How I Test

A proven 5-step process backed by 40+ years of forensic investigation experience.

Mold Inspection & Testing Process

You are what you breathe.

1

Mold Inspection — Initial Consultation

I will discuss with you previous water damage or mold issues and any symptoms you or others may be experiencing. I encourage all my clients to follow me, if possible, throughout the inspection process so you can see firsthand what I discover.

2

Visual Inspection & Moisture Testing

I will conduct my visual inspection and moisture testing throughout your home or business including the HVAC system, attic, and crawlspace if you have one. This is where experience really matters. After three decades of investigating, I know where to look for issues.

Sampling is important to discover species of mold and if there are elevated mold levels, but the visual inspection is the most critical component.

Note: I do not use infrared cameras. Infrared cameras are used to detect heat loss, plain and simple. The only thing they measure is temperature. They do not measure moisture, and they certainly cannot detect damage to materials inside a wall.

3

Sampling

My visual inspection and moisture testing results will dictate what type of sampling I will perform. Sampling can include:

  • Air Sampling (Spore Trap)

    Drawing air into a cassette with a thin microscope slide embedded inside. The slide collects matter from the ambient air and is later analyzed at the lab to count the number of spores and differentiate the type(s) of mold. The lab analysis is very specific.

  • Swab Sampling

    A surface swab (large Q-Tip) can be conducted on any surface to determine the presence of mold activity. The lab will identify the type(s) of mold and if the presence is low, medium, or high.

  • Bulk and Tape Lift Samples

    Taken from suspect materials such as drywall, wood, and masonry. The lab will identify the type(s) of mold and if the presence is low, medium, or high.

Note: Air sampling in attics and crawlspaces is not useful because attics have outside air entering from roof soffits and other passive vents. Mold is ubiquitous in crawlspace soils even if there is a vapor barrier in place.

4

Lab Analysis

The samples are hand-delivered to the lab for analysis. The lab I use is very good and consistent. Eurofins Denver lab results are sent to me within 24 hours.

5

Report & Recommendations

I will analyze the lab results and generate your report. The report will consist of my procedures, detailed observations I have discovered with pictures, and any recommendations so you can proceed forward. Recommendations can be as simple as quick fixes to specific remediation efforts for professional mold remediation — which would be a protocol for remediation.

Schedule Your Inspection

(720) 527-8510 — Joe Riley