Mold or Fungus is everywhere! There are over 100,000 known types and a few really bad ones. Its found at the bottom of the sea, in snow on the space station, in your refrigerator, in your salad (mushrooms), on the north side of houses and trees, etc.
When you have a concern about mold you have to ask yourself several questions; Do I see it, Do I smell it, Do my eyes, ears or throat feel irritated in the home and I don't know why?
Depending on your answer a specific type of mold test may be required to determine if its a common mold or fungus or one of the less desirable types.
NON-VIABLE TEST - determines if the mold or fungus is present only, it does not determine if its replicating. This test less expensive and has a quicker turn around time, three to four days.
VIABLE TEST - determines if the mold or fungus is present and if its replicating or alive. This test costs more than the non-viable test and can take up to 10 days for a response from the lab. The lab attempts to grow the fungus under special conditions, which is why it takes more time.
MOLD AIR TEST VIABLE or NON-VIABLE - You don't see it or smell it. This test is if you just want to see what might be floating around in the home. A sample is taken of the air and sent to a lab for examination using a special medium.
SWAB TEST VIABLE or NON-VIABLE - You have found a spot of discoloration on a drywall, wood or other surface and it wont just wipe off. A special treated swab is used to capture the suspected fungus.
BULK TEST VIABLE or NON-VIABLE - You have found a spot of discoloration on a drywall, wood, carpet, paper anything. A piece of the suspect material is removed and sent to the lab.
Prices vary depending on the test.
This vacation home was destroyed by fungus. There was a dripping leak at the water heater from a leaky valve. The valve should have been plumbed to the exterior with a pipe and the water heater should have been sitting in a safety pan. It was not, instead the water heater dripped on the wood floor in the home. The windows were all shut and the moisture could not escape. fungus was on everything in the homes interior. The ceiling is not painted green, those were once white ceiling panels!
Gene,
So, I read the bible book of Leviticus chapter 14: 33 as you suggested, I was blown away at the descriptions and instructions to rid of mildew.It is the same advice given today but without the sacrifice of animal….So interesting and funny. I told my Grandma to read it as well.
Thanks for the advice and great inspection!
Shannon Spears
Real estate Home Inspection Service for TN MS in Memphis, Shelby, Fayette, West Tennessee, Nesbit, Southaven, Olive Branch, Eads, Millington, Atoka, Collierville, Germantown, Desoto, Tate, Marshall and North Mississippi areas
To book an Inspection or ask a question? Call me or text me at (901) 355-9370
