Joseph Gutierrez, Author at Guaranteed Property and Mold Inspections, Inc. Home Inspector

Mold Certification Professional Development and Re-certification.

March 30, 2018 By Joseph Gutierrez

CESB and NCCA Accreditation

What Does Accreditation Mean?

The ACAC operates CESB-accredited and NCCA-accredited certification programs for professionals in indoor air quality and related fields. What does it mean to be accredited?

Third Party Approval

Accreditation is the independent testimony of a third-party observer that an organization’s program is developed and operated in compliance with nationally recognized standards.

The Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), founded in 1991, has established a national reputation for accrediting certification programs in engineering and science-related fields. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), founded in 1989, likewise enjoys a national reputation as an independent accrediting body for professional certification programs.

ACAC offers the only programs dedicated to the field of indoor air quality to achieve CESB and/or NCCA accreditation:

The Council’s CIEC program was fully accredited by CESB as an engineering-related designation effective January 1, 2006. The CIEC program was fully accredited by NCCA effective April 25, 2014.
The Council’s CMC program was fully accredited by CESB as an engineering-related designation effective October 31, 2006. The CMC program was fully accredited by NCCA effective April 25, 2014.
As of 2014, the Council’s CEICC, CEICS, CETC, CIES and CSDS programs are fully accredited by CESB as the engineering-related level.
As of 2014, the Council’s CIE, CMI, CMR, CMRS, CEICI, CEICR, CETI, CIER, CSDR, CIAQM, and CRMI programs are all fully accredited by CESB at engineering-technician level.

High Standards

In order to qualify for CESB or NCCA accreditation, a certification program must meet high standards of program operation:

It must be administratively independent of other organizations in matters pertaining to certification;
Its certifying body must consist of a majority of certified individuals;
It must provide the public and consumers with an opportunity for input into its policies and decisions;
It must follow strict rules for public disclosure of certification-related activities;
It must follow strict rules for test development, evaluation and administration;
It must enforce stringent eligibility requirements for all candidates, including (in the case of CESB accreditation) eight years of education and/or field experience for engineering-related designations and two to five years of education and/or field experience for engineering-technician designations.

ACAC offers the only CESB and/or NCCA accredited designations dedicated to the field of indoor air quality. Though its board-awarded designations meet all these requirements and more, the same cannot be said of many other professional certification programs. Other organizations allow office staffers to grant certification in exchange for payment of fees and passing a simple examination based on a mandatory course with limited information. Field experience is rarely required, much less verified. As a result, “instant certifications” from such organizations are nearly worthless when challenged in court.

* The CIEC and CMC programs are dual-accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
and the Council for Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).
* 18 other ACAC programs are accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).
* ACAC examinations are compliant with standards published by APA, AERA and NCME.
* ACAC is a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), formerly known as NOCA.

The Importance of Changing You’re Furnace Filter!

March 8, 2018 By Joseph Gutierrez

Time and time again one of the biggest upkeep issues that I come across during a mold inspection or home inspection is a dirty furnace filter. I get it, out of sight out of mind! Sometimes your furnace is well hidden and so is the actual filter, if you do not make it a point to swap the filter as needed instead of on a timely basis you can be degrading the indoor air quality of your home. The furnace filter helps distribute clean air throughout your home, if you find that your furnace filter is dirty or clogged we always recommend that you replace it with an allergy rated disposable filter. Here are some key reasons on the importance of replacing those dirty filters:

Clean Furnace Filters Save Money

A furnace filter that is clogged with dust, pet dander, and other particles will cause your furnace to work harder because of decreased airflow. When this happens, you will need to make repairs more often to replace worn out parts. Overtime, the useful life of your furnace will be reduced as a result.

Being your furnace has to work harder, this means it is using more energy to operate. By changing its filter monthly, you will help reduce your home’s heating costs.
Better Air Quality

The EPA estimates that the air we breathe inside our homes can be up to five times more polluted than the air we breathe outdoors. The purpose of having a filter in your furnace is to reduce the amount of dust and other allergens that can be circulated throughout your home and add further to this problem.

Even if you keep your home immaculate, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and or bacteria can still be found within it. If your furnace filter is not changed regularly, these irritants will continue to build up and foul the air quality inside your home.

As a result, your family’s health may suffer, especially those members who suffer from asthma or allergies. If your family seems to be getting more colds than usual or are constantly suffering from congestion, your filter may be at the root of the problem.

During our routine inspection please ask us about ways that you can improve indoor air quality or call us at (949) 230-6800.

What are Mycotoxins?

