Gary wellborn
09-13-2010, 03:13 PM
I just completed an inspection of a home in the Charleston, SC area that has a elevator service for three floors. The home is on a 10' raised foundation that is enclosed on all four sides with standard sheathing and no insulation. Part of the enclosed foundation acts as a garage but is open inside to finished (drywall ) living and staorage areas.
The elevator shaft is located at the center point of the home with stops at the first floor main living area and the second floor living area.
The client has been suffering from mold allergies ( according to her Allergist ) and after several inspections and cleaning of the airducts and HVAC sytem ( four weeks ago ) is still suffering.
I was called in to perform another inspection for mold and checked all likely sources both visually and with infrared. The IR showed several high moisture areas which we have addressed and the visual also located small areas of mold in a bathroom. These were also addressed and have been cleaned thoroughly.
My questions concerns the elevator shaft which is the only other area that presents itself as a likely source for mold.
I have scanned the shaft and there appears to be a large area of moisture on two walls at the lower level. I took contact samples today and have sent them to the lab. Can anyone suggest the best way to clean the shaft. I need to use a full drape so the spoors do not travel to the upper floors.
I have recommended to the owner that better ventillation of the elevator would be advised to control mold growth in the future. I would appreciate any helpful comments.
The elevator shaft is located at the center point of the home with stops at the first floor main living area and the second floor living area.
The client has been suffering from mold allergies ( according to her Allergist ) and after several inspections and cleaning of the airducts and HVAC sytem ( four weeks ago ) is still suffering.
I was called in to perform another inspection for mold and checked all likely sources both visually and with infrared. The IR showed several high moisture areas which we have addressed and the visual also located small areas of mold in a bathroom. These were also addressed and have been cleaned thoroughly.
My questions concerns the elevator shaft which is the only other area that presents itself as a likely source for mold.
I have scanned the shaft and there appears to be a large area of moisture on two walls at the lower level. I took contact samples today and have sent them to the lab. Can anyone suggest the best way to clean the shaft. I need to use a full drape so the spoors do not travel to the upper floors.
I have recommended to the owner that better ventillation of the elevator would be advised to control mold growth in the future. I would appreciate any helpful comments.