Do Your Walls Look Like This?

Establishing “Why” Since 1966

You never know what could be lurking inside your walls. Mold has always been a common occurrence in residential homes. Only recently people have become more concerned about its existence in their living and work spaces. Ironically new efficient building practices are conducive to mold growth because of their restriction of air flow.

Knowing what caused the mold development assists engineers in therefore knowing how to prevent future mold growth. This plays an important role in keeping our family safe from hidden toxic growth.

Many know that mold occurs naturally in the environment and is the result of the break down of organic matter such as leaves and fallen branches. Mold spores float in the air and cannot be seen by the naked eye.

These invisible spores travel through the air, land on moisture laden surfaces, and then begin to grow. Mold needs three things to grow: an ideal temperature, a source of food, and sufficient humidity. Indoors, mold can cause major health problems due to the allergens they produce and mycotoxins that are released into the breathable air (toxic substances). Stachybotrys Chartarum is an indoor mold. This type of mold is typically caused by a long term moisture problem and can be quite toxic in nature. Homes which are in candidate for foreclosure are often good candidates for having this type of mold growth develop in them. Mold is colored by what it eats and therefore it is not always possible to determine its species by simply looking at it. Testing and analysis is needed for proper mold identification. Unfortunately indoor mold can remain hidden for an extended amount of time and is often only detected after health symptoms such as upper respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, dry eyes, and chronic coughing plague on occupants.

The building envelope engineers and experienced scientists at Forensic Analysis & Engineering “Establish Why” moisture intrusion related mold development and the related health problems occur. Our engineers and scientists quickly respond to the location to investigate and identify the source of the problem. Certified Air Quality Inspectors will capture needed samples for laboratory analysis to determine the specific type of mold. From there our experts determine what structural corrective measures should be taken to eliminate the source of moisture and the best methodology to remediate the hazard and prevent further harm to the occupants.