December 20, 2017 By Joseph Gutierrez

What are mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals. Because of their pharmacological activity, some mycotoxins or mycotoxin derivatives have found use as antibiotics, growth promotants, and other kinds of drugs; still others have been implicated as chemical warfare agents.

All mycotoxins are low-molecular-weight natural products (i.e., small molecules) produced as secondary metabolites by filamentous fungi. These metabolites constitute a toxigenically and chemically heterogeneous assemblage that are grouped together only because the members can cause disease and death in human beings and other vertebrates. Not surprisingly, many mycotoxins display overlapping toxicities to invertebrates, plants, and microorganisms.

If you feel that you or a family member may be exposed to mold(s) that produce Mycotoxins please call Guaranteed Property and Mold Inspections at (949) 230-6800. We are fully certified mold inspectors and are fully certified to test for mycotoxins within your home or business.

Which Indoor Mold is “Safe”?

December 15, 2017 By Joseph Gutierrez

The most common question my clients ask during a comprehensive mold inspection is “is this indoor mold safe”? “Do we have to remove it”? Although we are not physicians and we cannot state whether the presence of mold will have a negative impact on your health, we can state that mold growth should not be present inside of your home.

The facts about mold exposure are symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

A simple answer to the question is this mold safe? and do we have to remove it? A simple answer is that we believe there should be no presence of mold growth indoors for it can negatively impact the well being of you and your family and the mold should be removed by a ACAC certified mold remediation company, for if mold removal is not completed properly there may be a chance of cross contamination which means that the mold may spread to other areas of the home (all the mold needs is a source of moisture to live).

If you feel that you may have mold present inside of your home please contact Guaranteed Property and Mold Inspections at (949) 230-6800 and a Certified Mold Inspector will assist you in identifying the presence of mold inside your home, help you with a plan of attack to rid the mold from your home and provide you with useful tips to reduce indoor mold levels in the future.

Cold Weather Brings Moisture and Mold!

December 9, 2017 By Joseph Gutierrez

In case you haven’t been paying attention to the weather news lately, it is snowing in Hawaii! If winter storms can cause a problem in Hawaii, think about how winter storms can affect your area. Weather forecasts are calling for abrupt temperature changes in the the US, thanks to a jet stream bringing cold air south.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, freezing weather and winter storms are the third-largest cause for catastrophic losses. Frozen pipes and pipe bursts can cause significant water damage. The weight of ice and excessive rain on the roof can compromise the integrity of the roof, which leads to water damage and structural damage. Ice can back up the sewer system which can cause bacteria filled floodwaters to enter the home or office. Here in Southern California we do not have to worry so much about ice, but if you have noticed temperatures at night have been dropping significantly and can take a toll on plumbing supply pipes. Do you know what to do in these situations?

Contact Guaranteed Property and Mold Inspections if you detect any problems: 949-230-6800

Experience: It is important to have an experienced Inspector to assess water damage and to determine what materials need to be removed. They will be able to detect the presence of mold and locate the moisture source as well as provide and develop a scope of work for the remediation contractor and monitor the removal of all water-damaged materials. TIP: Ask if they are ACAC certified.

Hidden Water Damage:
Water will always take the path of least resistance. That means water will travel inside wall cavities, down the outside of pipes and electrical conduits. We have the equipment including thermal imaging available to detect potential moisture behind walls and under flooring. It is important to find and remove ALL affected materials to prevent future mold growth.

Bacteria & Mold Growth:
Harmful traces of bacteria and mold can be found in areas that were affected by water intrusion; whether it be from sewage backup, storm water, or busted pipes. Believe it or not, mold can still grow in the winter time. While colder temperatures may slow down the growth of mold, it does not stop it completely. We will be will be able to test surfaces and the air for bacteria and mold. The results will determine additional materials to remove and sanitize.

Joseph Gutierrez
Owner

Carbon Monoxide Dangers.

November 27, 2017 By Joseph Gutierrez

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week begins Wednesday throughout the province, a timely reminder to have properly installed and maintained alarms as the home-heating season gets under way. Tim Adair, Stratford’s director of fire prevention, said there are still common misconceptions when it comes to carbon monoxide such as it’s a low-lying gas.

“Some people think it’s heavier than air, some people think it’s lighter than air,” he said, noting they’re about the same weight and carbon monoxide will be equally present throughout all levels of a home if there is a leak.

Another frequent misunderstanding homeowners have is alarms only need to be installed in furnace rooms or by fireplaces.

“Are they going to hear that alarm at two in the morning with their bedroom door closed dead asleep? No, they’re not,” Adair said. “That’s why the law states it has to be outside all sleeping areas.”

