Solving Building Performance Problems
Moisture
Issues?
Why building science Matters
Building science is a multidisciplinary field that combines physics, chemistry, engineering, and architecture to understand how buildings perform. It focuses on optimizing the building enclosure to improve durability, energy efficiency, moisture control, and occupant comfort throughout the life of the structure.
Homes and Buildings function as a complete system rather than a collection of individual components. Building science evaluates the structures, recognizing that each part influences the performance of all the other components.
It typically includes areas such as:
Building materials
Building envelope
Installation detail
Ventilation Systems
Heating and air conditioning
How Building Science Inspections Can Help You?
The purpose of a building science inspection is to assess and document the current condition of your home or building, while identifying underlying issues that may not be visible. It also provides clear guidance for proper repair or remediation.
Our inspections are conducted by independent, unbiased inspectors with no affiliation to any contractor services. This ensures our findings and recommendations are based solely on what’s best for your building, without any financial interest in the repair work.
Services
Moisture Intrusion and Leak Detection (Identifying Conditions That Cause Mold)
Thermal Imaging and Heat Loss Detection
Flat Roof Thermal Imaging and Moisture Intrusion Evaluation
Radiant Heating Pipe Location
Infrared Imaging Training for Industry Professionals
Mold
Bleaching and scrubbing alone aren't enough to get rid of mold.
Many people try to eliminate mold with bleach, however bleach does not kill mold it just whitens it. Bleach does not remove excessive moisture so for mold remediation bleach is useless.
Is Mold Testing Important?
The species of mold in most cases is not important. So to take air samples and have them cultured in a lab is of little use in many cases. You do not want growing mold of any type. So if you see mold growth you most likely do not need a mold test.
Limitations of Mold Testing
Air sample mold testing can be of some use if you do not see mold and you are curious if there is none visible fungal growth spores somewhere in the structure.
Keep in mind just because no significant mold spores were found that does not indicate there is no mold, it could mean there is no flowering or growing mold.
The Question to Ask About Mold
So the question is: What has changed that is creating enough moisture to support plant life.
Fungal growth inspections are about one thing and that is water. If you presently do not see any mold you will need to control the moisture in the future.
Unexpected Contributors to Mold Problems
Some of the unusual situations that we have found that create moisture and eventually fungal growth are:
Too many House Plants
House Plants Can Contribute to Indoor Mold Problems.
90% of the water used on plants evaporates into the air.
Too Many People
Too many people in living space can contribute to mold issues.
We have found that a working couple that retires and is now spending all day at home with their grandchildren can create enough moisture to overwhelm the venting system
Aquariums can contribute to mold issues.
Aquariums
All of the water in an aquarium evaporates into the structure and eventually migrates to the attic, then the magic mold starts to grow.
Homes Converted to Day Cares Can Be High Risk for Mold Issues
When a single family home is converted to a day care may contribute to mold problems when there are too many people and too much moisture for the venting systems.
New Attic Insulation
Improperly installed attic insulation can create mold issues.
If new attic insulation is installed without air sealing all penetrations through the ceiling the new insulation keeps the attic colder and the hot moist air migrating into the attic condenses and promotes mold.
Improperly Vented Gas Heater and/or Water Heater
Inadequate Exhaust Ventilation can contribute to mold problems.
If the exhaust ventilation is not adequate some of the exhaust gasses enter the space and the most significant byproducts of combustion is water.
Inadequate Venting Systems
Inadequate venting systems can contribute to mold problems.
We find many buildings with new roofs where the contractor changed the turtle vents on the roof to an inadequate ridge vent system that does not work well enough to dissipate water vapor.
Get to the Bottom of Your Mold Issues
There are hundreds of reasons why the moisture levels in a building rise to the critical point and promote mold growth. We specialize in locating those reasons.
Call with any questions, we do not charge for phone consultations.