Our professional mold services
We serve customers in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Martin County, Monroe County, St Lucie County and other counties throughout the state of Florida
Ave Today Mold Assessor Services follows established protocols and guidelines when testing for mold in homes. Here is an overview of the process we follow:
- Initial assessment: The mold assessor begins by conducting a visual inspection of the property, looking for visible signs of mold growth, water damage, or conditions conducive to mold growth. They may use specialized tools such as moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, or borescopes to identify hidden moisture or potential mold sources.
- Air sampling: Air sampling is a common method used to assess the indoor air quality and determine the presence of mold spores. The assessor will use a calibrated air sampling device to collect air samples from various areas of the home, both near potential mold sources and in unaffected areas. These samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- Surface sampling: If visible mold is present, the assessor may take surface samples to determine the type and concentration of mold species present. This involves using swabs, tape lifts, or bulk samples to collect mold spores directly from the affected surfaces.
- Moisture measurement: Mold requires moisture to grow, so the assessor will assess the moisture levels in different areas of the home using moisture meters or thermal imaging cameras. This helps identify areas of high humidity or moisture intrusion that may be contributing to mold growth.
- Report and analysis: The mold assessor compiles the findings from the visual inspection and laboratory analysis of air and surface samples into a comprehensive report. The report includes information about the extent of mold growth, identified mold species, moisture sources, and recommendations for remediation.
It’s important to note that as mold assessors in Florida, we must hold a valid license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). As mold assessors we are required to adhere to the standards and regulations outlined by the DBPR to ensure accurate and reliable assessments.
If you suspect mold in your Florida home, it is advisable to hire a licensed mold assessor like Ave Today, who follows these established procedures to accurately assess the situation and provide appropriate recommendations for mold remediation.
Swab sampling for mold
Swabs and tape lifts are commonly used to collect surface samples of visible mold growth. Here's how they work:
Preparation: We begin by preparing a sterile swab, typically made of cotton or another absorbent material.
Sampling: We then gently swipes the swab across the surface of the visible mold growth, making sure to collect as much mold material as possible. We may apply slight pressure to ensure good contact with the mold.
Packaging: After sampling, we carefully places the swab into a sterile container or vial to preserve the collected mold sample.
Labeling: The container is labeled with relevant information, such as the sampling location and date, to ensure proper identification during laboratory analysis.
Preparation: We begin by preparing a sterile swab, typically made of cotton or another absorbent material.
Sampling: We then gently swipes the swab across the surface of the visible mold growth, making sure to collect as much mold material as possible. We may apply slight pressure to ensure good contact with the mold.
Packaging: After sampling, we carefully places the swab into a sterile container or vial to preserve the collected mold sample.
Labeling: The container is labeled with relevant information, such as the sampling location and date, to ensure proper identification during laboratory analysis.
Air Quality Sampling
Air sampling for mold provides valuable information about the presence and concentration of mold spores in the indoor air. It helps assess the overall indoor air quality, identify potential mold sources, and guide the development of an appropriate mold remediation plan if necessary.
Sample collection: The mold assessor uses an air sampling device to collect air samples from different areas of the home. There are two primary types of air sampling methods used:
a. Air Pump: The assessor uses an air pump connected to a calibrated sampling cassette or spore trap. The pump draws a specific volume of air through the cassette or trap, capturing mold spores onto a collection surface collecting air samples at specific locations in the home.
b. Air-O-Cell or Bioaerosol Impaction Sampler: These devices are designed to collect airborne particles, including mold spores, onto a sticky surface or agar plate.
Sample collection: The mold assessor uses an air sampling device to collect air samples from different areas of the home. There are two primary types of air sampling methods used:
a. Air Pump: The assessor uses an air pump connected to a calibrated sampling cassette or spore trap. The pump draws a specific volume of air through the cassette or trap, capturing mold spores onto a collection surface collecting air samples at specific locations in the home.
b. Air-O-Cell or Bioaerosol Impaction Sampler: These devices are designed to collect airborne particles, including mold spores, onto a sticky surface or agar plate.
Detailed Mold Assessment Report
A Detailed Mold Assessment report is a comprehensive document prepared by a mold assessor after conducting a thorough assessment of a property for mold growth and related issues. Here's how a Detailed Mold Assessment report typically works:
Introduction: The report begins with an introduction that provides an overview of the assessment process, including the purpose of the assessment, scope of work, and any relevant background information.
Property information: The report includes details about the property being assessed, such as the address, owner's name, and contact information.
