Schafer understands the concern about mold and mildew, and our highly experienced inspection personnel can quickly identify, explain, and resolve these problems. Schafer first documents information describing the nature of the moisture infiltration, mold amplification, reasons for the indoor air quality (IAQ) investigation and area of concern (AOC) to understand the scope of investigation. The information provided would assist with the anticipated workload of the investigation activities, including the type of investigation activities.

Inspection services for moisture and mold issues would typically begin with identifying the extent of moisture intrusion visually, utilizing an infrared thermal imaging camera and with moisture meter readings of building materials. Schafer’s assessment of an identified AOC may include:

• Collect tape lift bulk samples of suspect surfaces in the AOC and a control sample of an unaffected surface.
• Perform a visual evaluation and inspection of the AOC. Schafer may not identify all possible microbial reservoirs or growth at the AOC, as walls and floors may hide certain building materials with potential mold growth.
• Collect mold air samples utilizing Allergenco-D mold spore trap air monitoring cassettes in accordance with manufacturers specifications. Schafer will collect samples in AOC as per client request to determine airborne contamination, including one air sample in an unaffected area and one control sample outdoors.
• Where applicable, use a thermal imaging camera and direct-reading instrument to evaluate the relative moisture content of construction and finish materials building materials such as gypsum wallboard, wood framing, or other porous building materials in the areas of reported mold growth.
• Take photographs as part of the assessment documentation. Photographs will be presented in the final report.
• Schafer will utilize provide diagrams of the project site to identify mold remediation areas and the scope of recommended mold remediation. Mold growth is inherently difficult to identify in hidden areas, and the extent of required mold remediation may increase once walls, etc. are removed.
• Prepare reports of the findings of this inspection and the recommended mold remediation scope of work.

If mold remediation is determined to be required, Schafer would coordinate a mold remediation contractor to walk the project during our assessment to provide remediation costs. Schafer can provide turnkey mold remediation and subcontract the remediation contractor. Schafer will function as a consultant in coordinating remediation activities according to EPA recommendations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulatory guidelines to follow, but no formal regulations have been issued. Schafer has developed stringent data quality objectives for mold and moisture remediation projects that are recommended to be met before areas are reopened for occupancy. We will provide clearance inspection services following remediation to confirm successful completion of cleanup activities. Post-remediation mold clearances would include visual inspection and mold air sampling services in the affected area; one in the unaffected area and one control sample outdoors. Schafer would then compare the spore count results to EPA recommendations and use experience and reasonable judgement to determine if additional remediation activities are required for re-occupancy. The timeline for completion of inspection work and remediation work is dependent on the size of the project.

Schafer separates the investigative and post-remediation services and reports into two phases. This allows us to provide clients with our detailed findings as the project develops. Upon receiving the laboratory data, Schafer will verbally notify the client and provide a written report within five business days for each phase.