D

AVHENCO

I

NC.

Specializing in Evaluation/Inspection for Mold Damage, Water Damage and Smoke Damage

The Process for Evaluation/Inspection

First, we will speak with the owner or the agent for the owner of the property about what caused the damage to the property. After compiling the information received, we begin a meticulous walkthrough of the entire property. The walkthrough consists of a visual inspection, take pictures, moisture readings of any suspected areas, particle counts for air quality, record the data information, infrared camera used to locate hidden moisture and sampling (air, bio tape, swabs and/or bulk) for lab analysis.  

Moisture Reading

Mold needs moisture to grow, so a moisture probe, moisture meters or hammer probes are used in finding moisture that can contribute to mold growth.

Moisture Content

• 16%-20% Supports microbial growth on building materials

• 20%-30%    Supports the growth of dry rot fungus

• 30% and Over Building materials is at saturation point

Air Quality

A Particle Counter is used during the process, to determine the air quality of the affected area. This reads the particulates for mold, soot and bacteria.

The 2.5 um scale on the Particle Counter is used to determine the air quality and 35 particles per cubic meter is considered clean room status. 

Camera Use

A FLIR Camera is used to find hidden moisture within the wall, ceiling and/or floor of the structure.

A Scope Around with a fiber optic cable attached is used to look in walls, ceilings, crawlspaces and attics when they are not accessible. 

Ultraviolet Light

An Ultraviolet light is used at times to find affected materials, that cannot be seen visually. 

Air Sampling

Air Sampling is a process of determining what type of mold is present in the air at the time of testing. One sample is taken outside (weather permitting) for a comparison to the inside sample.

This method is also used for smoke damage to determine soot particulates.

Bio-Tape

A Bio-Tape is used for lifting samples for mold from smooth surfaces. This method is used to determine the type of mold and if they have hyphal fragments (roots to the mold).

Bio-Tape is also used on smooth surfaces for smoke damage to determine soot particulates.

Sterile Swabs

A Sterile Swab is used for sampling for mold from porous materials. This method is also used to determine the type of mold present and if they have hyphal fragments.

Sterile Swabs is also used for smoke damage to determine ash soot particles.

Sterile Swabs is used for sewage damage, to determine if there are still bacteria present after the mitigation process.

Bulk Sample

We do a bulk sample when we have found any growth on certain materials. Then that sample is sent to a lab for test analysis.

Lab Analysis

Any samples taken during the evaluation/inspection process, is sent to a lab for test analysis.

For mold it will determine the type of mold, and if there are hyphal fragments present.

For smoke it will determine the ash soot particulates present.

For sewage damage it will determine if bacteria are still present after the mitigation process.

Then generate a report on their results of the test analysis.

Report is Issued

A Report is issued detailing the findings, readings, pictures that were taken and the lab test analysis results. Also, the report could have recommendations for preventive measures.