Call IAQ Solutions Today and Schedule Your Orlando Mold Inspection (407) 383-9459
Mold Inspection by Florida Licensed Mold Inspectors
Florida and Orlando Mold Inspection is the process of identifying the location and extent of the mold growing within a home or office and the moisture source that is supporting the mold growth. The only industry standard of practice for mold inspections is the ASTM D-7338 Assessment of Fungal Growth in Buildings. Click the D-7338 to read more about the ASTM D-7338
IAQ Solutions offers an extensive assortment of highly detailed Florida & Orlando Mold Inspection & Testing services to isolate and identify the cause and origin of the moisture that is supporting mold growth within your home or office.
IAQ Solutions consultants can quickly conduct a Florida & Orlando Mold Inspection with minimal disruption to the occupants, utilizing the most effective investigative, diagnostic, or sampling techniques available and applying a full range of analytical methods utilizing state of the art procedures, techniques, and equipment.
After our Florida Licensed Mold Inspection consultants have identified the cause and origin of the moisture supporting the mold growth and the extent of the water and mold damage, they will share the results with you, clearly outlining the recommendations for repair of the moisture source and the remediation strategy that will be outlined in the mold remediation protocol.
Armed with an IAQ Solutions Mold Inspection and mold remediation protocol, you can then submit the mold remediation protocol for estimates from licensed mold remediation contractors.
Often the source of mold and odors is a Crawl Space. If you believe that mold and odors are originating from your Crawl Space click the link below to see more about Crawl Space Mold & Odors.
IAQ Solutions provides Infrared Thermal Imaging Inspection services for commercial and residential properties. Homes & Offices Buildings, can be troubled by problems related to design, construction, maintenance, or emergency situation such as floods. Our Infrared Thermal Imaging Inspection services include:
• Water Damage Assessment
• Leak detection
Florida and Orlando Mold Inspection and Mold Testing
First, we pinpoint the problem areas in your home or office. Where is the mold growth? Crawlspace, attic, or hidden in a bathroom wall? All of these are common locations for mold growth.
A particulate counter is used throughout the mold inspection to locate probable areas of growth based on temperature, humidity, and particulate levels.
Second, we determine the cause of the mold growth. Mold requires water to grow; therefore, we look for a source of excessive moisture.
Common sources include: Plumbing leaks, High humidity, Roof leaks, and Window Leaks
Third, We outline our recommendations along with expert advice and consultation specifically tailored to your unique situation. The recommendations will include the cause and origin of the mold growth and outline a sampling plan if necessary to collect samples
Take Control of Your Indoor Environment Call IAQ Solutions Today and Schedule Your Orlando Mold Inspection and Orlando Mold Testing. (407) 383-9459
The Mold Visual Inspection
The purpose of the Mold visual Inspection is to identify visual mold contamination or conditions that may be conducive to microbial growth; to detect the presence, or likely presence of mold.
A Mold Visual Inspection of your indoor environment must also include the collection of indoor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and airborne respirable particulate levels.
When the source of mold is hidden, the use of a particulate counter is essential in locating areas of your home or office that have elevated airborne particulate matter. A particle counter can help by determining the total number of particles in any indoor environment. The results are available immediately and do not require laboratory analysis.
ASTM D7338 Standard Guide for Assessment of Fungal Growth in Buildings Section 7.1 The most important requirement of an assessment for fungal growth is an on-site inspection of the subject building. It is very important to remember that the ASTM D-7338 is the only recognized standard for mold assessment.
According to the ASTM D-7338 the parts of a mold assessment include:
The extent of any water damage and mold growth should be visually assessed. This mold visual inspection is important in determining remedial strategies.
Ventilation systems should also be visually checked, particularly for damp filters but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system and overall cleanliness.
The use of a boroscope, (fiber optics) to view space inside ductwork or behind walls is used along with the use of a radio moisture meter to detect moisture "inside" building materials, identifying hidden sources of fungal growth and the extent of water damage. Because mold cannot live without moisture, sources of moisture are one of the focal points of our visual inspection.
During the thorough visual inspection of your home or office (including the attic, crawl spaces and basement) we examine:
Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
Moisture barriers for proper installation and condensation occurrence, via existing wall openings and a fiber optics scope.
The moisture content of floors, walls and ceilings--even beneath surfaces--using a non-invasive moisture meter.
The temperature and humidity of the indoor and outdoor air using properly calibrated instruments.
All water-damaged areas and locate the point of water intrusion
What equipment do you use during a mold inspection? Technology is an important part of the mold inspection process. Our technicians utilize many pieces of diagnostic equipment including moisture meters, hygrometers, boroscopes, and thermal imaging cameras. This equipment allows us to identify hidden sources of moisture and mold growth.
