Mold Prevention Plan - Residential
Evaluate your living environment
提供元説明
Background
Why we created the Mold Sense Home Risk Assessment Tool
After decades of treating mold-related illness and investigating contaminated buildings, we witnessed the same frustrating pattern: people bouncing between doctors who didn’t understand mold illness and remediation companies who only focused on the building – never the complete picture.
We Knew There Had To Be a Better Way
That’s why Dr. Andrew Heyman and Larry Schwartz joined forces to create Beyond Mold – America’s first complete solution that addresses both the health and home aspects of mold contamination. Our mission is simple: provide a clear roadmap to help you achieve a life without mold.
A Clear, Science-Based Path to a Healthier Home
Assess
Clean
Maintain
Protect
Your home plays a critical role in your health — especially when mold, moisture, and small-particle contamination are involved. The Beyond Mold For Home pathway gives you a medically informed, step-by-step framework to evaluate your living space, reduce harmful exposures, and maintain a healthy and stable indoor environment.
Phase I: Do I have a problem in my home?
The Mold Sense Home Risk Assessment tool will help you identify potential moisture sources and determine whether they may be impacting your indoor environment. Grab a high beam flashlight and use this tool to perform a visual inspection of the exterior and interior of your home.
You will be looking for exterior conditions that can lead to moisture entry such as failing caulk, roof or flashing concerns, gutters that discharge at the foundation, missing downspout extensions, and poor grading or drainage.
You will be looking for interior conditions such as staining, bubbling or peeling paint, warped trim, musty odors, condensation, or any signs of past leaks.
The assessment tool will score 8 areas of your home and create a list of all areas that need correction or further assessment. The 8 areas include:
Exterior
Roofing
Exterior Drainage
Topography
Foundation
Interior Drainage
HVAC
Plumbing
To learn more about Phase II (Removing contaminants) & Phase III (Maintaining a healthy home) go to beyondmold.com for more educational resources.
すべての質問と考えられる結果
Background
1. Enter your name
A person's name.
2. Enter your address
A mailing address (street, city, state or province, postal code, country).
3. Enter your email
An email address.
4. Enter your best contact phone number
A phone number.
5. Have you had or know of a history of water damage / remediation in this property?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
6. Over the course of a day, what percent range of time do you spend in the home?
Select one option:
- About 50%
- About 75%
- About 90%
- 100%
7. In which area of the country is the property of interest located?
Select one option:
- The Northeast
- The Southeast
- The North Central
- The Midwest
- The Southwest
- The Pacific Northwest
- The Gulf Coast States
8. What type of domicile are you assessing?
Select one option:
- Single Family Home
- Condo / Appartment
- Coach Home
- Townhome
9. How many occupants live in the home?
A number between 0 and 1000 (whole numbers).
10. Do you have any pets living in the home?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
11. How many pets live in the home?
A number between 0 and 1000 (whole numbers).
Exterior
1. What type of cladding is on the exterior of the home?
Select one option:
- Masonary cladding (brick, block, etc) - one layer thick
- Structural masonry (Pre-1950s home) - two layers thick
- Vinyl siding
- Aluminum siding
- Stucco
- EFIS - Dryvit
- Wood siding
- Asphalt siding
- Combination of the above
2. If Dryvit (EFIS), are there openings at junctions?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
3. What is the approximate age of the home in years?
Select one option:
- 0-5
- 6-10
- 11-20
- 21-30
- Over 30
4. Select the number of windows and doors
Select one option:
- Less than 15
- 15-25
- More than 25
5. What is the condition of the window flashings?
Angled metal strip over top edge of the window.
Select one option:
- In place
- Missing
- Not applicable
6. What is the caulk condition around the windows and exterior junctions?
Caulking is primarily around windows and doors but may include other penetrations, such as conduits, vents, etc.
Select one option:
- Sealed well
- A few openings
- Dried, cracking, open and peeling out
7. What is the space between neighboring homes?
Select one option:
- Less than 10 feet
- 10-40 feet
- 40-100 feet
- Greater than 100 feet
8. Is there a room addition?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
9. Are there window wells in the ground along the foundation?
Window wells are openings in the ground at the foundation walls of a basement.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
10. Are the window well openings covered with a rainproof material?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
Roofing
1. Is the roof a flat roof?
A flat roof usually has a slight pitch (slope) to it.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
2. Select the type of flat roof
Select one option:
- Built up tar
- Modified bitimin
- EPDM (A rolled plastic resin material)
- Don't know
3. What is the pitched roof style?
Select one option:
- Gable
- Hip
- Mansard
4. What is the roofing steepness?
Select one option:
- Low
- Medium
- High
5. Select the shingle condition
Select one option:
- A few missing
- Many curled
- Openings and wide spacings between shingles
- The roofing is in good condition
6. Select the shingle type
Select one option:
- Asphalt/Fiberglass
- Wood/Cedar
- Metal
- Ceramic
- Rolled roofing
7. How many roof valleys are there?
Select one option:
- None
- 1-3
- 4-6
- Greater than 6
8. How many chimney chases are there?
Chimney chases are the framed or brick structures on the exterior that go up over the roof and have the flue pipes inside them.
Select one option:
- None
- 1
- 2 or more
9. How many soffit vents are there?
Select one option:
- None
- 4-8
- Greater than 8
10. Describe the types of "upper roof" vents on or near the top ridge
Ridge vents are long and horizontal over the top edge (ridge) of the roof.
Mushroom vents are circular or square and are installed usually on the backside of the roof near the ridge.
Gable vents are usally circular or rectangular on the upper vertical end walls of the house, near the ridge of the rooftop.
Select one option:
- Ridge vent only across the top peak
- Mushroom vents only near the ridge
- Both mushroom vents and ridge vent
- Gable vents only (on the vertical gable ends of the roof)
- Gable vents and upper venting (mushroom or ridge style)
Exterior Drainage
1. Are there gutters and downspouts attached to the exterior?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
2. Do all of the gutters pitch toward downspouts?
Gutter pitch is the angle of slope of the gutter. Sometimes the whole gutter run is one long slope toward an end with a downspout attached. In a long run, sometimes the gutter is higher in the middle and slopes right and left to downspouts on both right and left ends.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
3. Describe the gutter conditions
Select one option:
- Rusted with holes and openings
- Open junctions and some gutters hang away from the fascia wall
- Not an issue
4. How many downspouts are missing?
Select one option:
- None missing
- 1 missing
- 2 missing
- More than 2 missing
5. Are there downspout extensions directed away from the home?
Select one option:
- No, there are no extensions
- Yes, into the ground, near the foundation, up to 1 foot out
- Yes, 1-3 feet out
- Yes, more than 3 feet out
6. Do the downspouts drain out to a lower point greater than 6 feet from the house?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
7. Do the downspouts connect to a municipal sewer?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
8. Are soils negatively pitched toward the home at the foundation wall?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
9. What is the approximate soil pitch?
Select one option:
- 5-10% negative (slight)
- 10-25% negative (moderate)
- 25-50% negative (heavy)
- Over 50% negative (extreme)
Topography & Surrounding Exterior
1. Is the home close to a pond / lake / river (within 200 yards)?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
2. Is the home near the bottom of a hill or hills?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
3. How many sides of the house have land sloping towards it?
Select one option:
- 0 sides
- 1 side
- 2 sides
- 3 sides
- More than 3 sides
4. Is the home within 200 yards of a golf course?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
5. If so, what geographic direction is the golf course from the home?
Select one option:
- North
- South
- East
- West
6. Is the home within 200 yards of a farm or pasture?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
7. If so, what geographic direction is the farm or pasture from the home?
Select one option:
- North
- South
- East
- West
Foundation
1. Is there a full basement?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
2. Is there a basement + crawl space?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
3. Is your home on a concrete slab foundation
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
4. Are there water/drainage lines and/or ductwork in the slab?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
5. Is the entire foundation of the home ALL crawl space?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
6. Is the basement finished?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
7. In the crawl space, is the floor
Select one option:
- Uncovered soil
- Gravel covered soil
- Plastic cover over soil or gravel
- Concrete floor
8. Is the plastic
Select one option:
- Thin, loose, unsealed junctions
- Heavy gauge and sealed junctions
9. Is there carpeting on the basement floor?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
10. How many visible cracks are in the walls of the foundation?
Select one option:
- 0
- 1-2
- 2-4
- Greater than 4
11. Is there evidence of past flooding, rust at bottom of steel posts, water marks on walls, dried water stains on materials?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
12. Is there water/drainage lines and/or ductwork in the partial crawl space?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
Interior Drainage
1. Is there a sump pit in the floor of the basement or crawl space with an operating pump in it?
The sump pit is a cylindrical hole in the floor of the basement or crawl space. The hole is called a pit. It has a circular concrete wall. It is usually located near an exterior wall.
Select one option:
- Yes, an operating sump pit is present.
- No, an operating sump pit is not present.
2. If observable, are there circular drain holes visible at the bottom of the pit in the perimeter walls?
If there are drain tile pipes that collect ground water and bring the water into the sump pit, you will see one or two holes in the concrete walls of the sump pit where the drain tiles direct the ground water into it.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
- Not observable
3. Is their a back-flow preventer check valve present on the PVC discharge pipe that comes up and out from the sump pump?
The check valve is on the PVC plastic vertical discharge pipe above the floor of the basement. It stops water from flowing back into the pit after water is evaculated through the pipe and the pump goes off. It is about 4-5 inches in height and its circumference is a little wider than the PVC pipe.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
4. Is the sump pit cover sealed?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
5. Is the sump pit in a closet?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
6. What is the length of the sump pit discharge pipe on the exterior?
Select one option:
- 1 foot or less
- 1-2 feet
- 3 feet or more
7. Is the opening to the ejector pit unsealed?
An ejector pit is in newer homes and those with a bathroom in the basement. This is not the sump pump. The ejector pit needs to have a sealed cover and its discharge pipe goes into a sewer line.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
8. Are drains visible at the bases of the window wells?
Select one option:
- Yes, drains are present.
- No, drains are not present.
- There is no basement or window wells
9. Are the window well drains clear and open?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
10. If cracks exist in foundation walls, is efflorescence present?
Efflorescence: White powdery material on the walls alongside either side of the crack.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
HVAC
1a. Do you have a HVAC system using forced air?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
1b. Do you have a HVAC system using hot water (hydronic)?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
1c. Do you have a heating system using steam?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
1d. Do you have a floor heating system using electric?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
1e. Do you have a HVAC system using a mini-split?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
2. Are hydronic or electric embedded in the concrete slab?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
3. If the foundation is a concrete slab, is there ductwork in the slab itself?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
4. If a forced air system, is the air handler a high efficiency system that brings in combustion air through a PVC pipe into the furnace from the outdoors?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
5. Is there a furnace/air conditioner in the attic space or an upstairs closet?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
6. Is there a furnace/air conditioner in the crawl space?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
7. Are there PVC air intake pipes going to the outdoors from the furnace/air conditioner in the crawl space?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
8. Is there a water catch pan under the upstairs or crawl space furnace/air conditioner?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
9. Is there an electrical warning / shutoff switch in the HVAC water catch pans?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
10. Is there a humidifier attached to the furnace?
Condensate drains from central air and/or humidifiers are usually a plastic tube that goes from the upper furnace or humdifier to the floor area, a sump pit, or a floor drain.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
11. Is there an evaporator coil installed on the furnace?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
12. Do the air conditioning and/or humidifier condensate drains end properly at a floor drain or pump?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
13. Are all visible ductwork and plenum junctions properly sealed with heat sensitive silver tape or joint compund?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
Plumbing
1. What are the visible types of water supply lines?
Supply lines are the narrower pipes, usually copper.
Select all that apply:
- Copper
- Iron
- PVC/Plastic
- A combination of materials
2. Is there a build-up of oxidation at junction of pipes (usually green or white)?
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
3. Is there is a floor drain in a basement of a home with no ejector pit?
Basement drains in older homes go directly into the sewage drain system.
Basement drains in newer homes go into the ejector pit.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
4. What material make up the bath / shower surrounds?
Select all that apply:
- Ceramic tiles
- Hard solid surfaces
5. What is the condition of bath / shower surrounds: Tiles are soft, can be pushed slightly?
One or more baths has conditions.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
6. What is the condition of bath / shower surrounds: Loose or missing tiles?
One or more baths has conditions.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
7. What is the floor condition by toilet(s): Visible stains and / or moisture at the junction of the toilet with the floor?
One or more baths has conditions.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
8. What are wall conditions by toilet(s): Damaged wood trim behind toilet, drywall or vanity next to toilet?
One or more baths has conditions.
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
9. Is there water damage / mold in cabinet under kitchen sink
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
10. Is there water damage / mold under bath vanities
Select one option:
- Yes
- No
考えられる結果
Exterior Recommendation: Window well covers
If window wells are not covered, have a contractor install safety pitched window well covers.
Foundation Recommendation: High water table
If there is a high water table, have a waterproofing company install a drainage system.
Exterior Recommendation: Room additions
If there are room additions, have a roofing contractor evaluate the flashings of the roof junctions and make necessary repairs, if needed.
HVAC Recommendation: Crawlspace furnace
If the furnace is in a crawlspace, have an HVAC contractor check for any unsealed ductwork junctions and make all necessary repairs.
HVAC Recommendation: Humidifier
If yes, open and clean the interior surfaces by performing the following:
- Spray a clean/new dry swiffer cloth, terry cloth rag, or microfiber cloth, with a solution of 7 drops of a free and clear dish detergent to one quart of water until the cloth is wet, but not dripping.
- Wipe the areas to be cleaned in all directions until the cloth becomes dry.
- Place the cloth in a plastic bag for disposal or laundering and seal, and replace the drip pad.
HVAC Recommendation: Ductwork in the slab
- If there is ductwork in the slab, determine if the material is metal vents or PVC and if water collects in the vents.
- Take a spore trap air test with the fan running and compare it to a control.
- If elevations are present, consider closing up and rerouting the supply vents.
Overall Home Risk Score (25-49%) - Perform environmental testing
Perform all corrections described in our report to you.
Perform an ERMI dust collection by loth method. If the ERMI score is greater than 2.0 and the HERTSMI-2 score is greater than 10, have an Indoor Environmental Professional inspect the home for potential remediation if needed.
Exterior Score
Interior Drainage Recommendation: Sump pit cover seal
If sump pit is uncovered, have a licensed plumber install a sealed cover.
Exterior Drainage Recommendation: Gutter pitch
If gutters are pitched incorrectly, have a drainage/gutter contractor correct the pitch.
Roofing Recommendation: Shingle damage
- If a few roof shingles are missing, add new shingles.
- If shingles are curled or shrunk, replace roofing with a tear off of the current shingles.
Foundation Recommendation: Foundation wall cracks
Have a waterproofing professional properly seal the cracks.
Exterior Drainage Recommendation: Downspout destination
If downspouts go into the ground with unknown destination, have a drainage contractor evaluate and correct the drainage pathway.
Interior Drainage Recommendation: Ejector pit seal
If ejector pit is uncovered or unsealed, have a licensed plumber seal the opening to code.
Overall Home Risk Score (50-74%) - Perform a site inspection
Perform all corrections described in our report to you.
Hire a medically sound IEP to further test and investigate the home and prepare a remediation plan if needed.
Roofing Recommendation: Flat roof
- If the home has a flat roof, the average life of a roof is 10-15 years.
- If the age is under 10 years, have a licensed roofer assess for any necessary repairs and make corrections.
- If the roof is 10-15 years, have a licensed roofer assess the integrity of the roof and replace if recommended.
- If the age of the roof is 25 years or greater, replace the roofing with a tear off of the old roof.
Overall Home Risk Score (0-24%) - Monitor
Monitor and repeat every six months
Roofing Recommendation: Mushroom, ridge & gable vents
- If there are both mushroom vents and ridge vents, remove and close off one to prevent short circuiting of air flow in the attic.
