Carlsbad Relocation A to Z

Encinitas, California

An informational source for people who are relocating, with a particular focus on moving to the Carlsbad area of North County San Diego, with advice, guidance and true stories to help you on your way and make it a great journey, from a REALTOR� with plenty of personal (4 major moves, most recently from Boston to Carlsbad, California) and professional relocation experience. Are you running into problems selling your home? Need to find a new one quickly? Never moved before and haven't a clue? You'll find some great tips on how to solve your relocation issues here. Or ask me a question any time and I'll share some solutions or tell you where to get more information. CA DRE License #01490977

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Carlsbad Relocation A to Z

Mold Information Series (Guest Blogger - Part 2)

Jul. 16, 2007

Categorized in: Due Diligence

Tagged with: andy konopacki, mold, mold inspections, mold remediation, vm3 environmental

"How do you actually perform a mold inspection?"

This is a question that I get quite frequently from REALTORS and buyers alike who have not been through the mold inspection process.

In the simplest terms, a mold inspection begins with a visual survey of the interior and exterior of readily accessible structures located on the property being inspected. During this survey, the mold inspector is visually identifying preventative maintenance issues, which if left unattended, can result in conditions conducive to mold growth, and suspect areas/conditions where mold colonization, whether active or dormant, may also be present. Suspect areas can include walls, ceilings or other surfaces within the structure that are discolored, stained, blemished or otherwise damaged from present or past water intrusion. Areas of suspected mold-like growth, whether active or dormant, are of course also noted.

Upon completion of the visual survey/inspection, the mold inspector will sit down with his/her client and discuss the findings of the visual survey. Suspect areas that have been noted are further explained and recommended for sampling. The purpose of collecting samples is to determine whether a suspected stain, blemish, discoloration or other water damaged area is identified, by laboratory analysis, as mold growth. Mold growth should not be present in a normal fungal ecology. Sampling can also identify conditions that may warrant further evaluation and include invasive testing or referral to a remediation / abatement / clean-up company. In my next post I will address in more detail the different types of sampling methods.

With an explanation of the mold inspection process in hand, let's examine in more detail some of the specific areas a mold inspector will examine while performing an inspection.

Grounds:

The grounds of a structure can include the evaluation of proper grading, drainage which includes gutters, the location of downspouts, exterior wall coverings, porches, decks and windows. All of these systems when properly working together allow for the displacement of water away from the structure and prevent water intrusion.

Plumbing:

When inspecting the interior of a structure, great attention is paid to under-sink areas and adjacent plumbing systems. Under sinks in both bathrooms and kitchens are the most common areas observed for water staining, leaks, discoloration and mold-like growth.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems can often be a source of mold concern. Air ducts are inspected to insure they are not disconnected causing venting into areas like attics and crawlspaces. Additionally, closed off supply registers can create excessive condensation and an environment conducive to mold growth.

Remember: Moisture control is the key to preventing mold growth. Mold only needs a food source, moisture and a surface to grow on!

Andy Konopacki

PResident - VM3 Environmental, Inc.

P 760-273-9728
P 949-269-3073 (Orange County)
F 760-683-3126

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Mold Information Series (Guest Blogger - Part 1)

Jun. 13, 2007

Categorized in: FAQs

Tagged with: mold, mold inspections, mold remediation, vm3 environmental, what is mold

To kick off the "mold series" I thought it would be most beneficial to start at the beginning and answer the question; what is mold?

Molds are microscopic fungi which utilize non-living organic material, like wood framing or drywall found in a residential structure, for food. Molds, like all fungi, are unable to make their own food from light and therefore feed on cellulose (organic materials) for energy and subsequent survival. We call these types of organisms "heterotrophic" because they rely on organic materials to get carbon for growth. Animals, along with fungi and bacteria are heterotrophic.

Molds develop from reproductive seeds, known as spores, which germinate when appropriate conditions exist. When a mold spore settles on a moist surface, it will begin to absorb water and grow long, branch like structures known as hyphae. If moisture persists, the hyphae will continue to grow and develop a collective mass know as a mycelium. As growth continues the mycelium expand across the surface with hyphae growing on the exterior of the food source.

Unlike mold spores, mycelium can be seen by the naked eye. As the fungi mature, spores begin to form within the aerial hyphae. Air currents, moisture droplets and insects aid in the transportation of spores to other areas starting a new reproduction cycle. Molds can appear in a variety of colors including green, gray, brown and black. And most molds grow in a temperate range of 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Interesting Mold Facts:

There are approximately 60,000-80,000 classified species of mold.
Many types of mold spores can survive extreme temperatures and high pressure making them extremely resilient.
Molds can survive extended periods of time without dying by entering a dormant state. This survival is most commonly seen within food containers stored in refrigerators.
Through the use of secreted enzymes and mycotoxins, molds can inhibit the growth of competing fungi. Yes, they battle each other.
Cultured molds have been successfully used in the food and medical industries for years. Most notable, the discovery in 1928 by Alexander Fleming of Penicillium chrysogenum, the mold which releases the antibiotic Penicillin.
Humans exposed to heavy concentrations of mold can develop allergens and other health related issues.
Molds cannot be time stamped.

Remember, mold spores are always present in both indoor and outdoor environments. For molds to grow, three important ingredients are required.

1. A food source: Any material made of cellulose (organic material).

2. Moisture: High humidity, plumbing leaks and other forms of water intrusion.

3. Time: Mold growth can begin in as little as 24-72 hours.

Stay tuned for more information on mold and what you can do about it.

Please feel free to post any questions and I will answer them. Or visit our website, VM3 Environmental Inc for more information.

You may also call at any time for assistance in arranging an inspection, getting answers to your questions or having mold removed from your home.

Thanks for reading!

Andy Konopacki

President - VM3 Environmental, Inc.

760-273-9728

949-269-3073 (in Orange County)

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Mold is Coming Your Way...Watch Out

Jun. 7, 2007

Categorized in: Due Diligence

Tagged with: mold, mold inspections, mold remediation, vm3 environmental

I know that many buyers are concerned about mold. We have certainly heard lots about it in the media, and health concerns about mold have increased dramatically in recent years. So buyers are worried that the home they want to buy might have mold. And if so, what can be done about it? Or should they not buy the home at all?

Sellers are also concerned - worried that THEY have a problem to fix before they can sell. Or perhaps they were not aware there WAS a mold issue, and now they know due to the buyer's inspection.

What to do.

Well, mold is coming your way...watch out for my guest blogger, Andy Konopacki. Andy is President of VM3 Environmental, a mold inspection and remediation firm based in Carlsbad and serving all of Southern California, and over the next few months or so will be providing buyers and sellers with some great information on MOLD.