How long is a typical mold inspection? A typical home or small commercial office requires 1-2 hours of inspection time. Larger homes or commercial buildings and offices may necessitate more time.
What should I do to prepare for a mold inspection? Typically it is best for us to inspect the home or office in 'as is' condition. Mold growth is an indication of a moisture management problem. Therefore, it is beneficial for us to observe the mold problem before clean up occurs.
What do I receive at the end of my mold inspection? You will receive a Final Mold Inspection Report and Mold Remediation Protocol if necessary. The mold report will outline the results of the mold visual observations, diagnostic data, mold sampling laboratory findings (if necessary) and recommendations from the Florida Indoor Air Quality Solutions Licensed Mold Inspector. Not just laboratory results.
Is my mold inspection report sent to a third party? The results of your mold inspection are kept confidential. We do not release your mold reports to any government agency, insurance company, rental tenant, etc.
Why Sample or Test for Mold? Sampling provides us with a method to establish scientifically whether the environment in question contains higher levels of mold spores than would normally be present.
We have a lot of mold inspection and mold investigative tools at our disposal such as a moisture meters capable of detecting high moisture in walls that might not be otherwise visible to the naked eye, boroscopes for inspection inside walls, ceilings, and ductwork, hand held laser particulate scanners that help determine areas of the indoor environment that have elevations of particles. The particulate micron size that can help identify the particulate by its known size.
Most, if not all of these mold inspection and mold investigative tools, should be used during the assessment and prior to mold sampling to help establish a mold sampling plan that can answer the question, “Why Am I Sampling for Mold” and “What Questions Will The Mold Sampling or Testing Answer?”
Once the indoor environment has been assessed, it's time to decide if mold sampling is necessary by establishing a Mold Sampling Plan. A Mold Sampling Plan is a description of where, when and how an investigator proposes to sample.
A good Mold Sampling Plan should take into account the strengths and weaknesses of each sampling method and use them to compliment each other as much as possible.
The goal of mold sampling is to help determine whether the mold or mold particulates present in the indoor environment are elevated enough to negatively affect or cause allergic symptoms with the individuals that occupy the indoor environment.
If the individuals are experiencing allergic symptoms, you then have to ask whether or not the symptoms are associated with the elevated particulates in the indoor environment of a specific building or room. If symptoms abate a few hours after leaving a building, it is likely associated with the building and the circumstances call for further investigation, especially if the symptoms are severe or are experienced by many people.
If on the other hand, symptoms continue hours after leaving the home or office and/or in different locations such as another home or building, then it is more likely that the individuals are experiencing an illness not associated with the indoor environment in question and is possibly the common cold or the flu which have similar symptoms to mold allergies.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association recommends mold sampling when the source of contamination is unclear, if a disease associated with a mold is suspected, if litigation is involved and for clearance purposes associated with a remediation in order to ascertain that mold readings are at natural background levels or at a Normal Fungal Ecology.
Even when sampling is performed, it's not possible to correlate results with an individual’s symptoms because everyone reacts differently to different levels of molds and allergens. This is called a dose response relationship.
Mold Culture or Viable vs. Mold Non-Cultured or Non-Viable Sampling
Culturable or Viable spores are those that are capable of growing into a colony, given the correct conditions. These are the only spores that show up on culture samples, where they are called colony-forming units (cfu). They are usually a minority of the total number of airborne spores.
Non Culturable or Non-Viable spores are spores that are not capable of growing. Many species of mold produce large numbers of non-viable spores because certain conditions (i.e., substrate nutrients, pH, relative humidity, presence of other molds or chemicals, etc.) affected the growth process. Non-viable spores may not be visually distinguishable from viable samples. They cause the same allergic effects as viable spores. Non-viable spores will not be counted in culture samples. To get a count of non-viable spores, a spore trap of some type must be used so that a microscopic analysis can be completed.
Mold Bulk and Surface Samples
Bulk Samples are pieces of material that have mold growth on them or suspected of having mold growth. Visual inspection is enough to identify apparent fungal growth; however, a sample will have to be collected for analysis to determine the mold type. Once in the lab, the bulk sample can be prepared for analysis in a number of different ways. For viable sample analysis a small area is precisely measured and the surface cut or scraped into a nutrient solution and “plated” onto a petri dish. After incubation and analysis, the results will be reported as cfu/cm2.
