Healthy Building Inspections
catch pollutants before they catch you
Worry your building might have moisture intrusion or mold problems?
See leaks, drips, or water stains? Smell "musty" moldy smells?
got mold? get help...
Water problems do not usually fix themselves and some species of molds can be very dangerous. Many people with mold allergy symptoms have signs of water intrusion in their home.
Challenge
A small roof leak, window condensation, faulty gutters, poor drainage, or leaky plumbing can start small but quickly create major problems in any building. Identifying and eliminating the source of moisture and the extent of water damage is key, and that requires a trained eye and the right equipment. Working around mold can even be dangerous without proper training and personal protection equipment.
Solution
HBI quickly and safely finds sources of moisture and mold. We identify the extent of damage and report how to address the important issues. We provide mold sampling and testing if it adds value. With our report your contractor or builder knows how to go beyond superficial repairs and get to the root cause.
Success Story
A client with severe mold allergies suffered inexplicably in two rooms of her fiance’s home in San Jose. During our mold inspection we found four sources of moisture and three places with active mold growth of which the client was unaware. A week after her contractor had fixed the moisture issues and removed the mold, we got a call saying she could finally be comfortable in her fiance’s home. We may have even saved their marriage!
Mold Testing Benefits
HBI brings qualified inspectors and high-tech testing equipment to every job. Through strategic partnerships with high quality labs we are able to offer affordable and reliable mold testing. We provide user-friendly interpretation of scientific lab reports. Our reports include photos to help convey what we found and instructions on how to mitigate and create a healthier indoor environment. We are committed to helping those with asthma or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and do not wear offensive fragrances.
Water Damage and Mold Inspection Services
HBI meets you onsite. We are courteous and considerate of your space and careful not to track in dirt, etc. We are careful not to spread spores and cross-contaminate spaces. For mold and moisture inspections we usually inspect the whole house, and we take mold samples only if it adds value for our client. We email or mail our report and follow up with a phone call to answer any outstanding questions.
In some instances HBI writes a Mold Remediation Protocol (MRP) outlining requirements for the safe removal of mold from a building. Mold Remediation Protocols are very detailed instructions that include safety requirements and scope of work for your specific project. Our MRPs are designed in accordance with industry-accepted standards (IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard).
Mold Clearance Testing involves mold sampling before and after mold remediation. The pre-mitigation samples quantify mold spore counts and create a baseline for remediation. The post-mitigation clearance samples confirm if mold remediation was performed properly.
HBI inspectors are trained and experienced building scientists holding certifications from the Institute for Building Biology and Ecology, and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) – authors of the S520 - Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. We take special precautions to ensure that biocides (fungicides) are used as an absolute last resort, and only with client consent.
These websites offer free educational materials about Indoor Moisture and Mold Problems:
- California Department of Public Health: Indoor Mold
- EPA: "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home."
- National Institute of Building Sciences: Mold & Moisture Dynamics
- World Health Organization: "Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality - Dampness and Mould" (PDF)
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