The HomeCheck RI Mold and Moisture Inspection and Report is the core of our services.
The Mold Inspection is actually a moisture inspection with mold sampling. We inspect the entire property for all moisture intrusions and sources using our experience in home inspection’s and knowledge of building science, combined with the IAC2 Mold Inspection Standards of Practice and ANSI/IICRC S520-2015 Standard For Professional Mold Remediation for identifying areas of concern for possible and visible microbial growth.
The standard outline for the inspection is as follows:
- Visual inspection
- Identify possible moisture sources
- Identify areas of concern for possible or visible microbial growth
- Sampling and Environmental readings
- Report including lab results, photos, comments of findings and precautionary recommendations.
Examples of moisture sources are
- Leaking roofs or chimneys
- Clogged gutters and loose or improperly installed downspouts
- Leaking windows doors or siding
- Grading issues (rain water)
- Leaking pipes or plumbing appliances including jetted tubs or spas and saunas
- Leaking kitchen, laundry or water heater appliances
- Ventilation issues including basements, attics or HVAC
- Foundation or crawlspace moisture issues
- Dust or dirt/hygiene issues including over-storage
Areas of Concern for possible microbial growth
Once area of possible moisture sources are identified, we then focus on areas of concern for microbial growth. These areas could be visible mold, areas around known or identified moisture intrusion, areas scanned with thermal imaging and moisture meters that show moisture anomalies in walls and ceilings.
After identifying possible moisture sources and areas of concern for microbial – we begin sampling and taking environmental readings in these areas including at least one outdoor control sample. In some cases, we will take two outdoor control samples depending on the layout of the building and weather conditions. Environmental readings include humidity, CO2, temperature and moisture meter readings of all areas of concern and where samples are taken.
Report and findings
Sampling is sent to our federally licensed and certified laboratory for analysis by a microbiologist. These results are emailed back in 5-7 days (expedition options are available) and combined with the visual inspection and findings in a comprehensive colored PDF report using the best inpsection software available including photos, comments of findings and a list of precautionary recommendations which you can then use for remediation with the remediation or sanitization company of your choice. Our process allows HCRI to focus on finding the mold and moisture issues and providing you with unbiased and factual information.
Note – it is never recommended to use the same company for both testing/inspection/sampling and remediation and against all standards of practice for both mold inspections and mold remediation.