Rely on our certified team of experts for your home inspection, Radon and Stucco needs!
Rely on our certified team of experts for your home inspection, Radon and Stucco needs!
About Us
Inspection Solutions has 30 years of experience in the Twin Cities and Metro Area
Thank you for choosing Inspection Solutions for your home inspection. Our mission is to provide the most reliable and accurate inspections, delivered with the highest level of service to our customers. Inspection Solutions’ staff has over thirty years of experience and is equipped with all of the latest technology and tools available. The intent of our home inspection is to identify major defects that can pose significant problems and costs to the potential purchaser or existing home owner. A general home inspection focuses on significant and critical areas of the home. During the course of our inspection, we will observe and report all issues that are common to the majority of homes as the structure ages. These maintenance observations are intended for informational and anticipatory purposes.
Understanding Moisture within the wall cavity in Minnesota Construction
All building materials have moisture content within them (i.e. framing, sheathing, and drywall). Moisture percentages up to 16.9% are considered acceptable. Moisture levels from 17% to 19.9% are considered areas of concern that may require further investigation. Moisture levels 20% or higher indicates a potential problem that if left uncorrected will cause some sort of deterioration and or mold growth. Moisture testing when temperatures are below freezing maybe obscured if building materials are frosted/frozen within the wall cavity.
Our Services
Home and Radon Inspection
Indoor Air and Mold Analysis Investigation
Stucco and Moisture Intrusion
Our mission is to provide the most reliable and accurate inspections, delivered with the highest level of service to our customers. Inspection Solutions’ staff has over fifty years of experience and is equipped with all of the latest technology and tools available.
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our report.
, Your Hom
Our mission is to provide the most reliable and accurate inspections, delivered with the highest level of service to our customers. Inspection Solutions’ staff has over fifty years of experience and is equipped with all of the latest technology and tools available.
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our report.
, Your Home Inspection Report:
- Documents all of our inspectors' observations accompanied with pictures where appropriate. Our checked box system allows the reader to easily identify areas of concern. A “defective” observation is defined as a defect. Should be taken care of in a timely manner. The “marginal” observation is defined as a item in need of repair or maintenance. The first three boxes, “Acceptable”, “Not Present” and “Not Inspected” are there for your information but may not be a high priority for you.
Section 3, Marginal and Defective Summary
- A convenient summary of all the “marginal” and “defective” observations from Section 2.
Section 4, Seasonal Maintenance
- A Healthy Homes maintenance check list you can use as a general maintenance guide. The following checklist was developed for Healthy Homes Training Center and Network as a tool for healthy home maintenance. Proper and on-going maintenance is essential to retaining and growing the value of your home.
Section 5, Homeowner Guide
- A detailed handbook encompassing basic construction, preventative maintenance and home operation. The handbook is great reference tool and is meant to help you understand your changing home, preserve its value and prevent avoidable costs.
The intent of our home inspection is to identify major defects that can pose significant problems and costs to the potential purchaser or existing homeowner. A general home inspection focuses on significant and critical areas of the home. During the course of our inspection, we will observe and report all issues that are common to the majority of homes as the structure ages. These maintenance observations are intended for informational and anticipatory purposes.
Stucco and Moisture Intrusion
Indoor Air and Mold Analysis Investigation
Stucco and Moisture Intrusion
Thank you for choosing Inspection Solutions for your Moisture and Stucco inspection. Our mission is to provide the most reliable and accurate inspections, delivered with the highest level of service to our customers. Inspection Solutions’ staff has over Fifty years of experience and is equipped with all of the latest technology and tool
Thank you for choosing Inspection Solutions for your Moisture and Stucco inspection. Our mission is to provide the most reliable and accurate inspections, delivered with the highest level of service to our customers. Inspection Solutions’ staff has over Fifty years of experience and is equipped with all of the latest technology and tools available.
During the moisture intrusion and stucco inspection, we will spend our 1st hr. outside assessing the stucco installation as well as ensuring the proper installation of all windows, doors and roof terminations kick out flashings. Once inside, we will perform moisture intrusion testing at the lowest point of the baseboards to hide the small pinpoint meter test locations. All windows and stucco at grade will be tested. If any elevated levels of moisture are recorded, we will also insert a video scope recorder to assess the condition of the structure sheathing and framing. We will provide the buyer with three reports including
#1 - photo document of any concerns as well as general maintenance of owning a stucco home.