Bulk Samples can also be prepared for analysis by non-viable methods. This can be done with a tape sample or a microvacuum sample. Tape and micro-vacuum samples are considered to be surface samples although they are often used as a laboratory preparation technique for bulk samples.
Surface Samples are samples taken directly from a surface suspected of having mold or microbial growth. Surface samples are primarily useful for determining what fungal agents are present on the surface. They do not give reliable indications of airborne spore concentration. However, surface samples can show if there has been an extensive deposition of fungal material through the air.
Tape Samples can be collected to identify mold growth on a surface. A piece of tape is stuck to the surface, then removed. Any particles or spores on these surfaces should be stuck to the tape. The tape is then put onto a slide and analyzed under a microscope.
Micro-Vacuum samples which are taken from a surface using a slit sampling cassette contains a slide with a sticky substrate where any particulates or bioaerosols are captured. The cassette is placed just above the surface and the pump is turned on for a short time. Once there is a visible trace in the cassette, it is put onto a slide and analyzed under a microscope.
Swab Samples are a method of surface sampling used to identify both mold and bacterial growth. To take a swab sample, the surface to be tested is rubbed with a swab that is then rubbed onto an agar plate. The mold and/or bacteria grow on the plate and are visually identified.
Call IAQ Solutions Today and schedule your Indoor Environmental Assessment or Mold Inspection. (407) 383-9459
Mold Air Samples - Sampling for Mold
Air Samples are taken to determine airborne spore levels. There are many ways to take air samples, including inertial impaction, multiple hole or sieve impactors, slit samplers, centrifugal sampler, liquid impingement, filtration, and gravitation or settling.
Air samples show only what is in the air at the time the sample is collected. Some types of fungi, such as Stachybotrys, have “sticky” spores that do not become airborne easily. These fungi may not show up in air samples even if they are currently growing in the area.
Air samples fall into two general categories (Viable & Non-Viable). The first type, Culturable uses a culture medium of some sort to collect the airborne spores. The spores are allowed to grow and the resulting colonies are counted and identified. Each growth area seen on the plate is known as a colony forming unit (cfu). Since the amount of air drawn through the sampler is carefully documented and the areas of fungi growth on these ample precisely counted, a conversion factor can be used to calculate the number of cfus per cubic meter of air (cfu.m3).
Culture samples have advantages and disadvantages. An advantage is that counting and identifying the colonies that grow can be done in such away as to identify both the genus and the species of the organism. On the other hand, these samples do not include non-viable spores, even though such spores can still cause health problems. Culture samples take several days for the mold to grow, so there can be no rush turnaround time.
The other general category of air samples are Non-Viable collected using an Air Sampling cassette. The air sampling cassette is a sampling device designed for the rapid collection and analysis of a wide range of airborne aerosols. These include fungal spores, pollen, insect parts, skin cell fragments, fibers, and inorganic particulates. Air enters the cassette, the particles become impacted on the sampling substrate, and the air leaves through the exit orifice. The airflow and patented cassette housing is designed in such a way that the particles are distributed and deposited equally on a special glass slide contained in the cassette housing called the ``trace."
The slide is then analyzed under a microscope . Any spores observed are identified and counted, and then a conversion factor is used to calculate the number of spores per cubic meter of air. This method includes both viable and non-viable spores, so it can be a more accurate indication of airborne spore levels. The analysis can be performed immediately after the sample is taken, so rush turnaround time is possible.
However, direct microscopy is usually limited to designation of mold at the genus level and generally cannot be used for bacteria. Water samples are taken to determine the presence of bacteria, such Legionella and E.coli. The samples also detect bacterial toxins, such as endotoxins.
Take Control of Your Indoor Environment Call IAQ Solutions Today and schedule your Florida or Orlando Mold Inspection. (407) 383-9459
Mold Sample Labotatory Analysis
The analysis of samples in the laboratory provides a major portion of the data that is produced during a mold investigation and is used to guide the remediation contactors. This involves analyzing samples under the microscope as well as counting and identifying any colonies that grow on an agar plate.
IAQ Solutions Orlando and Central Florida’s Leading IAQ Indoor Air Quality, Mold Inspection and Mold Testing Company.
Do It Yourself Mold Test Kits Earn a Not Recommended Rating from Consumer Reports.
Do It Yourself Mold Test Kits: If you see or smell mold, you don't need a test kit to tell you it's there. Generally, it's not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in your home, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If mold covers an area less than 10 square feet, you may be able to eliminate the problem yourself. Larger areas require a pro. When we tested the kits below for our report, we found significant shortcomings in all of them, flaws that were serious enough to earn each a "Not Recommended" rating.
