If you can see mold or if there is a musty odor, there probably is a mold problem.
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Mold Physical Inspection and Investigation of Buildings
Mold and Indoor Air Quality vSome mold problems are obvious – you will see it growing – if you are lucky. Others are not so obvious. If you can see mold or if there is a musty odor, there probably is a mold problem.
Mold and IAQ vAreas that are wet, or have been wet because of flooding, leaky plumbing, leaky roofing, or areas that are humid (such as bathrooms and laundry rooms) are most likely to have mold growth.
Mold and IAQ vLook for signs of previous water damage. Visible mold growth may be found underneath wall paper, baseboards, carpet, behind walls, in attic spaces, in basements, or it may be evident by colored plaster or drywall. If you don’t see mold, it could still be growing in areas you cannot see, such as duct work for a heating/cooling system or in a wall space.
Mold and IAQ The first course of action is to determine why the mold is growing. Investigate any areas that are damp. Mold will grow on any surfacethat provides moisture and food.
Mold Prevention and Control The most effective method of (mold) source control is the elimination of moisture that supports mold growth.
Mold in Buildings Building and/or Material Defects + Water infiltration = Mold and Structural Damage Building Leak Behind the wallpaper in guest suite
Mold in Buildings Guest suite wall with wallpaper down … Behind the wall ….
Mold in Buildings Disaster + Water Infiltration = Mold and Structural Damage
Mold in Buildings Construction practices that contribute to mold growth include – ⌂ Incorrect building specifications, ⌂ Non-standard contractors, ⌂ Plumbing leaks, ⌂ Exterior siding that holds water, ⌂ Trash or debris in wall cavities, ⌂ Wood in contact with concrete, ⌂ Lack of flashing and/or poorly, installed flashing, ⌂ Concrete slab not cured, and ⌂ Use of inappropriate building materials.
Mold in Buildings Building material that can contribute to mold growth include: ⌂ Wet board; ⌂ Particle board; ⌂ EFIS – Exterior Finishing Insulation System; ⌂Pressed wood cabinets, boxes, storage units, etc.
Mold in Buildings Exterior Finishing Insulation System(s)
Mold in Buildings Building practices have changed and have created conditions that make mold growth more likely, including – ⌂Tight or “wrapped” buildings (no air flow); ⌂EIFS; ⌂Poor construction of housing and building additions, decks, windows, siding, foundations; and, ⌂Poor drainage.
Mold in Buildings Exterior Finishing Insulation System(s)
Mold in Buildings RedFlags – Signs of Mold Growth If you spot any of these “red flags” while performing a walk-through for job bid or worse, while working, then you might want the area and/or mold tested and analyzed. OVisible mold growth on walls, floors, between baseboard and wallboard, on and behind sheetrock, and “peeking” out from behind wallpaper; OMusty odor; OEvidence of water penetration (staining, moist areas, puddling);
Mold in Buildings OEvidence of a condition that could allow water penetration (poor grading), bad flashing, etc.; OConstruction defects; OPoorly maintained or dirty HVAC system; OCracks and deteriorated caulking; OLeaky drains; and OUncured concrete slab and/or carpet in direct contact with concrete (no vapor barrier).
Suite 1000, 8484 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 Main Phone: 301-578-8500 Main Fax: 301-578-8572 www.cpwr.com Don Ellenberger DOE & EPA Training Director DEllenberger@cpwr.com Phone: 301-495-8504 Fax: 301-578-4190