THE WAY WE WORK
What to Expect During a Mold Hunters Appointment
Please prepare for a Mold Hunters visit by doing the following:
We kindly ask that all walls, both interior and exterior, be clear of any furniture or other objects for a minimum of 3-5 feet. This allows for a thorough inspection, as objects up against walls may result in fungal growth being missed due to inaccessibility for Izzy.
Any valuables or breakables should be secured or removed before our visit. Despite our best efforts to move carefully throughout your property, we are unable to ensure that nothing will be bumped during the inspection.
Do not light candles or use fragrances, diffusers, and sprays the day of the inspection. They will not prevent Izzy from alerting to mold, but they can mask odors for Dylan, as well as serve as an irritant.
Upon completion of the inspection, a report outlining our findings and recommended solutions will be emailed to the customer within 7 days of the inspection so that you have all the necessary information to make the best decisions for you and your health.
SETTING THE STANDARD
The Mold Hunters Process
PPE
We kindly ask for your understanding of the inherent risks associated with mold inspections. Caution must be practiced until we have a better understanding of your home; so please do not be startled to find Dylan wearing coveralls and a full-face respirator during his inspection.
Whole House Inspection
A visual inspection of the home will be performed looking for signs of visible fungal growth, conditions that support growth, and most importantly signs of water damage that may contribute to growth. Common signs of water damage include water staining, paint peeling or bubbling, cracked caulking, damaged baseboards, rotted window sills and/or, damaged flooring.
Greet Homeowner
Upon arrival, the homeowner will be greeted at the door. This is a great time for the homeowner to share any relevant information prior to the inspection.
Unconditioned Spaces
Unconditioned spaces such as crawl spaces, especially in humid regions of the country, are highly susceptible to fungal growth. The framing substrates will be thoroughly inspected for any signs of growth.
Readings
To start, readings will be taken throughout the home with a laser particle scanner, which is often used in hospitals and cleanrooms to measure the amount of airborne particles present in the air. The readings provide a frame of reference for how well the air is being filtered, as well as a possible indication of spore counts present in the air. Psychrometric readings, including temperature and relative humidity will also be documented throughout the home.
Exterior Inspection
It's important not to neglect the exterior of the home. Poor drainage, for example, can increase the hydrostatic pressure exerted against the foundation and result in elevated levels of humidity that create conditions conducive to fungal growth.
HVAC Inspection
The HVAC system(s) will be shut off at the disconnect prior to inspecting the system(s). A full inspection of the HVAC system includes, but is not limited to: a visual inspection inside the air handler, evaporator coil, supply and return plenums, ductwork, and registers. Design flaws that can negatively impact indoor air quality, such as an unsealed filter cabinet, will be documented as well.
Mold Dog Inspection
Now, time for the real reason you're probably interested in our services. Izzy, our highly trained mold detection dog, will perform her scope of the inspection. Izzy's job is to detect hidden mold that may otherwise go undetected.
