If anyone has concerns about mold in your home, pm me. I used to be a licensed home inspector til lyme hit. I may be able to help with advice.
Posted by flyingtreefort (Member # 30377) on :
I hope to contact you with some questions when I get them together. Mold mentioned as possibly affecting me and my family all under treatment.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Just sent you a PM...
Posted by momlyme (Member # 27775) on :
I sent you a PM too.
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
PM sent. Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
onlyflippin, I think it would be a really good idea if you can supply us with info on mold.
I know everyone would benefit from your knowledge, instead of PM�s.
Thanks so much!
Posted by onlyflippin (Member # 32260) on :
Steve I will work on that, I have gotten quite a few pm.s, I will answer all of them, just may take some time. I am going to make a check list on the things I need to know so I can post it.
Please be aware I am not a mold expert on health.
Just homes, I can help track down(the best I can over the internet)mold in your home, and how to correct it. I will give that knowledge freely.
I believe I may set up a seperate email acct for this, Ill just see how it goes. I did not expect this kind of response. I am glad to help and I will not turn anyone away. I dont know if I can help everyone but I will sure try.
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
Thanks for offering onlyflippin. Would love to read over some of your suggestions/recommendations. I think a lot of folks on this site could benefit from your knowledge, so putting out in a post would be great.
Posted by onlyflippin (Member # 32260) on :
First off mold spores exist everywhere, but it takes moisture to activate them.
Moisture comes in several forms and no two situations are the same, but I will try to list major points.
Humidity is the big factor, it can be from several sources,from a leaky roof to not using your bath fans when taking a shower.
Alot of people cover roof vents and foundation vents that is a terrible thing to do it creates a perfect eviroment for mold as well as other problems, do not ever do that ever.You should alway make sure any vent roof or otherwise is clear of obstructions.
With newer construction the effort to make a house energy efficient also increases humidity and stagnant air. For instance for the last 20 years or so the manufactured home industry has been required to install "whole house fans" . These are used to remove excess c02 and moisture and many other toxins. It is not to say a manufactured home has more toxins.It is also the same in some standard construction.
Rodents also cause leaks, they go to pipes for a water source and cause pin hole leaks, they also tend to try and go by pipes in walls and I have seen them chew holes in plastic pipes, fresh water or drains.
There are several diffent types and colors of mold, but the info. is the same with all.
There is testing available, you can do ermi testing, That is a dna test and also concentration. There is also an airborne test called a Stachybotrys. The problem with the stach test is there are no guidelines as to what is acceptible, remember mold spores are everywhere dormant.
The biggest requirement is to locate the source of the mold. This is usually the hardest part.
Discolorations in vinyl such as flooring etc. Loose or unsealed grout. caulking missing . sagging drywall the list is endless.
Water leaks are not alway visible to the naked eye. I would say about 25 % of leaks I find are pin drops, very slow. I had one that did not show up from any visible angle, except for a slight discoloration about the size of a dime. I started doing an invasive inspection and found out that it was a tiny pin leak that went on for years, It had completely rotted out a 14' x 20' area of the home. They do make a tool called a ligno moisture tester and that will measure moisture level in your building materials of your home. If you can afford one it is a great tool for finding hidden leaks.
I know I am going to think of more things to add, but my head kind of fuzzy today.
I am going to set up an email for this. I will post asap.
I dont know much about the medicinal side of mold, but I do know homes. I could probably find the source of mold in ten or fifteen mins if I was there. But thats impossible so when you email me make sure you send me as many pictures as you can, both inside and out as well as any damage you may have or have had repaired. Age and type of home, basement or not. as many details of your home and potential hot spots.
I will answer all questions asap. Also if anyone can think of something I should post let me know.
Posted by onlyflippin (Member # 32260) on :
set up an email its [email protected] Posted by Garden (Member # 31671) on :
Removal link did not work.
We have huge mold outside.
We have a large swingset, and like consciencious parents, we put down a 6 inch mulch safty surface. It is untreated wood mulch (playground mulch - no sharp bits).
Thanks to rain and heat, we've seen mold patches. Large ones are 12 x 24 inches. They seem to sprout up overnight. They are white to yellow to medium gold, and look like mammal vomit. My youngest calls it cauliflower.
We cannot afford to completely replace the mulch. Is there something safe we can spray on it?
Posted by onlyflippin (Member # 32260) on :
That doesnt sound like mold, it is a wood fungus similiar to what causes dry rot. You should be able to spray any fungicide for plants or trees on it and it should take care of it. can you email me a picture?
Posted by onlyflippin (Member # 32260) on :
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