Home Diagnostics Malt Extract Culture Plates and Air Sampler
$74 or $203 (w/ air sampler)
Expensive, and took a long time, an average of 23 days, for results to be returned from lab. No expiration dates on the kit; old media could affect the accuracy and reliability of the results. One unused plate came back positive for mold growth, indicating contamination at some point;Not very reassuring for post-remediation use.
Mold Chek Mold Test Kit
$39 (4 petri dishes)
Using unsterilized utensils or swabs increases the likelihood of contamination. Very difficult to open; kits could spill on the floor while opening package and become contaminated and useless. No expiration dates on the kit; old media could affect the accuracy and reliability of the results. Label claimed kit can identify toxic mold, but the report that the lab sends can't tell you this. One unused plate came back positive for mold growth, indicating contamination at some point; Not very reassuring for post-remediation use.
Mold Chek Sampling Kit
$39 to $49
Kit fits on most but not all vacuums. If you vacuum more than one area or room per sample kit, then you won't know which area has a mold problem. Label claimed that kit can tell you whether toxic mold is "hiding in your house." But brochure inside the kit has a disclaimer saying the lab report can't tell you this.
Pro-Lab MO109
$40 to $55
In some samples, the vials with media leaked over entire kit. In one, an unopened kit was moldy. No expiration dates on the kit; old media could affect the accuracy and reliability of the results. Label claims that kit can identify toxic mold, but the report the lab sends can't tell you this. One unused plate came back positive for mold growth, indicating contamination at some point; Not very reassuring for post-remediation use.
It's All About the Cause and Origin and the Visual Inspection
Once you've isolated the cause and origin established the extent of the water and mold damage there is no need for mold sampling. Mold Sampling or Mold Testing is usually Not Necessary and the genus of mold will not change the way we need to remediate the mold.
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Mold Inspection The Identification of the Water Source and the Establisment of the Extent of the Mold Damage
Mold Inspection Is NOT about Sampling or Testing for Mold
Inspecting for Mold The actual Visual Inspection of the Mold Damage and the Identification of the Cause and Origin of the Moisture that is Supporting the Mold Growth.
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Vapor Barriers
Vapor Barriers in the Hot Humid South Will lead to Condensation, Odors, and Mold
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Wallpaper, Nuisance Odors, & Mold
Wallpaper is a notorious vapor barrier that can lead to condensation behind the wallpaper. The accumulated condensation (moisture) can then support mold growth. That hidden mold growth will not be detectable via air sampling for mold spores because the mold spores are trapped behind the wallpaper. However the occupants will be able to detect the mold growth by the presence of a musty odor. We put the air sampling pump away and provide a solid inspection for the cause and origin of the nuisance odor.
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Condensation and Mold Humidity Blooms
Each year as the temperature drops and the use of a home’s air conditioning becomes reduced or completely unused the indoor humidity can easily rise to a level that can and will support mold growth.
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Orlando Mold Inspection
This is one very moldy house. A small leak left unattended can lead to a substantial amount of mold growth.
What You Need to Know From: IAQMarketerMay 17, 2011
Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that can be found in properties with water damage or highly elevated humidity levels. It can grow on common materials found in buildings that contain a high cellulose and low nitrogen content. These include items such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration or flooding.
What You Need to Know From: IAQMarketer | May 10, 2011 |
Studies have shown that invasive aspergillosis can occur during building renovation or construction. Aspergillus spores are also commonly found in buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels that have allowed the mold to grow and multiply indoors. Buildings such as healthcare facilities, with people that have weakened immune systems, need to be especially vigilant of this dangerous pathogen.
If you have or suspect a mold or air quality problem, start with this company - they know their business.
Their prices are comparable to the market and their response to emails or phone calls has been consistent and fast.
April Galbraith Orlando, FL
Should you have Your Home or Office Tested for Mold or Inspected for Mold? Click to read more.
CALL MICROSHIELD! YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!
Debbie Kantor, Realtor Re/Max Town Centre
We noticed something in our home smell musty, and causing us to feel ill while at home. We Googled mold inspection companies and found Microshield. They were very helpfull on the phone. Lydia explained the process to me in great patient detail.
John and Lydia came to our home and found a leaking shower. They mapped the moisture in our walls around our shower and explained the remediation process. They checked the entire home to ensure that there were no other areas to worry about.
Their inspection and protocol prices were right in the middle of the pack and they did,nt want to charge us for a lot of extra testing. We would recommend Microshield to anyone! Lisa Noonun Orlando, Florida
I would have no problem recommending John to anyone I know including family members and you can't ask for more than that.
Thanks Microshield!
