INSULATION AND MOLD

I have been thinking about this issue for the past three years and have finally decided that it needs to be talked about.  Many homes that have had a mold issue have either had no insulation under the floor or the insulation has not been right up against the floor.

For those of you that have had cold floors for the entire time you have lived in your home, you might look in your crawl space and check the insulation under your floor.

First, Several home in the last six months have had little to no insulation under their floor and the temperature on the floor is as much as 10 degrees lower than the room itself.  If this is the issue, let me explain why there may be mold growing in the carpet or between the boards of your floor.  This area, the floor and the next few inches is experiencing what is called a temperature inversion, the temperature is much lower at the floor level than the surrounding temperature.  With the lower temperature you can have a process know as dew point.  The moisture in the air, usually about 50% at this time of the year, attaches to the floor at dew point.  With the excess moisture on the floor you move from an average floor moisture level of 7 to 10% to a level that is above 17%.  When you get above 17% moisture level in the floor you have a chance of mold growth.  I have seen the moisture levels as high as 30% in floor without insulation under them.  The moisture from the crawl rises into the sub-floor.

Second,  If you insulation is not up against the floor, you can have cold air trapped between the sub-floor and the insulation.  Under floor insulation is designed to be right up next to the sub-floor.  Most home have ten inch floor joists running under the sub-floor.  If the insulation is only 7 to 8 inches think (normal), and has not been installed correctly you may have this issue.  I have found more than one home that has the insulation tied at the bottom of the floor joists and not pushed up tho the sub-floor.  Check your insulation in the crawl and make sure that it is touching the bottom of the sub-floor.  This will give you more comfort in your home.

If you have any questions plese let me know.  360.689.2352   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

We have all seen or even placed a sign similar to this in our front yard or in the yards of our neighbors.  So you are selling your home and with the market the way it is today, you wonder if it is necessary to have your home inspected for MOLD.  Some property owners fear the consequences of a mold inspection before a real estate transaction.  This fear is unfounded since mold inspections have become more common place in the last few years.  Especially here in the northwest.  A properly conducted mold investigation provides an honest assessment, which in the event a problem is found, allows the owner to rectify the situation and provide a clean bill of health for the home or property.

I have, in the last few years, been called at the last minute to come perform an inspection so the home can close on time.  In a number of these cases, the closing had to be moved back a few days to get the final inspection report.  My inspections consist of a full evaluation of the property, inside and outside, in the crawl space or attic (if necessary), and checking the entire inside of the home.  I check all walls, under all sinks, around all toilets and shower enclosures, the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedrooms and of course, the main part of the home.  What I am looking for is moisture.  Moisture is necessary for mold growth along with the sheet rock or the wood.  If I find moisture in the home that is high enough to sustain mold, I will either take a swab sample of the visible growth or an air sample to ensure the level of mold is below the level of the outside environment.

So why should you call a mold inspector before you show your house.  One, to ensure that the home is clear of any mold. Two, if there is an issue we can formulate a protocol to eliminate the issue before a buyer walks in the front door. Three, you receive a written report that will give the buyer more security in purchasing your home.

I work throughout Kitsap County WA and will go where I am needed within a 50 to 75 mile radius.  Cost depends on size and distance, also on how many samples I would need to take.  My average bill is between $250 and $500.  This is a great price for the peace of mind that an inspection can give you. Have your Real Estate Professional give me a call and I will answer any questions they might have for me.

Paul Jose

Jose Tech

360.689.2352

www.normipro.com/03043

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Here are a few facts that have most people thinking about their indoor air quality

• People spend 75 - 90% of their time indoors
• Exposure to airborne contamination is considerable
• 59% of all major office buildings have contaminated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC). If not properly maintained, they are a hotbed for mold and bacteria
• Each person inhales over 3,500 gallons of air each day. Children inhale more particles for their size then adolescents and adults
• Polluted air causes 94% of all respiratory problems
• More than 31 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma, about 1/3 are children under 18
• about 40,000 dust mites can live in one ounce of dust
• An estimated 10 - 15% of the entire population may be allergic to cat and dog dander
• A person sheds up to 700,000 skin flakes each day

So do you know someone who is or has been expereincing any of these issues, please have them call me 360-689-2352.  We have the products that can lower the airborne particulate and keep their air clean.