Airtestco Mold Testing & Environmental Services

Colorado Heavy Spring Rains!

Why Is Water Coming In My Basement Where The Walls Meet The Floor?

The answer is hydrostatic pressure. This is when water builds up in the soil surrounding your foundation and pushes against your walls, seeping through any openings. Water can weigh about 60 pounds per cubic foot, making it extremely heavy. If your basement is acting as a floodwall, sooner or later, it’ll break. The American Society Of Home Inspectors found that over 60% of basements have moisture seepage. They also found that 38% of basements experience mold and fungus growth due to an elevated moisture level. Concrete is a porous material, meaning water can still seep through your foundation walls. But the most common place that leaks water is where your basement walls meet your floor. This is called a cove joint, and it exists because your walls and floors were poured separately during construction. When hydrostatic pressure builds in the soil around your foundation, it tends to seep through the cove joint first.

Call Joe to inspect and moisture test your basement. 720-527-8510

Professional

I have been providing Mold, Moisture & Indoor Air Quality Testing & Building Investigations for over 30 years. After investigating thousands of commercial and residential properties my experience allows me to determine causes of Indoor Air Quality Issues and Moisture Issues in structures. Whether your a homeowner, business owner, real estate agent, home buyer/seller, landlord, school or medical facility feel assured I will get to the root of the issue if there is one. I not only do investigations we provide solution reports for issues if your property has one. I am also a trained in microscopy. Advanced Fungal Spore Identification McCrone Research Institute. When I first started in this business there were no Labs providing mold analysis, only was this analysis carried out in Universities. I initially trained under Dr. George Mueller University Of Washington.

Mold Inspection & Testing-Process

STEP 1

I will discuss with you previous water damage or mold issues and any symptoms you or others may be experiencing. I encourage all my clients to follow me, if possible, throughout the inspection process so you can see first hand what I discover.

STEP 2

I will conduct my visual inspection and moisture testing throughout your home or business including the HVAC system, attic and crawlspace if you have one. This is where experience really matters. After 3 decades of investigating I know where to look for issues. Sampling is important to discover species of mold and if there are elevated mold levels but this step is the most critical component. I do not use Infrared Cameras. Infrared cameras are used to detect heat loss, plain and simple. The only thing that they measure is temperature. They don’t measure moisture, and they certainly can’t detect damage to materials inside a wall.

STEP 3

I will conduct sampling. My visual inspection and moisture testing results will dictate what type of sampling I will perform. Sampling can include the following:

Air Sampling (Spore Trap) consists of drawing air into a cassette which has a thin microscope slide embedded inside. The slide collects matter from the ambient air and is later analyzed at the Lab to count the number of spores and differentiate the type(s) of mold it is. The Lab analysis is very specific.

Swab sampling (large Q-Tip) can be conducted on any surface to determine the presence of mold activity. The Lab will identify the type(s) of mold it is and if the presence is low-medium or high.

Bulk and tape lift samples are taken from any suspect material such as drywall, wood and masonry for example. The Lab will identify the type(s) of mold it is and if the presence is low-medium or high.

Note: Air Sampling in attics and crawlspaces is not useful because attics have outside air entering from roof soffits and other passive vents, mold is ubiquitous in crawlspace soils even if there is a vapor barrier in place.

Step 4

The samples are hand delivered to the Lab for analysis. The Lab I use is very good and consistent. Eurofins Denver Lab results are sent to me within 24 hours.

Step 5

I will analyze the Lab Results and generate your report. The report will consist of my procedures, detailed observations I have discovered with pictures and any recommendations, if any, so you can proceed forward. Recommendations can be as simple as quick fixes, to specific remediation efforts for Professional Mold Remediation which would be a protocol for remediation.

720-527-8510 Joe Riley

Wonderful Reviews!

JEN B

"Joe was outstanding! He went above and beyond for us. Joe immediatley responded to us regarding our problem. Extremely knowledgeable about his work, he systematically evaluated the issue and pinpointed the resolution with a meticulous, well-thought out plan. His extraordinary abilities in problem solving and creating solutions made the situation and our lives back to normal in a short period of time. Joe's unwavering determination to figure out and solve the issue along with his kind hearted nature makes him a one of a kind! Would highly recommend Joe!!!

Kevin Z

"Airtestco helped me and my contractors to mitigate any potential mold issues after my hotel suffered water damage. He is fast, knowledgeable and honest. Airtestco will make sure your insurance company will not leave you 'high and dry' and it was the best decision I have made during my claim process. Thanks, Joe"

SEASONED PRO

GO WITH SOMEONE WHO'S BEEN THERE

Joseph Riley has a long history of investigating and mitigating projects large and small. Beginning in 1988 he was investigating skyscrapers in New York City that were experiencing indoor air quality issues. His efforts led to large scale remediation efforts to solve complex issues. His experience continued into providing solutions as a Program Manager for a Navy Contractor in Norfolk VA that decontaminated Navy Ships and Submarines.Other testing efforts to name a few: Aurora Mental Health-Denver Public Schools-Shining Mountain School, Denver Zoo-Many Marijuana Dispensaries & Grows, Peyton Manning -John Elway-City Of Westminster-United Airlines Hampton Inns-Marriott Hotels-Watergate Hotel-DC-Embassy Row-DC Warwick Hotel-Denver-Immunex-Seattle-Microsoft-Seattle, Seattle 911 Center-Millenium Properties-DC.