#2 Exterior sheathing test location identifying the moisture levels within the wall cavity.
#3 A moisture report detailing the condition of the stucco and exterior cladding and any recommendations that are needed.
The intent of our moisture inspection is to identify water intrusion defects that can pose significant problems and costs to the potential purchaser or existing homeowner.
Indoor Air and Mold Analysis Investigation
Indoor Air and Mold Analysis Investigation
Indoor Air and Mold Analysis Investigation
Introduction
This information is for people who have mold problems in their homes. It presents the health concerns associated with mold exposure and advice on finding and removing mold contamination.
What is Mold?
Molds are fungi. Molds grow throughout the natural and built environment. Tiny particles of mold are present in indoor and o
Introduction
This information is for people who have mold problems in their homes. It presents the health concerns associated with mold exposure and advice on finding and removing mold contamination.
What is Mold?
Molds are fungi. Molds grow throughout the natural and built environment. Tiny particles of mold are present in indoor and outdoor air. In nature, molds help break down dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items. Molds produce microscopic cells called "spores" which are very tiny and spread easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions.
What does mold need to grow?
Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply:
- Moisture
- Nutrients
- Suitable place to grow
Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.
Should I be concerned about mold in my home?
Mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, health problems can occur and building materials, goods and furnishings may be damaged.
Go to > top.
Health Effects
Can mold make me and my family sick?
Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it.
The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.
What symptoms might I see?
The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly report problems such as:
- nasal and sinus congestion
- cough
- wheeze/breathing difficulties
- sore throat
- skin and eye irritation
- upper respiratory infections (including sinus)
Are the risks greater for some people?
There is wide variability in how different people are affected by indoor mold. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:
- infants and children
- elderly people
- individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies and asthma
- persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients)
Those with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold.
Are some molds more hazardous than others?
Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds (called mycotoxins) although they do not always do so. Molds that are able to produce toxins are common. In some circumstances, the toxins produced by indoor mold may cause health problems. However, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins.
Go to > top.
Home Investigation
How do I tell if I have a mold problem?
Investigate don't test. The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.
- Look for visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green). Mold often appears as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of building materials or furnishings. When mold is visible, testing is not recommended.
- Search areas with noticeable mold odors.
- Look for signs of excess moisture or water damage. Look for water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation problems. For example, do you see any watermarks or discoloration on walls, ceilings, carpet, woodwork or other building materials?
- Search behind and underneath materials (carpet and pad, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, sink cabinets), furniture, or stored items (especially things placed near outside walls or on cold floors). Sometimes destructive techniques may be needed to inspect and clean enclosed spaces where mold and moisture are hidden; for example, opening up a wall cavity.
Should I test for mold?
The Minnesota Department of Health does notrecommend testing for mold. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture problems and remove all visible growth.
Sometimes, mold growth is hidden and difficult to locate. In such cases, a combination of air (outdoor and indoor air samples) and bulk (material) samples may help determine the extent of contamination and where cleaning is needed. However, mold testing is rarely useful for trying to answer questions about health concerns.
Go to > top.What is Mold?
Molds are fungi. Molds grow throughout the natural and built environment. Tiny particles of mold are present in indoor and outdoor air. In nature, molds help break down dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items. Molds produce microscopic cells called "spores" which are very tiny and spread easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions.
What does mold need to grow?
Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply:
- Moisture
- Nutrients
- Suitable place to grow
Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.
Should I be concerned about mold in my home?
Mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, health problems can occur and building materials, goods and furnishings may be damaged.
Go to > top.
Health Effects
Can mold make me and my family sick?
Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it.
The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.
What symptoms might I see?
The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly report problems such as:
- nasal and sinus congestion
- cough
- wheeze/breathing difficulties
- sore throat
- skin and eye irritation
- upper respiratory infections (including sinus)
Are the risks greater for some people?
There is wide variability in how different people are affected by indoor mold. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:
- infants and children
- elderly people
- individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies and asthma
- persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients)
Those with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold.
Are some molds more hazardous than others?
Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds (called mycotoxins) although they do not always do so. Molds that are able to produce toxins are common. In some circumstances, the toxins produced by indoor mold may cause health problems. However, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins.
Go to > top.
Home Investigation
How do I tell if I have a mold problem?
Investigate don't test. The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.
- Look for visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green). Mold often appears as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of building materials or furnishings. When mold is visible, testing is not recommended.
- Search areas with noticeable mold odors.
- Look for signs of excess moisture or water damage. Look for water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation problems. For example, do you see any watermarks or discoloration on walls, ceilings, carpet, woodwork or other building materials?
- Search behind and underneath materials (carpet and pad, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, sink cabinets), furniture, or stored items (especially things placed near outside walls or on cold floors). Sometimes destructive techniques may be needed to inspect and clean enclosed spaces where mold and moisture are hidden; for example, opening up a wall cavity.
Should I test for mold?
The Minnesota Department of Health does notrecommend testing for mold. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture problems and remove all visible growth.
Sometimes, mold growth is hidden and difficult to locate. In such cases, a combination of air (outdoor and indoor air samples) and bulk (material) samples may help determine the extent of contamination and where cleaning is needed. However, mold testing is rarely useful for trying to answer questions about health concerns.
Go to > top.
Mold Clean-up and Removal
To clean up and remove indoor mold growth, follow steps 1-6 as they apply to your home.
- Identify and Fix the Moisture Problem
- Begin Drying All Wet Materials
- Remove and Dispose of Mold Contaminated Materials
- Clean Surfaces
- Disinfect Surfaces - optional
- Remain on Mold Alert
- Identify and Fix the Moisture Problem - the most important step in solving a mold problem is to identify and correct the moisture sources that allowed the growth in the first place. Common indoor moisture sources include:
- Flooding
- Condensation (caused by indoor humidity that is too high or surfaces that are too cold)
- Movement through basement walls and slab
- Roof leaks
- Plumbing leaks
- Overflow from tubs, sinks, or toilets
- Firewood stored indoors
- Humidifier use
- Inadequate venting of kitchen and bath humidity
- Improper venting of combustion appliances
- Failure to vent clothes dryer exhaust outdoors (including electric dryers)
- Line drying laundry indoors
- House plants - watering them can generate large amounts of moisture
To keep indoor surfaces as dry as possible, try to maintain the home's relative humidity between 20-40 percent in the winter and less than 60 percent the rest of the year. You can purchase devices to measure relative humidity at some home supply stores. Ventilation, air circulation near cold surfaces, dehumidification, and efforts to minimize the production of moisture in the home are all very important in controlling high humidity that frequently causes mold growth in our cold climate.
- Begin Drying All Wet Materials - as soon as possible, begin drying any materials that are wet. For severe moisture problems, use fans and dehumidifiers and move wet items away from walls and off floors. Check with equipment rental companies or restoration firms to see if you can rent fans and dehumidifiers.
- Remove and Dispose of Mold Contaminated Materials - items which have absorbed moisture (porous materials) and which have mold growing on them need to be removed, bagged and thrown out. Such materials may include sheet rock, insulation, plaster, carpet/carpet pad, ceiling tiles, wood products (other than solid wood), and paper products. Likewise, any such porous materials that have contacted sewage should also be bagged and thrown away. Non-porous materials with surface mold growth may be saved if they are cleaned well and kept dry (see step 4).
- Take Steps to Protect Yourself - the amount of mold particles in air can increase greatly when mold is disturbed. Consider using protective equipment when handling or working around mold contaminated materials. The following equipment can help minimize exposure to mold:
- Rubber gloves
- Eye goggles
- Outer clothing (long sleeves and long pants) that can be easily removed in the work area and laundered or discarded
- Medium-efficiency or high-efficiency filter dust mask (these can be found at safety equipment suppliers, hardware stores, or some other large stores that sell home repair supplies) -- at a minimum, use an N-95 or equivalent dust mask
- Take Steps to Protect Others - plan and perform all work to minimize the amount of dust generated. The following actions can help minimize the spread of
- Take Steps to Protect Yourself - the amount of mold particles in air can increase greatly when mold is disturbed. Consider using protective equipment when handling or working around mold contaminated materials. The following equipment can help minimize exposure to mold: