Home Inspection
Information From
Alban Home
Inspection Service
HILogo.gif (14793 bytes)
Vol. 7, No. 5

From the desk of ...
Arthur S. Lazerow

Mold problems in a home, or at least people’s awareness of this issue, have become a significant nationwide environmental concern. Newspaper, magazine, and television stories report how mold contamination can cause both severe structural damage to a home an also long-lasting and seri-ous illness to family members. Since mold spores
can be found almost nywhere, the trigger to mold contamination is moisture in the home. The article on the reverse of this month’s newslet-ter discusses this more fully.

Alban inspectors have been trained and equipped to perform mold investigations and mold testing. The first step is to interview the family and then to inspect the interior and exterior of the home, seeking the following “red flags”, which indicate the need for mold testing:

1. Visible mold growth

2. Family members with allergies, other illness, or sensitivity to mold or mildew.

3. Musty odor in the home

4. Evidence of past or present water infiltration. Condition that could promote water infiltration

5. Construction defect, plumbing problems, or leaking drains

6. Carpet in direct contact with concrete If “red flags” exist, testing is performed, which consists of (1) direct sampling of visible mold to
identify specie, and (2) air and carpet vacuum pump sampling to show mold contamination,
degree and specie. This can be done during the home inspection or by appointment.

Alban’s inspectors are available for consultation
without charge, and for mold investigations and testing. Please call Alban as mold infestation or moisture problems arise.

AlbanLogoSm.gif (2722 bytes)

573 Lancaster Place
Frederick, Maryland 21702
Metro 1-800-822-7200
301-662-6565

Full Fee Refund
IF SALE DOESN'T CLOSE

Preventing CO Poisoning
With Annual Maintenance
A simple maintenance plan and monthly check-up can help prevent this silent and odorless killer.

There’s no doubt about it: an annual heating system inspection and follow-up maintenance is essential to the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning. Many agencies, including the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Fire Prevention Association and the American Lung Association, now encourage the regular maintenance of home heating systems and chimneys in order to keep “the silent killer” at bay. A well-tuned furnace or boiler, when connected to the properly-sized venting system or flue, will operate efficiently and keep the home warm, comfortable and safe. Of course, the flue or venting system must be structurally sound, clean and free of blockages. Homeowners should contract for an annual inspection to insure these condi-tions.Vol4No8img1.gif (14158 bytes) Carbon monoxide detectors are another “must have” for the home today. These are readily available in most large retail stores and hardware stores, and they’re affordable, so every home should have at least two. One should be mounted near the furnace, and the other near the family sleeping area. Although carbon monox-ide detectors have been lifesavers, they are not a substitute for routine maintenance. Homeowners should remember that detectors point out a problem; mainte-nance can avoid the problem to begin with. Another good maintenance tip is to have a qualified technician service your furnace at least once a year. Also have chimneys checked annually by a C.S.I.A. Certified chimney sweep, who can clean the chimney or repair it as needed. Considering the benefits of a well-maintained heating system - and the risks involved when systems are neglected - the smart home-owner would consider such inspections a sound investment.


|| Next Page || Back to Index Page || Alban Home ||