Got Mold?
Ensure the health and safety of your family by testing your Indoor Air Quality for mold issues.
Mold can grow within your walls for years without being detected.
Could you have a mold problem?
Mold testing might be the answer. Here are some common causes and signs of mold problems. If you suspect you might have a mold issue in your home, contact us.
1. High Humidity
If you live in an area of the country that typically has high humidity, be on the lookout for potential mold problems. Since outdoor humidity affects indoor humidity levels, areas with high humidity are more likely to have the mold issues.The optimum relative humidity range in your home should be between 30 and 50%. If your relative humidity (RH) level is greater than 55%, mold and other fungi may thrive. While relative humidity levels are fairly consistent outdoors, they can fluctuate drastically inside due to artificial heating and cooling (HVAC) systems. Relative humidity levels can also vary from room to room, and should be monitored in various parts of your home to ensure that RH levels are within the optimum range. You can monitor humidity levels in your home using humidity sensors, and in areas of high humidity, use dehumidifiers and other products to control humidity levels in your home or building.
2. Water Leaks
Since mold requires moisture to thrive, many mold problems originate from some kind of water intrusion, like plumbing or water leaks, which can provide plenty of moisture, and can occur undetected for quite some time. When leaks are discovered, take the appropriate steps to minimize potential mold growth. If mold is already present, follow these mold cleanup tips.Like other types of water leaks, water intrusion through the roof is difficult to find until it is too late. If you suspect a leaky roof, check in the attic for signs of water damage or mold growth. Also be on the lookout for signs of water damage or mold growth in ceilings on the uppermost floor of the home.
Flooding
Flooding is a common cause of mold related issues, since it can take several days or even weeks to fully dry out the home or building once flooding occurs.
4. Mildewy/Musty Odors
Odors can often be the first or only sign of a potential mold problem, since mold commonly propagates in places not normally in view. This does not necessarily mean that you definitely have a mold problem, but it should prompt you to look for the other signs, or to look for the mold growth itself (How to Find Mold).
In some cases, mildewy smells will only be evident when the air conditioning or heat is turned on, or it may just be much more evident when the HVAC system is running.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
- Toxic mold in your home can cause potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure, including asthma, allergic reactions, skin rashes, and respiratory problems. Additionally, toxic black mold and other fungi produce Volatile Organic Compounds which may irritate the mucous membranes and the central nervous system leading to symptoms of headaches, decreased attention span, difficulty in concentration, and dizziness.
- Mold can be found almost anywhere – it can grow on virtually any substance, provided that moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, drywall and cement.
- While it isn’t possible to eliminate all mold spores in an indoor environment, you can control toxic mold growth by controlling the moisture in your home.
- When you discover a mold problem in your home, you must both clean up the mold and eliminate the sources of moisture causing the mold growth.
- Water leaks and indoor humidity are two of the most prevalent causes of mold growth.
- Reduce your indoor humidity (to 30-50%) to decrease mold growth.
- Using dehumidifiers and air conditioners are two ways to reduce your indoor humidity. You can also improve your ventilation systems (venting moisture from bathrooms and laundry rooms), and utilize exhaust fans when cooking and cleaning.
- Add insulation to reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces like windows, roofs, flooring, pipes and exterior walls.
- You can help prevent mold growth by cleaning and drying damp or wet building materials and furnishings immediately.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, or a water/bleach mix, and dry completely. Vinegar may also be used to clean mold off hard surfaces. Soft surfaces that are moldy are harder to clean and may need to be replaced.
Infrared Survey
Infrared thermography is a powerful non-invasive means of observing a building. Infrared cameras 
see "heat", our natural xeyes see "light", therefore infrared cameras by definition can see what our eyes cannot see. In the application of moisture surveys, building materials that are wet will be subjected to the process of evaporation and therefore be represented as a "cooler" image on the LCD screen. This will alert the inspector that there is a "suspect" area and it will be documented using infrared photography and natural photography in the report.
This Report would come with digital pictures of suspect areas and recommendations for addressing these areas of concern. The "Greatest Benefit" of this technology (INFRARED) is the ability to concentrate on the problem areas. What this means for you is that there is no "destructive testing" on areas where there is not a problem. Places that where once "unaccessable" can now be seen and delt with. Remediators will be able to give "firm estimates" for work without having to guess, thus costing you "less money" and allowing for a greater turn around time. I call this a "WIN-WIN SITUATION"
Mold Inspection Services
A Standard Residential Certified Mold Inspection consists of the following:
-
Visually inspect the property for signs of water intrusion and mold growth.
-
Measure moisture in the air.
-
Measure moisture in the walls, ceilings etc...to locate any sources of mold growth.
-
Take one surface sample of any visible mold.
-
Take air samples in areas of concern.
-
A standard inspection would be two indoor air samples and one outdoor sample.
-
Laboratory testing of surface and air samples.
-
Written report includes, digital pictures, methods, findings and laboratory analysis.
-
Standard inspection includes homes up to 2,000 Sq. Ft. and two stories.
-
If inspection reveals mold, clearence testing will be done after clean-up
-
I can't stress getting a clearance test done strongly enough. When you are on record as having water in your home, the home goes into a nationwide data base called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE).This can effectively limit you from changing insurance companies (when your rates go up) or even selling your home even though the damage may be relatively minor.
-
Getting a clearence test removes these obstacles by confirming that the mold is back to acceptable levels. You will have this written confirmation whenever the circumstaces call for it. That is why I like to package this test with all my mold inspections. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that the work was done right!
Schedule of Fees:
Standard Residential Certified Mold Inspection (as listed above) $295.00
Clearence Testing charge will be added to the above price if $250.00
mold is found at time of inspection.
Additional 1,000 Sq. Ft. or story (includes additional air sample) $100.00
Single Air Sample $60.00
Single Surface Sample $55.00
Commercial or multi-family - Call for quote
Travel outside of the Des Moines - Ames Corridor $1.00/per mile
Payment required at time of services. Cash,checks or all major credit cards accepted.
Don't Wait Until The Problem Is Out Of Hand Or Someones Health Becomes Compromised. HELP is but a phone call away.J&P INSPECTIONS is here for you and yours! CALL 515-240-5672
Mold Inspections, Indoor Air Quality Testing, Infrared Inspection (Thermal Imaging), Professional Home Inspection. We service homes in the greater Des Moines area, including: Adel, Altoona, Ames, Ankeny, Baxter, Boone, Boonville, Cambridge, Clide, Collins, Des Moines, Dexter, Harvey, Huxley, Indianola, Johnston, Kellogg, Knoxville, Lacona, Macksburg, Madison, Madison Co., Madrid, Martendale, Maxwell, McCallsburg, Melcher, Milo, Minburn, Mitchellville, Monroe, Nevada, New Virginia, Newton, Norwalk, Perry, Pilot Mound, Polk City, Prairie City, Saylorville, St Charles, Story City, Sully, Truro, Urbandale, Warren, Wauke, West Des Moines, Winterset and Woodward.
