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Case Studies

Seattle, WA - Environix

Inspection & Testing Clean-Up/ Remediation Mold Prevention Attic Mold Crawlspace Clean-up Industries We Serve Indoor Air Quality Case Studies

tile mold

TILE MOLD

Bathrooms are common locations for finding indoor mold. Poor ventilation, conditions of high humidity and frequent bathing all lead to ideal conditions for mold growth. The base of shower pans and tub enclosures are typically where people will notice the dark discolorations first. The dark, often slimy mold embeds itself in the grout and/or sealant around the base of the enclosure and often leaves gives off a musty odor. While it is common in most households, it can also be a sign of more serious problems such as deteriorating grout, failing shower surrounds and major moisture intrusion into the wall cavity behind.

Environix technicians can quickly determine if your tile mold is simply minor staining or the sign of a more serious problem that could be causing extensive damage and health problems in your home.

carpet mold

CARPET MOLD

Carpets are also prime locations for both visible and “hidden” mold. Visible mold growth is usually an indication of a significant, ongoing leak and can often be difficult to locate the source. Often clients will report mushrooms and other types of fungi growing from these locations. Qualified Environix technicians can quickly determine the source of the moisture and make recommendations for solving the problem. A full line of remediation services are also available to safely clean up the problem.

Carpets can also be a source of “hidden” mold. Over time, mold spores and other air-borne particulate matter eventually succumb to the forces of gravity and settle onto your carpets. Even with routine vacuuming, a buildup of mold spores, dust, dander, soot, dirt and dust mites is inevitable. Often this buildup can contribute to allergy symptoms, sinitus, and often triggers asthma attacks. Several different methods of sampling are available to our Environix technicians to determine if your carpets are contributing to indoor air quality problems within your home.

siding mold

SIDING MOLD

Mold growth can also occur on your home’s exterior as well. While this condition does not present any immediate health concern it does depreciate the value of the home and/or its curb appeal. Often this mold has a spotty appearance and may be found on a small isolated location or covering an entire wall or structure. Reasons for this mold growth can be many, ranging from unique environmental conditions to poor building construction.

Environix will evaluate the conditions of your building and make recommendations as to how best to solve the mold problem. We also provide a full range of services to clean and/or remove the contaminated building materials

concrete mold

CONCRETE MOLD

Basements and concrete foundations can provide great conditions for mold growth. When warm, moist air comes in contact with cold cement, condensation occurs and provides the perfect conditions for mold growth. It is usually identified by dark or grayish spotting on either bare or painted concrete walls or footings. If left untreated, it can often become unsightly and difficult to remove.

Environix technicians are equipped with the knowledge to provide the best and most cost effective solutions for removal of existing, and prevention of future concrete mold problems.

ceiling mold

CEILING MOLD

There are many sources of moisture that can contribute to mold growth on ceilings inside homes. These sources can be as complex as a roof failure or as simple as a missing piece of insulation. Since the mold growth is usually located within the indoor environment, it can quickly become an indoor air quality problem as well. While the look and texture of the mold can vary greatly, our trained technicians are skilled at identifying the conditions and determining the source of your problem. Since ceiling mold is often indicative of much larger problems, it is imperative to have a qualified Environix technician inspect and locate the source of the mold growth and determine if your indoor air quality has been compromised in any way.

wallpaper mold

WALLPAPER MOLD

The number one location for mold growth in new homes are attics. Due to poor ventilation, previously wet building materials and cellulose rich composition, attics in new homes often can be found with significant amounts of mold growth. Pretreatments in new homes are rarely implemented to save the builder money, but this can end up costing the homeowner thousands years later.

lumber mold

Lumber Mold

Lumber mold will usually be found in new construction on framing, plywood and OSB sheathing. Normally this type of mold is a result of either a) improperly stored, wet or green lumber prior to building, or b) a result of high precipitation during the building process. Visually it is distinguished by a dark discoloration of the wood fibers and usually smudges when rubbed. Since it is usually found in new construction, it rarely poses an indoor air quality concern, but should be treated and removed prior to being enclosed by wall board or insulation.

Environix also offers a pre-treatment to attics, crawlspaces and wall cavities which has a 20 year guarantee against future mold growth. Please call Environix for more information on how you can pre-treat your home!

plaster mold

Mold on Plaster and Walls

This type of indoor mold is commonly found growing along the bottom of exterior walls in older homes. Most often a result of poorly insulated walls, the mold begins growing when warm, humid air is allowed to condense on the cooler wall surface. If left unchecked, the mold can quickly spread and become a significant indoor air quality concern.

Environix has a strong history of identifying and remediating sources of wall mold. Please contact us to find out how you can best treat and solve the source of your wall mold.

hidden mold

Hidden Mold

The term “hidden mold” refers to any non-visible location where mold growth is occurring. Hidden mold can be found inside wall cavities, under linoleum, behind wallpaper, or any other location that is usually not accessible by the home owner. Typically, hidden mold is a result of leaky pipes, failed roofing, or an on-going slow leak from a bathtub or shower surround, but many other sources exist. Due to the fact that the mold growth usually goes unnoticed for some time, extensive structural damage and severe indoor air quality issues are also common associated problems.

Environix has numerous tools and experience to locate and identify any locations where hidden mold could be a problem. Once a location of hidden mold has been identified, Environix also offers full remediation services to safely remove the contaminated materials.

ghosting

Ghosting - Black Soot Deposition (BSD)

Black Soot Deposition (BSD) is also referred to as ghosting, carbon tracking, carbon tracing, and dirty house syndrome. Particles in the air next to the wall tend to "plate out" on colder surfaces. Since every stud is a "thermal bridge" the outlines of the studs can be sometimes seen due to the accumulation of tiny particles at the cold spots. This is often called ghosting and was very common in the old days. It was common back then because homes were typically constructed with poorly insulated walls (cold spots) and indoor smoking was common, thus providing particulates. The tobacco particulates plated out on the cold spots, usually at the studs due to Brownian motion.

Why doesn't this particular phenomenon happen as much today? Two reasons: our houses are better insulated and there are fewer smokers. Fewer people smoke inside and those that do typically accept the fact that smoking not only causes their house to smell but smoking also makes their house dirtier due to the tobacco particles plating out on cold surfaces. We point this out since many units we inspect contain heavy smokers and the problems in those units are usually due to tobacco particulates.