Q: What does a mold inspection cost?
A: The mold inspection pricing is based on the size of the areas to be assessed. Mold inspection pricing starts at $975 for our limited mold inspection that focuses on a specific area of a building, rather than the entire structure. Commercial properties and larger residential inspections or areas outside our typical service area may incur an additional charge.
Q: What is a mold inspection?
A: A mold inspection is performed prior to the start of a mold remediation project with the purpose of gathering data to confirm or deny the presence of mold. If a mold issue is discovered to exist, the data gathered is used to develop a scope of work document called a mold remediation protocol for use by the remediation contractor.
Q: What is included in a mold inspection?
A: All inspections will include a visual inspection for microbial growth, elevated moisture, indications of past or present moisture intrusion, thermal imaging, temperature and humidity readings, identification of affected and damaged areas, particulate air samples, mold samples, mold sample laboratory analysis, a written assessment report with photos, findings and recommendations, and a written mold remediation protocol in accordance with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Mold Assessors and Remediators Administrative Rules.
Q: What is a remediation protocol?
A: A scope of work document that dictates the extent of work, any containment requirements, cleaning methods, and the clearance criteria that will be used to deem whether or not the remediation is successful.
Q: What does NTX Enviro do?
A: We specialize in mold-related inspection, detection, and testing.
Q: Does NTX Enviro do mold remediation?
A: No, we only do inspection, detection, and testing, we do not perform remediation or clean up thereby eliminating any potential conflict of interest.
Q: What is a post remediation clearance inspection?
A: A post remediation clearance inspection is performed after the mold remediation has been completed. The State of Texas requires that a project meet three criteria in order to be deemed a successful remediation:
Visual – no visible mold or wood rot;
Procedural – verify that the mold remediation protocol was followed as written; and
Analytical – has the work area been returned to a normal fungal environment.
Q: What is included in a post remediation clearance inspection?
A: The post remediation clearance inspection will include a visual inspection of the remediated areas, moisture measurements, temperature and humidity readings, particulate air samples, mold samples, mold sample laboratory analysis, a written assessment report with photos and findings, and a Texas Department of Insurance Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation if eligible.
Q: What does a post remediation clearance inspection cost?
A: Our post remediation clearance inspection pricing starts at $795 and is dependent on the number of samples required to meet the state mold statute testing requirements. Commercial properties and larger residential inspections or areas outside our typical service area may incur an additional charge.
Q: What are payment terms?
A: Payment is due when services are rendered.
Q: Methods of payment accepted.
A: NTX Enviro accepts checks, Zelle, Apple Pay, as well as all major credit cards.
Q: How long will the inspection take?
A: The time on-site is usually between 2 to 4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Q: What happens during an inspection?
A: The goal while on-site is to gather as much information as possible to prepare a specific, detailed scope of work (remediation protocol) tailored to the specific project. This allows the mold remediation contractor to have the quantities of material requiring cleaning and/or removal and will aid in getting the client an accurate estimate to complete the work.
Q: Are you licensed?
A: All NTX Enviro services are conducted by a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation licensed Mold Assessment Consultant (license MAC1317).
Q: Do you have liability insurance?
A: NTX Enviro has commercial general liability insurance in place in the amount of not less than $1 million per occurrence in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code chapter 78 requirements.
Q: Is a mold inspection covered by insurance?
A: Not all water and mold damage is covered by your residential property insurance policy. Many insurance policies do not cover remediation of mold and those that do generally have a cap on coverage. We encourage you to discuss your specific policy coverage with your carrier as NTX Enviro does not interpret insurance policies.
Q: Is mold remediation covered by insurance?
A: Not all water and mold damage is covered by your residential property insurance policy. Many insurance policies do not cover remediation of mold and those that do generally have a cap on coverage. We encourage you to discuss your specific policy coverage with your carrier as NTX Enviro does not interpret insurance policies.
Q: Do you report or submit information to the state about mold damage at a property.
A: NTX Enviro does not report mold inspection information to the state.
Q: When will I receive my reports?
A: The inspection report and remediation protocol are typically available within 1 to 2 days after the inspection.
Q: What is a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation?