The dangers of carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless gas, received province-wide attention in December 2008 when a family of four, including OPP Const. Laurie Hawkins, died from a leak in their Woodstock home. Police said a carbon buildup in the pipe of a gas fireplace caused the issue. In addition to legislation, the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education was created in response.

Adair said there have been no recent carbon monoxide-related deaths in Stratford, but recalled one family falling ill.

“All four of them were sick and it showed – they called us – and it was shown it was a heat exchanger in the furnace,” he said. “Over the years, yes, we have come across probably several incidents where the carbon monoxide alarm did its job.

Alarms should be tested once per month and their batteries should be changed once per year, he said.

New Pool Safety Law!

November 1, 2017 By Joseph Gutierrez

October 11, 2017 Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 442 (SB442 Newman) into law. The bill amends Section 7195 of the Business and Professions Code as well as Sections 115922 and 115925 of the Health and Safety Code. Bills typically go into effect on January 1 after the bill is signed.

Background of the bill.
Drownings are the second leading cause of death for children in California. Between 2010 and 2015 more than 740 children between the ages of one and four years of age were hospitalized after a near drowning incident. The leading cause of hospitalization was brain injury due to lack of oxygen, known as asphyxiation. Some survive but many suffer permanent brain injuries. The intent of the bill is to help prevent the large number of such injuries. This is similar to a bill the Governor vetoed last year.

The bill inserts a new paragraph in section 7195 of the Business and Professions Code related to home inspections. The new section 7195 (a) (2) states:

In connection with the transfer, as defined in subdivision (e), of real property with a swimming pool or spa, an appropriate inspection shall include a noninvasive physical examination of the pool or spa and dwelling for the purpose of identifying which, if any, of the seven drowning prevention safety features listed in subdivision (a) of Section 115922 of the Health and Safety Code the pool or spa is equipped.

The bill adds to the end of 7195 (c). The revised paragraph now reads:
A “home inspection report” is a written report prepared for a fee and issued after a home inspection. The report clearly describes and identifies the inspected systems, structures, or components of the dwelling, any material defects identified, and any recommendations regarding the conditions observed or recommendations for evaluation by appropriate persons. In a dwelling with a pool or spa, the report shall identify which, if any, of the seven drowning prevention safety features listed in subdivision (a) of Section 115922 of the Health and Safety Code the pool or spa is equipped with and shall specifically state if the pool or spa has fewer than two of the listed drowning prevention safety features.

In addition to the modifications to the Section 7195 of the Business and Professions Code the bill references changes to the Health and Professions Code. These changes directly affect our profession. The full text of the bill is attached:

The bill requires, when a dwelling has a pool or spa, the home inspection “report shall identify which, if any, of the seven drowning prevention safety features listed in subdivision (a) of Section 115922 of the Health and Safety Code the pool or spa is equipped with and shall specifically state if the pool or spa has fewer than two of the listed drowning prevention safety features.

The seven listed drowning prevention safety features are:
(1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home.

(2) Removable mesh fencing that meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications F2286 standards in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device.

(3) An approved safety pool cover, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 115921.

(4) Exit alarms on the private single-family home’s doors that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa. The exit alarm may cause either an alarm noise or a verbal warning, such as a repeating notification that “the door to the pool is open.”

(5) A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on the private single-family home’s doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa.

(6) An alarm that, when placed in a swimming pool or spa, will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. The alarm shall meet and be independently certified to the ASTM Standard F2208 “Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms,” which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared type alarms. A swimming protection alarm feature designed for individual use, including an alarm attached to a child that sounds when the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water, is not a qualifying drowning prevention safety feature.

(7) Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the features set forth above and has been independently verified by an approved testing laboratory as meeting standards for those features established by the ASTM or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

The bill excludes hot tubs or spas with locking safety covers that comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM F1346).

Wallpaper May Breed Mold Toxins.

October 5, 2017 By Joseph Gutierrez

Wallpaper may contribute to “sick building syndrome,” a new study suggests.Toxins from fungus growing on wallpaper can easily become airborne and pose an indoor health risk, the researchers said.

Sick building syndrome is the term used when occupants start feeling ill related to time spent in a particular building. Usually, no specific illness or cause can be identified, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

For the study, the researchers simulated airflow over a piece of wallpaper contaminated with three species of fungus often found indoors.

“Most of the airborne toxins are likely to be located on fungal spores, but we also demonstrated that part of the toxic load was found on very small particles — dust or tiny fragments of wallpaper, that could be easily inhaled,” said Bailly.

Mycotoxins are better known for their occurrence in food. But “the presence of mycotoxins in indoors should be taken into consideration as an important parameter of air quality,” he said.