- If there are Gable vents only, have a roofing contractor evaluate and add additional venting, without creating a short circuiting of air flow in the attic.
Interior Drainage Recommendation: Drain holes
If there are no circular drain holes visible into the bottom of the sump pit, consider having a waterproofing company or licensed plumber install an interior or exterior drainage system installed, which will drain into the pit.
Topography Recommendation: Proximity to water
If the water is in close proximity and is located WEST of the home and algae growth is present, either correct air pressure differences in the home through mechanical ventilation with proper filtration to create positive or neutral pressure or consider moving.
HVAC Recommendation: Attic / closet furnace
If the furnace is in an attic or closet, have an HVAC contractor check for any unsealed ductwork junctions and make all necessary repairs
Plumbing Recommendation: Bathroom vanity damage
If there is water damage under bathroom vanities, have a remediation contractor clean by performing the following:
- Spray a clean/new dry swiffer cloth, terry cloth rag, or microfiber cloth, with a solution of a Free and Clear dish detergent to one quart of water until the cloth is wet, but not dripping.
- Wipe the areas to be cleaned in all directions until the cloth becomes dry.
- Place the cloth in a plastic bag for disposal or laundering and seal.
- On the next section to be cleaned, repeat the process with a new cloth.
- Do not re-wet a previously used cloth. When dry, wipe the area two times with a dry swiffer cloth and dispose of.
- Consider purchasing a rubber mat made specifically for these areas, such as those made by WeatherTech or replace the cabinet.
HVAC Recommendation: PVC pipes
Are there PVC pipes going from the attic/ and or crawl space furnace going to the outdoors? If yes, it reduces risk in the area, no correction.
HVAC Recommendation: Furnace central air
If yes, have an HVAC contractor clean the AC Coils by performing the following:
- Have the contractor visually inspect, vacuum large debris and wash with warm water or steam.
- Wash until the drain water becomes clear.
- Any drain overflow onto the heat exchanger may be brushed clean.
- Next inspect the condensate pan and confirm the drain is clear.
- Use a non rinse spray aerosol can of Nu-Calgon 4171-75 on the evaporator coils.
- We want the contractor to use condensate pan treatment tabs by Nu-Calgon 4296-60 to keep the pan from developing microbial growth.
- Verify if any condensate created by the HVAC system, humidifier, dehumidifier, and IAQ equipment is trapped to prevent allowing sewer gasses into the conditioned air.
- Ensure proper pitch of condensate system.
- Ensure the HVAC system is level.
Exterior Drainage Recommendation: Missing downspouts
If any downspouts are missing, have a drainage/gutter contractor install the downspout discharge a minimum of 3-5 feet away from the foundation.
HVAC Recommendation: Electrical warning / shutoff switch
If no, ass a cutoff switch
Plumbing Recommendation: Kitchen damage
If there is water damage under the kitchen sink , have a remediator clean by performing the following:
- Spray a clean/new dry swiffer cloth, terry cloth rag, or microfiber cloth, with a solution of a Free and Clear dish detergent to one quart of water until the cloth is wet, but not dripping.
- Wipe the areas to be cleaned in all directions until the cloth becomes dry.
- Place the cloth in a plastic bag for disposal or laundering and seal.
- On the next section to be cleaned, repeat the process with a new cloth.
- Do not re-wet a previously used cloth.
- When dry, wipe the area two times with a dry swiffer cloth and dispose of.
- Consider purchasing a rubber mat made specifically for these areas, such as those made by WeatherTech or replace the cabinet.
Exterior Drainage Recommendation: Downspouts
- If gutters and downspouts are not present, have a drainage expert determine the need for gutters.
- If needed, install gutters and downspouts. An exception may be if the home is located in a very arid locale.
Plumbing Recommendation: Pipe buildup
- Have a licensed plumber repair any buildup of oxidation at pipe junctions.
- Do not try to remove the oxidation as this may uncover pinhole leaks. Rather, the correction may result in the replacement of those pipe sections.
