Last week I was asked to inspect the 2 rooms (kitchen and dining room) where a mold remediation had just taken place and a Mold Clearance Inspection was done. Both companies had verified the areas were dry per industry standards along with air samples showing acceptable low mold spores counts.
However, when I inspected there was high moisture in the wood sill plates at 99.9% moisture in parts of 3 walls of the 2 rooms and under some wood flooring still present! Moisture should be below 18% when inspected of the wood sill plates and studs. When I do these inspections, pictures are taken to show the moisture levels, whatever they are, to show the areas are dry or not. The pictures also show the location of the high moisture so there is no doubt where these are taken.
Needless to say, when this inspection report was sent to the adjuster and then the remediation company there was some fallout. The adjuster wanted to have the remediation company come back with the new one chosen by the owners to determine what is going on. The evidence shows what is going on. The 2 companies on the job messed up and did not check moisture levels as they should have and are now in the proverbial ‘dog house’ with a severe ding to their credibility. Plumbers have already verified there were no other leaks which is what the remediation company is trying to claim.
Regardless, the owners told the adjuster they don’t want the old remediation company back on their property after they failed to do the job correctly. That is their right per state law. So, it is worth considering having an independent company do the Mold Clearance Inspections with the proper credentials. Either a CMC (Certified Microbial Consultant) or CIH, (Certified Industrial Hygienist).
Steve Mullins (i.e. Mold Detector)
CMC, Certified Microbial Consultant
Moisture and Mold Detection, Inc.