This guide categorizes two types of mold inspections performed on residential and commercial buildings. One type is the Complete Mold Inspection. The other type is the Limited Mold Inspection. All sampling is performed according to the IAC2 Mold Sampling Procedures.
Complete Mold Inspection
The Complete Mold Inspection is performed by an IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector and is performed in accordance with the Mold Inspection Standards of Practice of the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants.
The IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector performs:
- a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible, visible, and installed systems and components of the building, as outlined in the IAC2 Mold Inspection Standards of Practice;
- moisture, temperature and humidity measurements;
- at least three air samples (one indoor and two outdoor); and
- possibly one surface sampling at an area of concern.
The IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector reports on:
- moisture intrusion;
- water damage;
- musty odors;
- apparent mold growth;
- conditions conducive to mold growth;
- the results of a laboratory analysis of all mold samplings taken at the building; and
- any system or components listed in the Standards of Practice that were not visually examined, and the reasons they were not inspected.
Unless the IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector and client agree to a limitation of the inspection, the inspection will be performed on the primary building and attached parking structure.
A Complete Mold Inspection includes:
- a visual examination of the entire building, its systems and components;
- moisture, temperature and humidity measurements; and
- taking mold samples.
Limited Mold Inspection
The Limited Mold Inspection is performed by an IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector. The difference between a Complete Mold Inspection and a Limited Mold Inspection is a limitation of the non-invasive, visual examination of the building.
The Limited Mold Inspection does not include a visual examination of the entire building, but is limited to a specific area of the building identified and defined by the IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector.
Prior to the inspection, the IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector and client shall agree to the limitations of the visual examination. As a result, potential sources of mold growth in other areas of the building may not be inspected.
The IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector shall perform:
- a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible, visible, and installed systems and components of only the specific room or area defined by the inspector;
- at least three air samples (one indoor and two outdoor); and
- possibly one surface sampling at an area of concern.
The IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector shall report:
- moisture intrusion;
- water damage;
- musty odors;
- apparent mold growth;
- conditions conducive to mold growth; and
- the results of a laboratory analysis of all mold samplings taken at the building.
The Limited Mold Inspection is a fast and affordable way to confirm the existence of mold and, if possible, determine the type of mold present in a specific, defined area of the building.
An example of a Limited Mold Inspection:
The inspector’s client requests a Limited Mold Inspection to be performed. The scope is specifically limited to the under-floor crawlspace of the building. Only the crawlspace will be inspected, including a non-invasive examination of the crawlspace. At least one mold sample will be taken, typically a tape sample, if apparent mold is visible.
A Limited Mold Inspection includes:
- visual examination limited to a specific, defined area of the building; and
- mold samples.
For more information about the Complete Mold Inspection and Limited Mold Inspection, read the How to Perform Mold Inspections Book.