How I Do Mold Testing

STEP 1   - Mold Inspection Near Me 

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