Mold Testing Projects & Services in Tacoma

Project Type > Mold testing project for new home buyers

Project Summary

• Client is purchasing this property and has hired Environix to look over the property regarding mold growth and take three indoor air quality samples.
• This single family 2 story residential property was built in 1908 and is 1,974 ft².

Laboratory Results

Analysis of Results

• Minor Amplification in the Living Room: Mold spores were detected at or near the threshold.  This indicates a possible site of mold amplification.  Further testing and/or comparison with the results of a visual inspection are necessary to determine the likelihood of indoor amplification.
• Moderate Amplification in the Basement: Mold spores were detected at levels above the threshold, indicating a site of probable mold amplification and growth. Please refer to the attached report for more detailed information.

The most likely contributor of the elevated mold spores is:

• Elevated humidity.

Recommendations:

• Although your indoor mold spore count is elevated, the levels are not high enough to warrant professional remediation. By following the recommendations listed in the report and implementing regular cleaning, the mold spore levels should return to normal.

JOBSITE PHOTOS

Kitchen fan was not operating at the time of inspection.

No elevated moisture at any plumbing under any sinks in the property. Including laundry area. Some plumbing lines are not hooked up. Be proactive and inspect for leaks as client takes position of new property and uses new water lines.

No elevated moisture at an area in the closet of the front bathroom off main entry. Some water staining was present.

Minor mold growth-dirt present in window frames.

No elevated moisture in upstairs closets.

Potential toilet seal leak in the upstairs bathroom off office.

Floor drain to sewer in basement. Contractor said he is to seal off this drain per requirements from the City of Tacoma.

Potential mold growth on some insulation around furnace in the basement. Insulation to be replaced by client.

HVAC:

• The home is equipped with forced air gas heat.
• Filtration consists of a 1” pleated filter, which appeared to be in dirty condition in the filter box. The filter box was correct and the filter fit correctly in it.
• No fresh air intake found on furnace system. Fresh air intakes can be very effective at lowering the interior RH in the home.

Recommendations:

• Consider installing a 4” Merv 11 pleated filter in tightly sealed filter box. These filters provide excellent particulate filtration and are much more forgiving of irregular maintenance schedules. Changing to a 4” filter will require you to hire a contractor to build a tightly fitting 4” filter box on your furnace.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE READINGS:

LOCATION:  Upstairs Bathroom

• Grout and caulking is in good condition and shows no signs of recent water intrusion.
• 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.

LOCATION:  Upstairs Office

• The room is furnished with carpeting in clean condition.
• The room is equipped with double paned vinyl framed windows with no evidence of condensation or mold problems.

LOCATION:  Unfinished Basement

• The unfinished basement is in overall dirty condition.
• Light mold growth observed in one piece of insulation above the furnace.
• The HVAC ducts in the basement have tape style insulation, which is likely to be an asbestos containing material.
• The floor drain in the basement is not capped. The contractor present at time of inspection reports that building code calls for this drain to be capped off.

Recommendations:

• Remove and replace the insulation in the ceiling of the basement.
• Recommend a heavy cleaning of all substrates before it is used for storage or a work place.