Assessment methodology: The report describes the methods and protocols followed during the assessment, including the visual inspection, sampling techniques, equipment used, and any industry standards or guidelines followed.
Findings: This section provides a detailed account of the assessor's findings from the visual inspection and any laboratory analysis conducted. It includes information such as:
• Description of observed mold growth, including locations, extent, and types of mold species identified.
• Assessment of moisture sources or water damage observed during the inspection.
• Results of air and surface sampling, including types and concentrations of mold spores detected.
• Assessment of indoor air quality and relative humidity levels.
• Identification of areas with high moisture or potential mold growth risks.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, the report presents conclusions regarding the presence and severity of mold growth in the property. It may include information on the potential health risks associated with the identified mold species and the overall impact on indoor air quality.
Recommendations: The report provides recommendations for remediation and control measures based on the identified mold growth and moisture issues. This may include suggestions for repairs, moisture mitigation strategies, and mold remediation protocols to follow.
Additional considerations: The report may discuss any additional factors or considerations relevant to the mold assessment, such as building conditions, ventilation systems, or occupant behaviors that may contribute to mold growth or moisture problems.
Supporting documentation: The Detailed Mold Assessment report may include supporting documentation, such as photographs of mold growth, lab analysis results, floor plans indicating areas of concern, and other relevant data.
Summary and conclusions: The report concludes with a summary of the assessment findings, key recommendations, and any follow-up actions or next steps recommended.
Introduction: The report begins with an introduction that provides an overview of the assessment process, including the purpose of the assessment, scope of work, and any relevant background information.
Property information: The report includes details about the property being assessed, such as the address, owner's name, and contact information.
Assessment methodology: The report describes the methods and protocols followed during the assessment, including the visual inspection, sampling techniques, equipment used, and any industry standards or guidelines followed.
Findings: This section provides a detailed account of the assessor's findings from the visual inspection and any laboratory analysis conducted. It includes information such as:
• Description of observed mold growth, including locations, extent, and types of mold species identified.
• Assessment of moisture sources or water damage observed during the inspection.
• Results of air and surface sampling, including types and concentrations of mold spores detected.
• Assessment of indoor air quality and relative humidity levels.
• Identification of areas with high moisture or potential mold growth risks.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, the report presents conclusions regarding the presence and severity of mold growth in the property. It may include information on the potential health risks associated with the identified mold species and the overall impact on indoor air quality.
Recommendations: The report provides recommendations for remediation and control measures based on the identified mold growth and moisture issues. This may include suggestions for repairs, moisture mitigation strategies, and mold remediation protocols to follow.
Additional considerations: The report may discuss any additional factors or considerations relevant to the mold assessment, such as building conditions, ventilation systems, or occupant behaviors that may contribute to mold growth or moisture problems.
Supporting documentation: The Detailed Mold Assessment report may include supporting documentation, such as photographs of mold growth, lab analysis results, floor plans indicating areas of concern, and other relevant data.
Summary and conclusions: The report concludes with a summary of the assessment findings, key recommendations, and any follow-up actions or next steps recommended.
We may use a variety of equipment to detect mold in your home depending on the specific situation. Here are some commonly used tools and equipment we will use on site:
- Moisture meters: Moisture meters are handheld devices that measure the moisture content in various materials. Mold assessors use moisture meters to identify areas of high moisture or potential water intrusion, which can indicate conditions favorable for mold growth.
- Thermal imaging cameras: Thermal imaging cameras, also known as infrared cameras, detect temperature differences in surfaces. They help identify areas of potential moisture or water damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. Temperature variations can indicate hidden moisture sources and potential mold growth.
- Air sampling devices: Mold assessors use air sampling devices to collect air samples for laboratory analysis. These devices may include air pumps or spore traps that capture airborne mold spores. The collected samples are sent to a laboratory to identify and quantify the types and concentrations of mold spores present in the indoor air.
- Swabs and tape lifts: Swabs and tape lifts are used to collect surface samples of visible mold growth. Mold assessors swipe or press a sterile swab or tape onto the affected surface to collect mold spores or visible mold particles. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the mold species present.
- Borescopes or fiber optic cameras: Mold assessors may use borescopes or fiber optic cameras to inspect hidden or inaccessible areas, such as inside wall cavities, ductwork, or crawl spaces. These devices provide a visual inspection of hard-to-reach areas to identify mold growth or water damage.
- Humidity and temperature monitors: Mold thrives in environments with high humidity. Mold assessors may use humidity monitors to measure and record the relative humidity levels in different areas of the home. Temperature monitors can also be used to assess temperature differentials and identify potential moisture issues.
