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Inspection & Test Technology
The right tools provide a clearer picture of the property's condition.
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THE TECH TOOLS
Moisture Meters are among the most critical tools since it helps inspectors measure moisture levels of various surfaces, including the walls and flooring.
These readings can give us clues to where there may be moisture intrusion problems. And where's there's moisture -the risk of mold growth exists.
Moisture testing is recommended promptly after a water damage or moisture intrusion event, such as from rains or plumbling leaks.
At times the wall or floor surfaces may not yet show signs of water damage or feel moist to the touch.
However, Moisture meters such as the Protimeter SurveyMaster can use Non Invasive (RF) technology to measure moisture beneath surfaces like wood, drywall or vinyl.
It will emit electromagnetic signals to measure moisture levels at a nominal depth of up to 3/4" (19mm).
Additionally, the Pin-Type meter can be used which utilizes Electrical Resistance technology.
Two sharp pins are pressed into the material and the device measures the resistance between them to determine precise moisture levels.
Thermal imaging cameras can assist inspectors to detect water intrusions.
The infared technology measures and maps out temperature differences, which may indicate areas where there is evaporative moisture cooling.
Evaporative Cooling: As moisture evaporates from building materials like drywall or wood, it cools the surface.
On a thermal camera, these wet areas may appear as dark blue or purple "cold spots" compared to the warmer surrounding dry materials.
Condensation Points: Thermal readings may be able to reveal "thermal bridges" — areas with insufficient insulation where warm, moist indoor air meets a cold surface, creating the condensation that mold species such as Aspergillus and Penicillium may be able thrive on.
Not a "Mold Camera": Because it only detects temperature, a thermal camera cannot distinguish between a clean water leak and a fully developed mold colony.
Surface-Only Reading: It cannot see through materials like heavy insulation or thick stucco; it only reads the temperature of the surface it is pointed at.
False Positives: Missing insulation, air drafts, or even reflective surfaces (like metal pipes) can look like moisture on a thermal screen.
Hygro-thermometers and Psychrometers allows us to measure both indoor and outdoor relative humidity and temperatures as well as dewpoint at the same time which can indicate areas susceptible to mold growth.
Checking indoor Relative Humidity is important since mold species differ in terms of what conditions they thrive in.
Some are hydrophilic and require signficant water such as Ulocladium, Stachybotrys or Chaetomium.
Whereas xerophilic species such as some species of Aspergillus and Penicillium can grow with enough moisture in the air even if the surface itself never gets wet from a water leak.
Air sampling tools allow us to get visibility into the miscroscopic realm by trapping mold spores that are not visible to the naked eye.
Both ambient air and wall caivty sampling are options depending on the property condition and the customer's concerns and requests.
Speciality air cartridges are used to collect air particles and the samples are sent to an AIHA-accredited (American Industrial Hygiene Association) laboratory for analysis.
Any mold species and their levels that are detected by the samples are reported on.
What Are Common Tools of the Trade?
Professional mold inspectors use special tools to take environmental measurements and identify mold and moisture problems. Some technology include:
- moisture meters
- hygro-thermometers and psychrometers
- thermal imaging cameras
- air sampling pumps
- swab and tape lift sampling kits
All of the various tools combined allow the mold inspector to get a clearer picture of the environment which aids with the Findings and Recommendations report.
Learn about our IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) Testing:
Indoor Air Quality
How Does Technology Help With Mold Inspections?
One of the most important assets for any professional mold inspector includes our human senses such as sight and smell.
During the visual inspection, a trained professional may be able to detect potential mold and moisture issues by using his eyes to examine various details, such as
- surface textures and conditions
- efflorescence
- discolorations, stains, gaps, cracks, paint peeling and bubbling
- or other deficiencies in the building
However, there are a number of things that require more than our senses and our sight to detect. This is where technology comes into play.
OUR PROCESS
We start with performing a visual inspection of the property, focusing on areas where there may be water damage, moisture issues or suspected mold growth.
With the help of specialized tools we may take environmental readings such as moisture or humidity levels in order to identify any potential issues.
Surface and air samples may be recommended depending on the inspection findings or customer concerns. Such samples are sent to a lab that specializes in identifying and analyzing mold spores.
Once all of the data is collected, we provide a report of our findings. If a mold growth problem is identified, a remediation protocol is outlined.
How does lab testing help?
What is mold?
CONTACT US
Please let us know of any mold and indoor air quality questions and concerns. Contact us to schedule an inspection:
Call (818) 964-1533 Schedule InspectionCustomer Reviews
The 'Test Only' Advantage
Frequently Asked Questions
Happily serving our customers in Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Northridge, North Hills, Reseda, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Encino, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Newhall, Valencia, Canyon Country, Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Glendale, Pasadena, Alta Dena, Burbank, Studio City, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West Hollywood, North Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley and the Greater Los Angeles Area.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
~ Water Damage Assessments
~ AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) Accredited Lab Testing
~ Presale Home Inspections
~ Post Remediation Clearance Testing
~ Air & Surface Sampling
~ Mold Remediation Protocols
~ Findings & Recommendations Reports
~ Environmental Testing
~ Mold Inspection Los Angeles
~ Certified Mold Testing Services
Find us on nextdoor:
MICRO Certified Mold Inspector CMI # 86294
InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) Certified Mold Inspector
Member # NACHI25081826 Certificate # 1755634505
IAC2 Certified, IAC2 Mold Certified (International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants)
Certification ID: IAC2-95070
