mold and mildew
Mold spores are ubiquitous in nature. These spores need only three things to amplify: 1) temperatures between 40°F and 100°F, 2) food source (nutrient), and 3) moisture. All buildings maintaining a habitable environment provide this temperature range and the building materials provide the food source. The only item we can control is moisture.
In conjunction with our building systems deficiencies knowledge, ascertaining the probable water intrusion sites, and utilizing an infrared camera to detect the presence of thermal anomalies and then employing moisture meters to verify that the anomaly is water, JPC has the ability to verify with intrusion assessment, the location of the mold (fungi) that are compromising the indoor air quality.
Mold species, in general, will germinate on a surface when the water activity in and above the porous material that forms on the surface passes a species-specific threshold for a long period of time. Thus, contrary to a wide spread belief, fungal defacement does not need surface condensation; water activity above the threshold value suffices.
JPC determines the causation of water intrusion. We do this by investigating all aspects of the problem from construction, design, and maintenance that has allowed moisture to intrude.
An investigation of mold and mildew by JPC experts will include the following:
- Moisture origin
- Causation evaluation (design, construction or maintenance).
- Review need for structural drying.
- Recommendations for repair.
- Review of remediation proposals.
- Review of remediation protocol.
Dowload a white paper on Coping With the Mold Crisis for more information.