Chris Brown, Orlando
We had a shower leak, which caused some mold damage in our master bathroom.
John and Lydia came the same day we contacted them. They came with all the right equipment to detect the leak and assess the mold situation. They helped us contact the remediation company to come out the next day. They worked closely with the remediation company during the entire process of cleaning up.
They also preformed the clearance test after the remediation and had the remediation company do some re-cleaning when they did not pass the test the first time.
John and Lydia are very knowledgeable and were very sensitive to our needs .
Their degree of professionalism and care was above our expectation.
They were very dependable and provided us with all the documents as they promised.
We would highly recommend them to anyone who may need their services. Fenqiang Liu Winter Springs
The air we breathe is so vital to our health and we sincere appreciate the environmental services that Microshield provides.
We would recommend Microshield to any customer.
Sincerely,
Steve Smith, Clermont, Fl
John's testing of the premises and subsequent recommendations were just what we needed to address an IAQ issue.
He was professional and showed good customer service throughout the process.
KatherineGallagher
John is very experienced in his field and conducts himself in a very professional manner.
His equipment is top notch and I consider him to be a leader in his profession.
I would highly recommend using Microshield on your next project.
Thank You, Rob Supertino
John
and his company provided an excellent air quality inspection for us he
was very professional and was well worth the money spent for peace of
mind.
Thank you again and look forward to working with John in the future!
Thank You Microshield
Ross Kempster Orlando, FL
John is a man of his word and a true expert in air quality.
I recommend his company and his service to anyone.
Thanks John & Microshield
Chris Curtis
Is Your Mold Inspector Licensed by the State of Florida?
Microshield has the first Mold Inspector Licensed by the State of Florida as a Mold Assessor in Seminole County serving all of Central Florida. Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, Lake, Osceola, Polk, Flagler, and Indian River Counties.
Our ACAC Council Certified Indoor Environmental Consultants have the experience, training and insurance necessary to become among the first Licensed Mold Assessors by the State of Florida.
Call Microshield Environmental Services, LLC, Indoor Air Quality Solutions for answers to all your indoor air quality questions. We can provide you with a superior Indoor Environmental Assessment or Orlando Mold Inspection. Call Lydia Today! 407-383-9459
5840 Red Bug Lake Rd. Suite 220 Winter Springs Florida, 32708
1170 Tree Swallow Dr. Suite 330 Winter Springs, Florida 32708 51 E Jefferson St Orlando FL 32801 - 424 East Central Boulevard Orlando FL 32801 - 8870 Boggy Creek Road Orlando FL 32824 - 2607 Edgewater Dr Orlando 32804
Indoor Air Quality Solutions, IAQS Microshield Environmental Services, LLC.
The Indoor Air Quality Solutions Consultants are Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant, Certified Mold Inspector, Certified Mold Investigator, Certified Microbial Consultant, Certified Mold Remediation Supervisor, Florida Licensed Mold Assessor. Indoor Air Quality Solutions provides Florida with the best Orlando indoor air quality Inspection, Orlando Radon Testing, Chinese Drywall Inspection, Mold Remediation Protocols, Orlando Air Testing. We offer the best affordable Orlando Mold Inspection, Asthma and Allergy Testing, & Orlando Mold Testing by Florida Licensed Mold Assessor Microshield Environmental Services, LLC & John P. Lapotaire, CIEC The most trusted names in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Orlando indoor air quality inspection, Orlando Mold Remediation Removal Florida
Proudly Serving – Orlando, Winter Park, College Park, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Lake Mary, Maitland, Wekiva, Celebration, Apopka, Casselberry, Deltona, Windermere, Isleworth, Lake Butler Sound, Daytona, Melbourne, Cocoa, Lake Forest, Heathrow, Alaqua, Baldwin Park, Stoneybrook, Eagle Creek, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Titusville, Alafaya, Geneva, Bay Hill, Hunters Creek, Buena Ventura Lakes, Clarcona.
Brevard County, Flagler County, Indian River County, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, St. Lucie County, Volusia County
Proudly Serving – Orlando, Winter Park, College Park, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Lake Mary, Maitland, Wekiva, Celebration, Apopka, Casselberry, Deltona, Windermere, Isleworth, Lake Butler Sound, Daytona, Melbourne, Cocoa, Lake Forest, Heathrow, Alaqua, Baldwin Park, Stoneybrook, Eagle Creek, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Titusville, Alafaya, Geneva, Bay Hill, Hunters Creek, Buena Ventura Lakes, Clarcona.
Brevard County, Flagler County, Indian River County, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, St. Lucie County, Volusia County
