Full Service Construction and Environmental Property Loss Consultants      since 1985

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ENTEK provides timely, accurate, and cost-effective consulting services to identify and correct moisture concerns in buildings.

ENTEK has been retained by insurance companies, law firms, public agencies, and other consultants to provide investigative services including: visual investigations, remediation design and project management, cost auditing, health and safety investigations, and materials testing for buildings that experience moisture infiltration, roof failures and/or other types of water  losses that result in mold and mildew problems.

Background

Molds and mildew are types of fungi that, under the right conditions, thrive on various types of surfaces.  What are the right conditions??

Moisture                                       Temperature                                      Nutrients

Human comfort constraints typically dictate temperature controls.  Moisture can be from a one time event, such as a pipe break, roof failure or flood; or from a chronic moisture infiltration which could be attributed to poor maintenance of a building.  Moisture within a building is also effected by the presence of high relative humidity and either an antiquated or improperly operating HVAC system.  Nutrients are food and include dirt, paper and other organic materials.  Spores are naturally occurring, and can be found in almost all indoor and outdoor air. 

Spores need temperature, moisture and nutrients to thrive.  The fungal components of mold and mildew are considered allergens, and are major contributors to health related discomforts and indoor air quality problems.

How do I know if there is a problem?

· Flooding or nature disasters

· Failed roofing systems

· Condensation

· HVAC systems

· Building maintenance problems

· Structural problems

· Improper drying of building materials.

Visual Inspections

Thorough visual and olfactory inspections can be helpful when attempting to locate mold and mildew.  Mold and mildew are typically visible on certain building components, likewise, mold and mildew have distinct odors.

Historical Information

Historical review of the building can assist in determining the nature of the problem, and possible causes.  Historical review includes reviewing maintenance records, structural records, renovation records, employee complaints, and any response actions undertaken.

Sampling and Analysis

Air samples, wipe samples, tape and bulk samples can be secured to evaluate the type of mold and mildew present.  There is no generally accepted standard available to evaluate microbial sampling results, typically control samples are secured to be used as a reference condition.

Evaluation

Evaluation of sample results can indicate a long term condition or problem from a single event.  Depending on the genus and species of the fungi, different conclusions can be established.

How do I minimize the possibility of mold and mildew following a loss?

If your building has sustained a water loss, it is imperative that the building, including exterior surfaces, flooring, wall cavities, etc. be thoroughly dried.  Wet porous materials such as carpeting and ceiling tiles should be removed as soon as possible.  It is also important that wet files be aggressively dried to remove moisture from the building.  Drying your buildings is the first line of defense against mold and mildew.

 can ENTEK help!

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