PROJECT CLEARANCE REPORT
The results and interpretation of our inspection and sampling procedures are based on conditions present at the time of the assessment. All efforts were made to ensure accuracy in the collection, and observation of relevant data within the inspected area(s). Unless otherwise stated, the assessment is non-invasive in nature, and inaccessible areas (i.e., behind wall cavities, under sub-floor materials, etc.) may contain concerns not presented in this report due to the restrictions and limitations of the assessment provided. The information and recommendations presented in this report are based on data available at the time of the inspection. Any recommendations made in this report are made, in good conscience and in accordance with the following guidelines:
- Residential Mold Removal Guidelines, 1st Edition, Mold Busters, 2019;
- S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation, IICRC, 2015;
- Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry, Canadian Construction Association, 2004;
- ANSI/ASHRAE 62.2-2010, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, 2010
Health Canada considers indoor mould growth to be a significant health hazard. The level of concern depends on the extent of mould, how long it has been present and the sensitivity and overall health of the residents. Some people are more susceptible than others. Health Canada recommends controlling dampness indoors and cleaning up any mould regardless of the type of mould present.
COMPANY PROFILE
Mold Busters: Decontamination Experts
Mold Busters is a Canadian-owned and operated mold inspection, testing, and removal company that has been established since 2005.
Based in Ottawa, Mold Busters have been servicing residential, commercial, and government clients, promptly dealing with their indoor environmental concerns with professionalism and precision. Their dedication to providing excellent service to their customers have allowed them to grow, opening locations across Ontario, Quebec and the Asia-Pacific.
- Visual & diagnostic mold assessments
- Mold testing
- Comprehensive reports
- Mold removal
- Remediation
- Disinfection
- Non-viable, and viable air quality testing
- Odor removal
- Asbestos testing
- Ventilation
- Duct cleaning
- Air exchanger installation
- Thermal imaging inspections
Mold Busters does not sub-contract any inspection or remediation work, unless otherwise stated. All Mold Busters inspectors are trained through the National Association of Mold Professionals, InterNACHI, IAQA, or the IICRC.
Please visit our website for more information: www.bustmold.com
EQUIPMENT
Mold Busters utilizes a variety of diagnostic and sampling equipment during the assessment. The type of equipment used for each assessment is determined by the technician conducting the inspection. All equipment is regularly calibrated to ensure accuracy in the results. Common diagnostic equipment utilized includes:
1. Precision Hygro-Thermometer - Extech RH490
This measures relative humidity, temperature, and dew point levels. As per ASHRAE guidelines, relative humidity levels above 65% are indicative of a potential for mold propagation.
2. Pinless Moisture Meter – Extech MO257
This non-invasive moisture meter measures the moisture content of a building material. Typically, the MC (moisture content) of wood & drywall should be below 16%.
3. FLIR One Pro
This is a thermal imaging camera attachment that assists in determining heat differentials, or thermal anomalies within building materials.
4. Particle Scan Pro - IQAir
This is an airborne laser particle counter which gives an instantaneous reading of solid particulates between
0.3µm and 5.0µm with a refresh rate of 0.025CFM.
5. Instant Swab Analysis
This is an instant swab analysis utilized to confirm or deny the presence of biological contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi (mold), etc., on a discolored surface area. This is a non-speciating diagnostic swab test.
6. Buck BioAire – Bioaerosol Sampling Pump B520 used with Air-O-Cell cassettes
This is a compact 5-20 LPM controlled flow sampling pump for bioaerosol sampling, which accommodates Air- O-Cell cassettes. This is utilized for air quality testing. All sampled cassettes are sent to an independent, government accredited laboratory that specializes in microbial analysis.
All technicians are equipped with the necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), lighting, and accessibility tools required to perform most indoor assessments. Additional equipment or specialized diagnostics may be utilized on requested projects, as needed. The technician reserves the right to use any or none of the equipment listed or unlisted during the assessment process.
Although there have been many changes in the world due to COVID-19, our commitment to providing safe and effective services holds strong. As such, our highly trained and experienced staff are taking additional precautions to keep you safe during in-person appointments and remediation projects.
VISUAL & DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS
August 5, 2022
• Scope of work assessment was performed in order to assess the suspected area in the basement;
• The purpose of the assessment was to confirm or deny the presence of mold and/or moisture concerns, determine the extent of the contamination, and provide a solution in accordance with Residential Mold Removal Guidelines;
• The assessment confirmed the active moisture and discolored wood material at the base of the wall, additionally, thermal imaging revealed several thermal anomalies throughout the area;
• A plan of action was submitted for mold remediation in the affected area and the work was scheduled for August 12, 2022
August 12, 2022
During the remediation process, it was revealed that other areas of the basement were contaminated as well. Evidence of mice tunneling through the insulation explained the thermal anomalies observed. This degradation could impact the integrity of the insulants, exacerbating condensation issues behind the wall cavity which lead to a scope increase. The Project Supervisor suggested that all drywall, vapor barrier, and other affected organic-based materials be around the perimeter of the basement area. The client approved the scope increase and all suggestions were added to the existing plan of action.
• The contaminated area was isolated in order to prevent cross-contamination to the unaffected areas of the property and to protect them from dust and debris during the remediation process;
• All compromised, contaminated, and moldy materials were removed from the affected areas and disposed of in 6 ml double bags. These materials included drywall, insulation, vapor barrier;
• Other affected organic-based materials were removed from the affected areas on an as-needed basis;
• During the remediation process mice infestation was noted in the basement area due to the affected insulation that was found to be disturbed;
• Thorough HEPA vacuuming was conducted throughout all surfaces in the affected area in order to remove mold spores, particulates, and dust;
• All remaining surfaces (studs, beams, walls, floors, etc.) in the affected areas were disinfected, by concentrated fogging, using an approved fungicide;
• After the remediation process, a HEPA air scrubber was deployed in order to allow for particle dilution.
August 19, 2021
• A post-remediation visual and diagnostic assessment was performed following the completion of the remediation project, so as to confirm that the environment has been successfully remediated;
• At the time of the assessment the shower area was found to be in the renovation process, and visual mold was found behind the wall, however, the client mutually agreed not to continue with work as per personal reasons;
• Visual assessment of the treated area revealed cracks on several areas of the foundation walls;
• A discolored portion of the framing components was observed; An instant swab test was performed to determine the nature of the discoloration, and the results yielded a negative analysis for biological contaminant (i.e., fungi); The observed discoloration is non-fungal in nature;
• The inspector concluded that the treated area had met clearance criteria and no additional work was required;
• A Clearance Grade was provided along with recommendations based on visual observations made during the post-remediation verification inspection in order to prevent the resurgence of fungal growth.
• A 1-Year Conditional Work Warranty has been provided for the treated Basement area;
PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE
Photographs taken by the technician during the assessment
Location: 341 Pennington Street, Moores Mills, BC
Date: August 12, 2022
CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Grade Level for: 341 Pennington Street
The conditions at the time of the post-remediation assessment revealed that basic clearance criteria had been met. To further improve the treated indoor environment and help it achieve optimal clearance status, the following recommendations are being made:
1. It is recommended to contact a pest control specialist to assess, correct and implement preventative measures against further rodent activity;
2. It is recommended to contact a foundation specialist to check the integrity of the foundation walls and fix any issue;
3. It is recommended to regulate the levels of relative humidity to be between 30-50% year-round.
Eli Cohen, CMRC
Remediation Project Supervisor | Indoor Environmental Inspector
