Mold on Carpet

Project Type > Inspection for Mold in Carpet

Work #: 202027

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

• Single floor, rambler.
• Built 1976
• 1,144 sq ft – built on crawlspace.

VENTILATION:

• Adequate Ventilation Not Present
• Recommended ventilation of residential homes should be between 0.35 and 0.7 air changes per hour (ACH).

• Desired Ventilation Rate:  0.5 ACH (Air Changes per Hour)
• Square Footage:            1144 sq/ft
• Average Ceiling Height:   8 ft    X
• Required Ventilation:      76.27 continuous cfm

HVAC & FILTRATION:

• Furnace system was found to be 80% efficiency and powered by natural gas.
• Furnace system was not being used at the time of inspection due to cost.
• Home was being heated by a wood stove present in the living room.

Recommendations:

• Recommend running the circulation fan in the furnace to allow for better air movement within the home.

LOCATION: Back Rented Bedroom

Observations:

• Extremely high CO² levels found!!!
• Extremely high relative humidity levels found!!!
• Visible interior mold growth was observed on base trim of exterior walls of bedroom.
• Elevated moisture levels were noted in the base trim towards the exterior corner.
• Visible swelling was noted on the base trim along exterior wall due to heavy condensation.
• Carpeting exhibited elevated moisture levels, however normal moisture content levels were noted in subfloor alone.
• Two people, a cat and a dog reside in the bedroom for much of the day with the doors and windows closed.
• Candles were burning at time of inspection.
• Minor amount of visible mold growth was noted on bottom of bed.
• Bed was sitting directly on the floor.  This is likely trapping moisture and is likely leading to mold growth on the mattress.
• Odors along edge of wall could possibly indicate exposure to dog or cat urine.
•  Room was tidy at time of inspection but contained a significant amount of contents.
• RH:68 % Temp: 69°F CO2: 4140 ppm CO: 0 ppm

Recommendations:

• Recommend opening windows and doors as much as possible to allow for fresh air to enter and stale air to escape the room / home.
• Recommend running a dehumidifier inside the bedroom whenever windows and/or doors are being kept shut.
• Recommend installing a hygrometer to measure and track relative humidity levels inside the home.  It is necessary to keep relative humidity levels below 55% to prevent condensation on exterior walls and windows.
• Keeping pets inside bedrooms at night can also lead to elevated relative humidity and CO² levels.
• Recommend keeping the bed off the floor to allow for air circulation to occur beneath the mattress.
• Recommend running the HVAC system fan to allow for air circulation throughout the home.
• Recommend removal of damaged base trim.
• Recommend a thorough cleaning of the carpeting once tenants move out.
• Any visible mold growth remaining on walls or in corners can be removed via a mild solution of soap and water and a stiff bristle brush and/or a damp rag.