Growth in crawl space

[Kenneth W. Blair]

I found this growing from the under side of the subflooring. Should I take a sampling and send it for testing? And should I do air sampling inside the house?

[rcooke]

Originally Posted by kblair1

I found this growing from the under side of the subflooring. Should I take a sampling and send it for testing? And should I do air sampling inside the house?

I have no idea what you training and qualifications are but unless you have much knowledge in this field please be carefull.
In my case I would just write it up as suspicious growth and recommend they get further evaluation by a qualified mold specialist.
CYA do not go where you should not go
.
Cookie

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Kenneth,

I would have written it up as possible microbial growth and since I do Mold Inspections I would have given them the choice to have it sampled. I don't give MOLD INSPECTIONS away mind you........but as part of my inspection if I find any signs of microbial growth I report it as such and let the client decide the direction they would like me to go.

If you do not offer such a service I strongly agree with Roy....defer it to a person who does this......but in a liable concern...always better to report it was present and show that you suggested it be evaluated....

P.S.....I don't always do air samples....one because in my training it was expressed as the least accurate for determining actual content...unless I am doing it in the fact I have noticed microbial growth lets say in the HVAC ducts...then I might as we are sure that will speed up the spread.

But my method of choice is the TAPE.......everyone has their own way...but again heed Roys advice.....but remember to document it also...as you clearly have done.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by kblair1

I found this growing from the under side of the subflooring. Should I take a sampling and send it for testing? And should I do air sampling inside the house?

I would explain they have a moisture issue under the subfloor which is necessary for mold growth. I would find what is causing the moisture issue, explain what needs to be done to stop the moisture intrusion. I would also explain if they want the mold removed, get at least three bids from licensed contractors before the close of escrow.

Personally I don't rip anyone off testing what I can see.

The picture looks like termite tubes are also present, but not being there, could be wrong.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

lol...Dale...can you not see Microbial Growth on that wall and ceiling...lol....has the Florida SUN made you BLIND fella...thehehe

Oh I agree....I dont test anything unless I see it.....thats why I am not much on the air sampling...and in the end...thats the clients choice to have it sampled.......not mine or the inspectors in this case.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

lol...Dale...can you not see Microbial Growth on that wall and ceiling...lol....has the Florida SUN made you BLIND fella...thehehe

You better get reading Caoimhin Connell's posts........

[Paul W. Abernathy]

lol.....why.....I kinda like my training from PMII...lol......but I always love to read...LINK me baby....

[Kenneth W. Blair]

Dale
If what I think you may be seeing as termite tubes is actually a hanger for a water supply piping.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Dale,

I am MORE worried about the statement about your friend that the other statements....sorry to hear that about him and the $ 400,000.00 loss.

I do have to remember that their is disclaimer on the other statements...lol

(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)

[Kenneth W. Blair]

I do have a mold cert through pro-lab. But I do not yet have Mold E&O. Should I refer this to someone else or possibly sub it out to someone? My mold cert is fairly new(October).

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by kblair1

Dale
If what I think you may be seeing as termite tubes is actually a hanger for a water supply piping.

10-4 Ken.

If you want to learn a lot about mold, go to the top of this page, click the search option, and type in Caoimhin P. Connell.

He is an Industrial Hygienist, who sets the record straight about mold testing.

[rcooke]

Originally Posted by dduffy

10-4 Ken.

If you want to learn a lot about mold, go to the top of this page, click the search option, and type in Caoimhin P. Connell.

He is an Industrial Hygienist, who sets the record straight about mold testing.

I agree a great eye opener to me ..
Cookie

[Paul W. Abernathy]

hmmm...ok I will make this statement....lol...and then CREEP back to the electrical area....

1.) I will only TEST for mold when it is obvious...and my testing is to determine the TYPE of mold it is...IF it is excessive.

I would venture to say the client would want the piece of mind because lets say it is "Stackee" my short name for Black Mold.....and it is excessive...I would want my client to know about it.......but thats it....

I would never make claims to it's effects, what it can do.....and so on...I am only making them aware of the presence...and if THEY choose to have it tested.....they have to tell me...they want it tested....and that is ONLY to determine the type of mold it is.

Now...once the results come back with the same...I may provide some research on the type of mold it is......and give them paperwork on it but I also in no way express to them the outcome of this mold.....except if in the case of excessive mold that it be removed because it in itself can damage the surface and structure.....depending on the mold or fungus...

Again....not my determination......excellent article.....but still I worry more about your friend Dale than I do my worry about legal issues over a report like mine that gives to STANCE.....just reports what is found....

My attorneys have no problem with the way I present it....again I am only giving them what they want...not making any claims or FEAR tactics....

[David A. Andersen]

I have a stupid question, do you know where the water came from?

What's it going to take to fix it? Are you going to have to rip out all this damage and infected wood in the repair? That's part of mold mediation.

Is mold the issue here or a water leak and structural defect resulting from it?

[lcapaul]

1.) I will only TEST for mold when it is obvious...and my testing is to determine the TYPE of mold it is...IF it is excessive.

Paul,

Why is it important to know the TYPE of mold present, if there is mold it needs to be remediated and the cause.....moisture.....eliminated and the damage repaired, why not just refer the identification to those who do the repairs/remediation?