Mold Investigation Process in Irvine, Orange County, CA
Professional best practice recommends that mold investigations begin with a comprehensive property inspection by a Certified ACAC mold inspector. All of the investigations are conducted by a Nationally Certified ACAC Mold Inspector/DOSH Certified. The ACAC certification requires years of experience in mold investigations, successful completion of a proctored exam, national board review of work products, ongoing training requirements, and ethical standard compliance. (Note that our code of ethics does not allow inspectors to offer to complete mold remediation services).
We will refer you to qualified ACAC mold remediation companies in your area. These companies will provide you with a FREE mold remediation estimate base on our written report. The accredited designation by ACAC is recognized by the California Department of Public Health, multiple city code enforcement agencies, and insurance companies. ACAC was founded more than twenty years ago and is the oldest and only accredited certifying organization for mold inspectors. It is also the only credentialing body with independently-accredited programs through the Council for Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) for those who specialize in assessment and remediation of the indoor mold environment
Comprehensive Inspection in Irvine, Orange County, CA
The Comprehensive Inspection service inspects the entire property for mold causes and locations. The written report identifies causes, locations and provides correction recommendations for the presence of mold or other microbial, such as bacteria and allergens.
The inspection includes:
A prompt written report of the investigation will be provided to the client. This report includes and determines the kind of mold, bacteria, or allergens present. A microbial remediation scope of the work plan will also be provided to the client. This reported plan is needed by any certified mold remediation company to remove the mold safely and effectively. Without the report and scope of work, any removal or repair will cross-contaminate your entire property with mold and bacteria.
Types of mold testing include:
Limited Area Inspection in Irvine, Orange County, CA
The limited area inspection is to detect the presence of mold or other microbial, such as bacteria or allergens, in a client-defined limited area of the home or building. This service provides a fast and economical method to determine if mold is present.
The inspection includes:
- Client Interview
- Visual Inspection of Area of Concern
- Determination of Contamination Source
- Recommendations for Interventions to Stop Microbial Growth
- AHIA Certified laboratory report
In addition, the following tests are conducted:
- Moisture Meter Tests
- Thermal Imaging (Allows thermal inspections of non-accessible wall areas.)
- Microbial sampling
A prompt report of this investigation with photos will be provided to the client. This report includes AHIA Certified laboratory findings by a Certified Microbiologist, determining the kind of mold, bacteria, or Allergens present in the property. A written microbial scope of work remediation plan will be provided to the client within 3 to 4 business days. This report is typically required by any certified mold remediation company to remove the mold safely and effectively.
The Effective Types of Testing that We Offer:
Irvine, Orange County, CA Infared Thermal Imaging
Our Infrared Thermal Imager offers a noninvasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of buildings that are not accessible to a moisture meter. It provides immediate documentation of as-built or post-restoration quality, post-casualty cause and origin data, plumbing and building envelope water leakage, post-flood and fire water-damaged material assessment, energy use inefficiency, and roofing.
Extending human vision with electronic imaging is one of the most powerful techniques available to science and the industry, particularly when it enables us to see light in the infrared, or IR portion of the spectrum.
Irvine, Orange County, CA Moisture Meters
Moisture meters are utilized at all accessible areas of suspected moisture intrusion into the property. The mold must have moisture levels above 16% to grow in drywall.
We use both a pin-based and painless moisture meter for suspected areas to avoid false-negative findings.
Irvine, Orange County, CA Borescope Camera
This is an optical tool used to view areas that would otherwise not be visible, where the camera is inserted into the item that is being evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions
California regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest.
The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house. Anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection.
This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector’s refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.
Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.
The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state, if applicable, and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.
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