I can’t count the number of times I have been pulled aside during an inspection to check out “MOLD.”
Sometimes the first time I hear about it is on the phone–about how there is mold here or mold there–and they want to know how big a problem it is. With these calls I just let them know that I will be sure to check out the area of their concerns when I am at the inspection.
Almost invariably the concern evaporates under the light of investigation–as it turns out the suspected offender turns out to be something less sinister.
One of the most common types of concerns, that are almost never mold, are the dark stains that form around carpeting in rooms. These stains are from air moving in and out of the building and the carpet is merely acting as a filter–resulting in the visible darkening of the area.
Other similar areas that you might see this type of darkening is where air moves under closed doors (of homes with forced air heating/cooling) and at carpeted crawl space hatches.
So, why is there mold all around my room?
The answer is that there isn’t any, but I sure can see where a lot of air comes and goes!
For those of you that want more information on a practical, logical and unbiased approach to mold please visit Forensic Applications Technoligies website: Health Effects of Moulds.
By Charles Buell, Real Estate Inspections in Seattle
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And you can see the result of air movement through the exterior walls too. Usually caused by closed bedroom doors and insufficient return air space. The room becomes pressurized and not only leaves the dark edges on the perimeter of the room but at the end laps of vinyl siding.
Stuart, and a sure sign of fiberglass insulation (or no insulation) in the exterior walls.
Great piece Charles.
With all the hysteria that abounds with mold it feels like I am trying to talk about a howling wind. How about you?
I must say that golden shag carpeting must have been filtering that dirt & dust for about 40 years.
All the best!
Here’s hoping the wind dies down!
Mark, sometimes this ghosting can develop quite quickly if the house is near a busy street or highway or near some other thing that fills the air with dust.
Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts.