Air Sampling and Mold Inspection

One of the most advanced and most accurate ways to test for mold samples and spores is by taking in air samples of your home and put it into a laboratory test. Since mold spores like those of the black mold variety are not visible to the naked eye, taking in air samples to the laboratory can help determine whether the air inside your house is free from potential health hazards brought about by household molds.

When is the best time to ask for an Air Sampling and Mold Inspection test?

It is best to schedule a regular certified home inspection every couple of years. Certified home inspectors can advise you for the best time to take an Air Sampling and Mold Inspection. Your expert home inspector can also better notice some traces or suspects a mold infestation in your house compared to the average homeowners.

Other signs like water damage, wall and ceiling discoloration and musky smell can also be used as your signal to contact your home inspector and tell him to do an air sampling.

The home inspector usually takes two air samples inside your house. He also takes two air samples from outside your house, one from the windward side of your house and the other the leeward side of the house. 

However, home inspectors are not obliged to take a sample if his health would be in apparent danger.

Where to take Air Samples?

Samples should be taken from a room where you suspect molds are in hiding. Previous history of water damage, water intrusion, musty odors, past history of mold growth are just some signs that a room should be inspected and air samples should be collected for further analysis.

It only takes around 10 minutes for the machine to finish collecting an air sample. The machine will be placed in the center of the room and the collection device will be placed 3 to 6 feet above the floor.

Air sampling is done in closed conditions, so better close all the doors, vents and windows during the inspection. This will help stabilize the air and get the best air samples for accurate measurement. Air movement such as blowing of the wind or those caused by sudden movement could alter the findings from the air sample.

Samples of Air Sampling Machines for Mold Spores

Your home inspector can use either one or a combination of these 3 common air sampling devices.

Impaction Samplers

These devices use a calibrated air pump to force mold spores into microscope slides.

Cassette Samplers

Cassette Samplers are air samplers that uses forced air to impact spores in the collection media. These machines are usually disposable and are good for one time use only.

Air Born Particle Collectors

The air-born particle collectors trap the spores of molds directly to the culture dish. The culture dish is then used to determine which species of molds are present in your house.

For Air Sampling and Mold Inspections in the South Bay and Los Angeles Area, please call South Bay Home Inspections at (424) 210-7244 or visit our website at http://southbayhomesinspections.com.

South Bay Home Inspections also conduct Pool and Spa inspections and other certified home inspection services.

Home Safety Inspections: Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are devices commonly found indoors such as houses and office buildings. They usually come in a small red canister and are placed in the most fire prone places such as the kitchen.

Fire extinguishers are very important because they are used to stop or prevent the spread of fire.  Some fire extinguishers can even douse fires water cannot.

Know the Different Types of Fire

To know more on what fire extinguishers to buy and what they can do, it is important to determine first the different fire types.

Class A- This type of fire is a result from common combustible materials such as wood, paper and cloth.

Class B- Class B fire are fires brought about by the combustion of liquid substances such as fuel, kerosene, gasoline and grease.

Class C- Class C fires are caused by electrical disturbances. Fires of this type can be caused by short circuits, exposed electrical wires, power overloads, and exploding circuit breakers.

Class D- fires caused by combustible metals such as sodium, titanium, potassium and magnesium are considered Class D fires. This type of fire is more common in factories and chemical laboratories.

Class K- Class K fires are common fires in the kitchen that are often caused by cooking oil and lard.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Knowing the different fire types is the first step you should take when buying a fire extinguisher in your home. The next step is to know which type of fire extinguishers to buy for different types of fire. It is best to keep different types of fire extinguishers at home for you’ll never know when a fire will start and what causes it.

Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

The first type of Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers is those that use ammonium phosphate as the extinguishing agent. This type is commonly called multi purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers and is effective in fighting Class A, B and C fires. Most of these fire extinguishers are found in offices, schools and hospitals.

The other type of Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers is the Regular Dry Chemical fire extinguisher that is best for fire Classes B and C. Regular dry chemical fire extinguishers are best suited for your kitchen or garage.

Carbon Dioxide

These fire extinguishers contain liquid Carbon Monoxide and release it in gas form when used. They are best in fighting fire classes B and C. They are also environmental friendly and do not leave any toxic residue.

Water Extinguishers

They should only be used for Class A fires. These fire extinguishers can even spread the fire if used in fire classes B and D. You might also get electrocuted if you use these on Class C fires.

Wet Chemicals

These are used to combat fires originated from cooking oil and other kitchen materials. They can also be used in Class A fires.

Home Inspectors on Fire Extinguishers

During a home inspection, you certified home inspector should do the following:

• Check the fire extinguisher’s expiry date
• Check the canister for dents and cracks
• Locate a fire extinguisher 30 feet away from the kitchen.
• Make sure that the fire extinguisher is placed in a place that is visible and very accessible.

Your certified home inspector can also give you sound advice where to place your fire extinguishers and what type of fire extinguishers to buy.

For more information about Home Inspections in Los Angeles and the South Bay Area please contact South Bay Home Inspection.  You can also ask for a sample free home inspection report so you’ll know the coverage and things that our expert home inspector will look for when he visits your house.