Servicing the greater Portland, Maine area including York, Cumberland, Oxford, and Androscoggin Counties.

281 Flaggy Meadow Road
Buxton, ME 04093
Office 207-929-6699
Fax 207-929-4521
Email: info@ApexHomeInspections.com

Mold Inspections & Indoor Air Quality

The purpose of a mold inspection is to determine if molds are present which may affect the health of a building's occupants. By performing an inspection and laboratory analysis it can be determined if areas of discoloration are mold, or it may discover hidden sources of mold. This information can provide peace of mind to the occupants when mold is not present or provide information for the occupant and their physician when mold is present. With the information from an inspection and analysis an action plan can be put in place to remove the mold and take steps to eliminate the contributing factors.

Whenever possible it is desirable to question the building owners/occupants regarding the history of the building, concentrating on past moisture issues such as roof leaks, plumbing leaks, floods and condensation. Whenever possible it helps to know if the current occupants have been diagnosed with or believe to be experiencing health symptoms associated with mold such as Asthma, Bronchitis, Rhinitis, Sinusitis or Pneumonia like symptoms.

The initial step in a mold inspection is to perform a visual inspection of accessible areas of the exterior, basement, living areas and attic of the property searching for obvious signs of potential moisture penetration or presence of possible mold. Observations are documented and areas of significant interest are photographed. Moisture readings are taken of suspected areas as well as non-involved areas. Moisture-producing items or situations such as aquariums, humidifiers, heating/cooling/ventilating ducts, air conditioning condensers, lack of bath vents, etc. are documented.

If fossil fuels are used for heating a combustible gas detector will be used to test for combustion gases and if it is a hot air furnace than the output air will also be tested for combustion gases.

A floor plan is sketched identifying areas of possible moisture and/or mold.

Based upon the occupants' complaints, building history, requirements of the client and the observations of the inspector a sampling strategy will be recommended by the inspector. Since the cost is dependent on the number and types of samples taken this information will be presented to the client for their approval prior to sampling. There are additional costs if the inspector has to make multiple trips.

Sampling types include bulk samples utilizing samples of affected materials, swabs or tape lifts. Bulk samples can be analyzed at the lab by direct examination or cultured.

Air sampling can be utilized to help determine hidden sources of mold. Multiple samples can help pinpoint areas of higher concentrations and under the right circumstances samples from wall cavities can be taken. With air samples an outside control sample is also taken. These air samples can then be analyzed at the lab by direct examination or cultured.

The lab analysis will report the types of mold present and the concentrations depending on the techniques utilized. The lab analysis will be combined with the inspector's observations to present a report on the potential presence of mold, its type, the possible cause and recommendations for remediation

The officers or employees perform inspections on behalf of Apex Home Inspections, Inc.

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