The study was published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

Creating an increasingly energy-efficient home may aggravate the problem, Bailly and his colleagues said.

Such homes “are strongly isolated from the outside to save energy,” but various water-using appliances such as coffee makers “could lead to favorable conditions for fungal growth,” Bailly explained in a society news release.

SOURCE: American Society for Microbiology, news release, June 23, 2017

Re-entering Your Flooded Home.

September 18, 2017 By Joseph Gutierrez

Because natural disasters are sometimes unpredictable and unavoidable, it is important for homeowners to take necessary precautions to reduce the damage to their homes. However, when returning to a home that’s been flooded after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado or flood, homeowners should be aware that their house may be contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health problems. The following steps should be considered when re-entering a home after a natural disaster or flood.

When You First Re-Enter Your Home

If there is standing water in your home and you can turn off the main power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power, even if it delays cleaning. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off instead. Never turn the power on or off yourself, or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.

Additionally:

Have an electrician check the house’s electrical system before turning the power on again.
If the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open the doors and windows to let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you remain for any length of time.
If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume that your home has become contaminated with mold.
If your home has been flooded, it also may be contaminated with sewage.

Drying Out Your House

If flood or storm water has entered the home, dry it out as soon as possible. To do so, the following steps should be taken:

If you have power and an electrician has determined that it’s safe to turn it on, use a wet-dry shop vacuum (or the vacuum function of a carpet steam cleaner), an electric-powered water-transfer pump, or a sump pump to remove the standing water. When operating the equipment in wet areas, be sure to wear rubber boots.
If you do not have electricity, or it is not safe to turn it on, you can use a portable generator to power the equipment to remove standing water. Note: If you must use a gasoline-powered pump, generator, pressure washer, or any other gasoline-powered tools to clean your home, never operate the gasoline engine inside the home, basement, garage, carport, porch, or other enclosed or partially enclosed structure, even if the windows and doors are open. Such improper use can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
If weather permits, open the doors and windows to aid in the drying-out process.
Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed by a window or door to blow the air outward rather than inward so as not to spread mold spores.
Have your home’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold cleanup before you turn it on. If the HVAC system was flooded with water, turning on the mold-contaminated HVAC will spread mold spores throughout the house. Professional cleaning will kill the mold and prevent mold growth later. When the service professional determines that your system is clean, and if it is safe to do so, you can turn it on and use it to help remove excess moisture from your home.
Prevent water outdoors from re-entering your home. For example, rainwater from gutters or the roof should drain away from the house; the ground around the house should slope away from the house to keep the basement and crawlspace dry.
Ensure that the crawlspace has proper drainage to limit water seepage. Ventilate it to allow the area to dry out.

Summary

Preparing your home prior to a natural disaster – when it is practical to do so – can help reduce damage to the home, as well as your own stress. Natural disasters, however, are often unpredictable and unavoidable. Re-entering the home, as well as drying it out, can be dangerous and should be conducted with caution. By following these steps, homeowners can better understand how to safely enter, air out, drain, and return to living in their home. And be sure to have your Certified Professional Inspector inspect your home after a major storm or flood to assess the damage and make appropriate recommendations.

This article was sourced from the Centers for Disease Control*.

Encapsulation System and it’s Purpose!

August 31, 2017 By Joseph Gutierrez

What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Encapsulating a crawl spaces is becoming a popular solution for avoiding indoor moisture issues. To the average person, encapsulation can be compared to the lining added to swimming pools to avoid leaks. A heavy-duty polyethylene barrier is added to completely cover your crawl space – usually the floors, foundation walls, and sometimes even ceiling.

This water vapor barrier is most effective when it completely covers your crawl space, and sealing tape is used to connect the barrier pieces throughout your area.

Once your space is completely sealed, the final piece of the encapsulation puzzle is conditioning the air to maintain a healthy humidity level. The most common way to do this is by adding a dehumidifier to regulate your crawl space’s moisture level.

This barrier and dehumidifier combination protects the crawl space from excess moisture and all the problems that come along with it.

Here are common signs that lead people to sealing their crawl space:

Mold
Mildew/musty smell in basement
Soft or separating floors
High cooling costs
Wet insulation
Sweating windows
Insect problems

The bottom line is installing an Encapsulation system in your crawlspace will greatly improve indoor air quality and will protect your home from certain harms that lurk in your crawlspace. If you are uncertain about installing this type of system please consult with us on your next home or mold inspection.

Guaranteed Property and Mold Inspections, Inc.

2372 Morse Ave. Suite 257 Irvine, CA 92614

Office: (949) 239-3727