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Mold on the wall
Recent Inspection Report Involving Water intrusion through Walls
Inspection #: 201031
Reason for inspection:
- Residents of the home have been experiencing respiratory issues and migrane headaches which they feel may be related to indoor air quality.
Summary of concerns:
- Water damage in the powder room has likely left remaining mold growth in the exterior wall cavity.
- The home is poorly ventilated which has caused tVOC readings to be elevated above the normal level in the upper level and basement.
- Failed siding near the Office may allow water intrusion.
- Some potential lead and asbestos hazards were noted.
- Door to garage is not adequately sealed or self-closing.
OBSERVATIONS
VENTILATION:
Adequate Ventilation Not Present
Recommended ventilation of residential homes should be between 0.35 and 0.7 air changes per hour (ACH).
Desired Ventilation Rate: 0.5 ACH (Air Changes per Hour)
Square Footage: 2000 sq/ft
Average Ceiling Height: 8 ft X
Required Ventilation: 133.33 continuous cfm
Recommendations:
- Improve ventilation via one of the methods listed below (further consultation in regards to specific product models and settings is available through Environix at no additional cost to the client)
- Utilize existing exhaust fans on digital timers to ensure that no less than 134CFM exhaust ventilation is present at all times.
- Replace 3 existing exhaust fans with Panasonic WhisperGreen 80CFM units set to run at 50CFM constant-flow and for 60 minutes once the motion-sensor has been activated.
- Install a ducted Heat Recovery Ventilation system to achieve the required air exchange rate of no less than 134CFM.
- Create an air exchange system connected to the upper level air conditioning ducting sufficient to achieve no less than 134CFM.
Main Level:
Living Room:
Summary: Abnormal Conditions Found!
Observations:
- No increased moisture content noted in building materials.
- No suspicious temperature differentials found with thermal imaging.
- No significant mold growth observed.
- The home owner reports a history of long-term water intrusion from failed flashing along the southern wall in this area, the wall was reportedly opened and vented for an extended period of time to aid in drying
- Some minor water damage noted on hardwood flooring around the West radiator.
- RH:32.6% Temp:71.7°F CO2:423ppm CO: 0ppm
Recommendations:
- Affected wall shows no signs of continued water intrusion or mold damage, if the client can provide documentation stating that the area was dried fully and expediently no further work is necessary in this area. If the affected wall had not been rapidly dried additional mold remediation work may be necessary in this area.
Office:
Summary: Abnormal Conditions Found!
Observations:
- No increased moisture content noted in building materials.
- No suspicious temperature differentials found with thermal imaging.
- No obvious signs of water damage noted.
- No significant mold growth observed.
- Deformation noted to wall-paper behind painted surface at southwest corner of the room, may be secondary to the home settling from recent jacking and not water damage.
- Major siding defect behind deck railing at southeast corner of the home, no increased moisture readings or obvious damage in this area.
- Paint chipping and peeling along window sills
- Average tVOC 167ppb
- RH:33.8% Temp:70.6°F CO2:468ppm CO: 0ppm
Recommendations:
- Peeling paint may promote a lead hazard, these areas should be tested for lead content or assumed as lead-based paint and repaired according to EPA recommendations. Environix may provide additional information regarding lead-based paint at the client’s request.
- The noted gap in siding must be repaired immediately to prevent water intrusion.
Powder Room:
Summary: Abnormal Conditions Found!
Observations:
- No increased moisture content noted in building materials.
- No suspicious temperature differentials found with thermal imaging.
- No significant mold growth observed.
- Obvious water damage noted in wallpaper above the window.
- No exhaust fan located in this area.
- Average tVOC @ 202ppb
- Pedestal sink basin very loose.
- Obvious cleaning of soot from ceiling, likely secondary to scented candle usage.
Recommendations:
- Remediate mold and water damage as listed below:
- Establish containment
- Install HEPA scrubber for negative pressurization throughout the duration of remediation work.
- Remove wall paper, wall board, window trim, and insulation from the entire front wall of the home.
- Clean/treat/encapsulate any remaining contaminated sheathing or framing
- Perform detailed HEPA vacuuming of the entire contained area
- Apply EPA-registered anti-microbial agents to the entire contained area via ULV fogger.
- RH:34.4% Temp:70.8°F CO2:441ppm CO: 0ppm
Garage:
Summary: Abnormal Conditions Found!
Observations:
- Large amount of stored contents in this area
- Door to basement does not seal or have self-closing hinges
- Average tVOC @ 679ppb
- RH:33.9% Temp:62.3°F CO2:284ppm CO: 0ppm
Recommendations:
- Install appropriate fire-rated sealed door with self-closing hinges to prevent the intrusion of combustion gases or chemicals from this area.
Boiler Room:
Summary: Abnormal Conditions Found!
Observations:
- No increased moisture content noted in building materials.
- No suspicious temperature differentials found with thermal imaging.
- No obvious signs of water damage noted.
- No significant mold growth observed.
- Potentially asbestos containing pipe insulation noted in somewhat friable condition.
- Average tVOC level @ 161ppb
- RH:40.7% Temp:68.4°F CO2:447ppm CO: 0ppm
Recommendations:
- Test pipe insulation to determine potential asbestos content and abate as needed.
