NPMA states that "mold destroys wood"

[Ben J. Gromicko]

NPMA calls mold a wood destroying organism.

They even have a form for inspecting for wood destroying mold.

npma_33_form_attachment.pdf

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Where on this form does it state anything about mold? You could have kept this in a single thread.

[mnahrgang]

I don't know where you got that form, but I've never seen it before and I'm a licensed termite inspector. Here's the NPMA-33 form that I've been using, and that everyone I know uses.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

I don't know where you got that form, but I've never seen it before and I'm a licensed termite inspector. Here's the NPMA-33 form that I've been using, and that everyone I know uses.

http://www.isco.purdue.edu/pesticide/12.html

[Michael Larson]

When you find yourself in a hole it's usually best to stop digging.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by mlarson

When you find yourself in a hole it's usually best to stop digging.

Agreed.
I'm on a mountain top.

I refer to the first sentence of the EPA's Introductory Course on Mold (inside the picture box). (link below) "Mold gradually destroy the things they grow on. Prevent damage to building materials and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health risks by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth."

EPA states mold destroys building materials: http://www.epa.gov/mold/intro.html

[Michael Larson]

[kpierce]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

Agreed.
I'm on a mountain top.

I refer to the first sentence of the EPA's Introductory Course on Mold (inside the picture box). (link below) "Mold gradually destroy the things they grow on. Prevent damage to building materials and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health risks by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth."

EPA states mold destroys building materials: http://www.epa.gov/mold/intro.html

Where's the word "wood"?

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by kpierce

Where's the word "wood"?

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur.

[kpierce]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur.

I STILL don't see where it says mold can affect the structural integrity of wood. You're just posting vague statements in an attempt to save face. Give it up.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by kpierce

I STILL don't see where it says mold can affect the structural integrity of wood. You're just posting vague statements in an attempt to save face. Give it up.

It's okay. I'm here to help.

EPA: "Mold can eventually cause structural damage to a school or large building, if a mold/moisture problem remains unaddressed for a long time. In the case of a long-term roof leak, for example, molds can weaken floors and walls as the molds feed on wet wood. If you suspect that mold has damaged building integrity, you should consult a structural engineer or other professional with expertise in this area."

EPA states mold can cause structural damage.
They refer to a school or large building, because that's the name of the EPA's mold course. Here:
http://www.epa.gov/mold/i-e-r.html

[kpierce]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

It's okay. I'm here to help.

EPA: "Mold can eventually cause structural damage to a school or large building, if a mold/moisture problem remains unaddressed for a long time. In the case of a long-term roof leak, for example, molds can weaken floors and walls as the molds feed on wet wood. If you suspect that mold has damaged building integrity, you should consult a structural engineer or other professional with expertise in this area."

EPA states mold can cause structural damage.
They refer to a school or large building, because that's the name of the EPA's mold course. Here:
http://www.epa.gov/mold/i-e-r.html

So who's right?

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by kpierce

So who's right?

I recommend relying on the EPA as a very reliable source. It would be difficult for all home inspectors in an international association to quote various regional sources and expect all of us to agree. Let's just give the EPA a chance to shed some light on the subject.

[Brad Brinke]

That addendum is standard issue in Virginia

[Kevin M. Leonard]

Here is the complete NPMA-33.

WDI - Wood destroying Insect
WDO - Wood destroying organism.

The WDO is ONLY supplimental to the WDI.
The WDO is OPTIONAL.

I am an Ohio state licensed WDI Inspector. Licensed throught the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture. I have had all my training concerning this subject at Ohio State University.

What they have taught me about wood rot/wood destroying fungi is that moisture is the root of all of these concerns.

As Home Inspectors we should -

Find the source of the moisture, recommend to Fix the moisture problem & replace the rotted wood.

If there is a moisture problem that has been prevelant for more than 48 hours, guess what, There WILL be mold.

If I see mold I recommend to Fix the moisture problem & clean up the mold.

I don't recommend the client dawn his gas mask, run & get his bunny suit & let me test for toxic molds.

If the mold problem (In my professional opinion) is very extensive, then I recommend remediation by a qualified contractor. Although I have never had to make that recommendation.....at least not yet.