Seattle Bathroom Mold Inspection Report

Project Type > Inspection for Bathroom Mold in a Residence in Seattle

REASON FOR INSPECTION:

• Client had a water intrusion from shower overspray that was recently resolved but now there is mold on the ceiling below the same bathroom but in a different area.  Environix hired to inspect the areas of concern to find the source and provide a bid for remediation.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

• This single family 2 story residential property was built in 1927 and is 2,620 ft².

CAUSE OF MOLD:

• Toilet seal leak from above bathroom.

 LABORATORY RESULTS

ANALYSIS OF YOUR RESULTS:

• Moderate Amplification: Mold spores were detected at levels above the threshold, indicating a site of probable mold amplification and growth.

The most likely contributor of the elevated mold spores is:

• Elevated humidity.
• Recent water intrusion.

Recommendations:

• Due to the elevated levels of mold spores, the operation of a commercial HEPA air scrubber is highly recommended. This will rapidly lower the indoor mold spore levels.

JOBSITE PHOTOS

Air sample collected in basement

Open ceiling cavity to reach previous leak

No mold or wet materials in open ceiling cavity

Mold noted on laundry room ceiling

Wet ceiling in laundry room

Walls and surrounding materials are not wet

Toilet seal leak detected in main floor bathroom above mold growth

RELATIVE HUMIDITY, CO_2, & TEMPERATURE READINGS:

 VENTILATION:

Observations:

• Relative humidity levels are elevated. Generally, indoor RH levels should remain under 55% or under 50% in homes with poorly insulated exterior walls.
• CO₂ levels are normal. While not a direct health problem, elevated CO₂ levels are an indication of stale indoor air and poor ventilation.  This can lead to a buildup of pollutants and humidity, which can cause mold growth.  Following the ventilation recommendations listed below will lower the CO₂ levels in the home.

LOCATION:  Hall Bathroom

Observations:

FLOORING:

• Elevated moisture detected in flooring adjacent to toilet. Often this is due to a slight failure of the toilet seal.  No evidence of significant structural damage was observed.

Recommendations:

• Contact a plumbing contractor to investigate the toilet seal. Replace if necessary.
• The subfloor can be dried from below when the ceiling is opened to address the problems within.

LOCATION:  Basement / Laundry

General Observations:

• The basement is furnished with carpeting in clean condition.
• The basement is equipped with double paned vinyl framed windows with no evidence of condensation or mold problems.
• Moderate mold growth noted on the ceiling. This is the result of the leaking toilet seal in the bathroom above. The affected area is limited to the ceiling in the entry way to the laundry area in the basement.
• Extremely elevated moisture (saturation) noted in the affected ceiling area.
• Evidence of water damage was noted in the affected ceiling area.
• The ceiling was opened during the inspection, and wet building materials and mold growth were noted in the ceiling cavity.

Recommendations:

• Professional mold remediation is necessary to properly address the existing mold growth and to prevent cross contamination. During remediation, HEPA filtration, negative air pressurization and proper personal protective equipment must be utilized.

Project Type > Leak in Master Bathroom in Seattle

REASON FOR INSPECTION:

The homeowners discovered a leak in the master bathroom and are concerned about mold growth and damage to the surrounding materials including the ceiling of the downstairs bath below.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

This single family residential property was built in 1997 and is 2480 ft².

JOBSITE PHOTOS

Downstairs bathroom ceiling where mold discovered.

Mold growth in ceiling cavity.

Ceiling drywall saturated.

Joists show elevated moisture.

Blue tape outline shows extent of saturation.

Master Bathroom (source of leak)

Wood Flooring Saturated

Cupping in Wood Flooring

Mold growth inside cavity for bathtub.

Mold Growth on Back of Flooring

Mold Growth on Subfloor

LOCATION:  Master Bathroom

• Elevated moisture detected in bathroom tile.
• Elevated moisture detected in wood flooring. Wood is showing evidence of cupping from the saturation.
• Elevated moisture detected in bathroom vanity, approximately 2” up one side appears to be saturated.
• Mold is present in the cavity underneath the bathtub.

General Recommendations:

• Remove damaged wood floor and tile.
• Dryout remaining materials that are saturated but not damaged.
• Clean and encapsulate remaining materials that show mold growth, but are not damaged.
• Proper containment including the operation of HEPA air scrubbers is needed during the remediation to prevent the spread of mold spores.

LOCATION:  Downstairs Bathroom

• Elevated moisture detected in ceiling and drywall.
• Elevated moisture and saturation extends down the wall 1’ in two places.
• Mold growth is visible in the ceiling wall cavity and on the subfloor and framing.

General Recommendations:

• Remove damaged ceiling drywall.
• Dryout remaining materials that are saturated but not damaged such as the joists and the subfloor of the master bathroom.
• Clean and encapsulate remaining materials that show mold growth, but are not damaged.
• Proper containment including the operation of HEPA air scrubbers is needed during the remediation to prevent the spread of mold spores.