Exterior Drainage Recommendation: Downspout extensions
If the downspout discharge is less than 3 feet, have a drainage/gutter contractor extend the discharge to a minimum of 3-5 feet away from the foundation.
Interior Drainage Recommendation: Drain obstructions
If there are drains and they are covered by debris, clear the debris so the drains can function properly.
Plumbing Recommendation: Stains, moisture and visible damage
- If there are visible stains or moisture around the perimeter of the toilet or there is visible damage to wall trim, cabinets or the wall behind the toilet, have a licensed plumber investigate and have the licensed plumber make necessary plumbing repairs.
- For damage to the bath cabinet and wall behind the toilet: Have a remediation contractor inspect the scope of damage and make corrections or replace the cabinet.
- For damage to wall trim: Have a remediation contractor contain the bathroom and run the exhaust fan and perform the following: The baseboard trim by the toilet should be removed to investigate the drywall to see if it is water damaged. If damage exists, then the affected drywall should be removed and the exposed framing should be HEPA vacuumed and then apply Sentinel 24/7 Zero VOC protective coating to the exposed materials.
Roofing Recommendation: Chimney chases
If there are one or more chimney chases, have a contractor check flashings at the junctions of the chimney chase with the house and make any necessary repairs.
HVAC Recommendation: Water catch pans
If no, add a water catch pan if it can be performed.
Foundation Recommendation: Carpeting
If yes, based on age and condition consider replacement by performing the following:
- Before taking out carpeting, have the workers contain the room with six mil plastic sheeting with a zippered entry for ingress and egress.
- We recommend establishing negative air pressure with an unfiltered HEPA air scrubber or a NAM (Negative Air Machine), blowing discharged air out through a window.
- Then cut out a square foot of the containment and tape in filter material to allow makeup air to come back into the workspace.
If you are taking out the carpet yourselves, the following method is recommended, yet not as effective as the above. Prior to removal, please perform the following:
- In the room where carpet is to be removed, open a window and set a fan blowing OUT of the window.
- Have the door to the room open.
- If possible, have the next closest window to the room you are working in open.
As sections of the carpet are removed, we recommend spraying a light film or mist of water or covering with plastic carpet protector over that area of carpet to hold down the dust as it is removed. We recommend that the carpet be cut into 2 1/2-3 foot wide strips, rolled up with padding if any. Then tie the rolls and place them gently into heavy gauge plastic trash bags which should be tied prior to removal for disposal.
We recommend disposing of the bags of carpeting through a window if possible.
The exposed floor underneath lightly sweep and then damp mop with a solution of 6 drops 7th Generation Free and Clear to one quart of water and allow it to dry. After an additional 30 minutes of continued HEPA air scrubbing in the room, it may be stopped and the containment materials may be taken down. If you have the windows open creating ventilation, continue this for 30 additional minutes after cleaning the floor.
HVAC Recommendation: Furnace lifespan
Have an HVAC contractor estimate the lifespan left for the furnace.
If the unit does not need to be replaced, we recommend an HVAC contractor perform the following:
- Have the contractor use a non rinse spray aerosol can of Nu-Calgon 4171-75 on the evaporator coils. OR
- Have the contractor use a mild free and clear dish detergent, and fill a quart size spray bottle with water and 7 drops of detergent only. Shake and have them spray the coils, wipe and then spray with water only and perform a 2nd wipe. Each wipe should be with a new rag. No chemicals should be used. Please DO NOT add anything acidic for cleaning such as lemon juice or vinegar for the cleaning of the evaporator coils.
In addition to the cleaning of the evaporator coils, if possible, we would like a wipe down with the same product on the drip pan under the evaporator coils and surrounding interior surfaces of the plenum. This should be performed at the end of each cooling season.
Exterior Recommendation: Pitch correction
If window wells are covered and not pitched away, have the pitch corrected.
Interior Drainage Recommendation: Closet sump pit
If the sump pit is in a closet, have a louvered or vented door for proper ventilation installed.
Roofing Recommendation: Soffit vents
If there are no soffit vents in the horizontal roof overhangs, have a roofing contractor improve passive attic ventilation by adding an appropriate number of soffit vents in the eave overhangs.
Exterior Drainage Recommendation: Soil pitch
- If soils have a negative pitch, to any degree toward the house, have a landscaper correct and pitch away from the house.
- This may also include the need for creating soil berms to direct the flow of water.
Interior Drainage Recommendation: Cracked walls
If there are cracks in concrete walls with water staining or efflorescence, have a waterproofing company properly seal the openings.
Foundation Recommendation: Crawl space floor
Have the floor of the crawlspace professionally sealed by a remediation firm.
Exterior Recommendation: Exterior caulking damage
If the exterior caulking has a few openings or is dried and cracked, have a contractor fill in small openings or remove and replace the caulking, as needed. This should be monitored annually.
Exterior Recommendation: Window flashings missing
If window flashings are not in place, have a contractor correct all windows to have proper flashing.
Exterior Drainage Recommendation: Gutter conditions
If gutters are rusted or there are openings in gutter(s), have a drainage/gutter contractor replace them.
Overall Home Risk Score (75-100%) - Immediate action recommended
If an occupant is suffering traditional and/or inflammatory health symptoms, seek appropriate medical help, and consider temporarily moving to a safer residence until the home has been properly assessed and treated.
You may want to determine what is needed to allow a sale of the property and move to a new residence.
Interior Drainage Recommendation: Discharge pipe length
f the sump discharge pipe on the exterior is less than 3 feet, have a licensed plumber extend the discharge pipe a minimum of 5-6 feet away from the home.
Interior Drainage Recommendation: Window well drains
If the base of the window wells do not have a drain, we recommend having a licensed plumber or waterproofing company install drains.
HVAC Recommendation: Lacking high efficiency
- If the HVAC system is not a high efficiency system, there will be increased negative air pressure in that area, which can lead to bringing in outdoor contaminants into the living space.
- Consider tightening up junctions around the windows with caulking cord and installing socket sealers behind all electrical outlets.
- If the age is near replacement, we recommend high efficiency systems that bring in outdoor combustion air.
Exterior Recommendation: Dryvit (EFIS) openings
If Dryvit(EFIS) or Stucco has openings at junctions, have a contractor that specializes in Dryvit(EFIS), Stucco investigate and make corrections necessary to ensure any openings are properly sealed.
Interior Drainage Recommendation: Check valve
If there is no back flow preventer, have a licensed plumber install one.
Plumbing Recommendation: Basement floor drains
If there are basement floor drains, add water into the drains weekly to keep the trap filled.
Plumbing Recommendation: Shower walls
If shower walls are soft or there are missing tiles, have a remediation company perform the following:
- Cover and seal air return vents with 6 mil plastic and painters tape in the work area. Establish containment over entries installing either a zipper entry or flaps overlapping at least one foot to allow for ingress and egress. We recommend covering the floor with 6 mil plastic, overlapping junctions and taping. Then, run a HEPA air scrubber in the area where work is to be performed, establishing negative pressure if possible. Run one or more low speed air mover fans moving air in each work area in a circular pattern. Please refer to IICRCS520 remediation standard.
- Workers should wear a tyvek suit with head and shoe covers along with nitrile gloves and an N95 respiratory during all work. Additionally, the contractor should build a contained vestibule at the entry of the work area with a zippered entry for ingress and egress, in which workers can remove protective equipment and tyvek suits before entering the residence. The tyvek suits should be placed in heavy gauge plastic bags and sealed. Damp wipe the trash bags before entering the home for disposal. Cover all content and flooring with 6 mil plastic sheeting, overlapping junctions and taping together in order to collect debris.
- Then, an exploratory remediation of the affected area should be performed along with removal of affected materials and safe treatments applied before restoration. Additional consultation services may be necessary, contact Safestart Environmental for availability and pricing at 847-912-9300.
Foundation Recommendation: Crawl space walls
If walls are wood, stones or soil, have a contractor first determine structural soundness and then have a remediation contractor seal the air between the walls and the interior of the crawl space.