A: A Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation (CMDR) is a form created by the Texas Department of Insurance to provide homeowners and any potential future buyers of the property with a level of assurance that identified mold issues have been eliminated. The certificate is proof that the mold has been removed and the cause of the mold is fixed. If you don’t have a certificate for the repairs or remediation, an insurance company can deny you coverage in the future based on past mold damage claims. If you sell your property, the law requires that you provide the buyer with a copy of all certificates you have for that property.
Q: How to get a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation?
A: The Texas Department of Insurance Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation is available to a client who uses a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant to provide a written remediation protocol and post remediation clearance in conjunction with having the remediation work performed by a licensed Mold Remediation Contractor.
Q: How is my confidentiality protected if I share personal information about myself with a company?
A: Under the code of ethics in the Rules, to the extent required by law, licensees must keep confidential any personal information about a client (including medical conditions) obtained during the course of a mold-related activity. Further, you may be able to negotiate a contract to include language that other personal information be kept confidential unless disclosure “is required by law.” However, licensees are required to identify dates and addresses of projects and other details that can become public information.
Q: Can property owners do mold assessment or remediation on their own property without being licensed?
A: Yes. A homeowner can take samples for mold or clean it up in the home without a license. An owner, or a managing agent or employee of an owner of a residential property is not required to be licensed, unless the property has 10 or more residential dwelling units. For non-residential properties, an owner or tenant, or a managing agent or employee of an owner or tenant, is not required to be licensed to do mold assessment or remediation on property owned or leased by the owner or tenant, unless the mold contamination affects a total surface area of 25 contiguous square feet or more.
Q: Rental properties, apartments, renters.
A: Per the Texas mold statute, NTX Enviro must contact the property owner prior to scheduling an inspection. The property owner must be provided with a copy of the Consumer Mold Information Sheet prior to any mold related activity being conducted.
Q: Do you do crawlspace (pier and beam) inspections?
A: NTX Enviro does not perform crawlspace (pier and beam) inspections.
Q: What is your service area?
A: We offer services within a 60 mile radius of The Colony, TX. Any requests outside this area will require a quotation.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: We have been involved in the property damage restoration industry in North Texas since 2011.
Q: Why should I use NTX Enviro?
A: Our assessment consultant has extensive experience in mold related IAQ inspections and testing as well as a background in water mitigation, mold remediation, and property damage services which provides a critical advantage and insight over other inspectors without hands-on experience.
Q: What is the objective of an inspection?
A: To gather data and evaluate whether obvious visual indications of mold or excessive moisture are present at the subject property in specific areas identified by the customer and using the following methods:
- Visual inspection to determine the presence, location, or quantity of mold or to determine the underlying condition(s) contributing to mold contamination.
- Procedural assessment focused on the discovery of signs of mold growth and moisture intrusion. Analysis of any microbial samples approved by client.
- Written report of the mold inspection findings and, where applicable, a report of the sample analysis.
Q: What does the visual part of the assessment include?
A: Observation of accessible surfaces. It is not designed to discover all areas that may be affected by mold growth on the property, rather, it is intended to give the client an indication as to whether or not conspicuous (based on observed areas) mold growth is present at the property. Inspection of inaccessible areas such as pipe chases, HVAC systems and behind enclosed walls and ceilings is not within the scope of an assessment.
Q: What is Relative humidity (RH)?
A: Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air relative to the total capacity of water vapor that the air can contain at a specific temperature. During an inspection, relative humidity readings are obtained from both the interior and exterior of the property. The relative humidity is measured and recorded to determine the potential effect it may have on microbial amplification. The optimal relative humidity range for occupied buildings is provided by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2016, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. The relative humidity levels should be designed to be limited to 65% or less for mechanical systems with dehumidification capability to minimize the growth of allergenic and pathogenic organisms (e.g., dust mites, fungi, and associated mycotoxins).
Q: What lab do you use for mold samples?
A: Microbial samples collected by NTX Enviro that require microscopic analysis are submitted under chain of custody to The Moldlab, a Texas licensed lab (TDLR license #LAB0137).
Q: What type of samples can you take?
A: Particle counter air samples, spore-trap cassette air samples, surface samples, swab samples, wall/ceiling cavity samples, bulk samples, and dust samples.
Q: What is a particle counter sample?
A: Particle counters are used to determine the air quality by counting and sizing the number of particles in the air. This information is useful in determining the quantity of particles inside a building or in the ambient air. It also is useful in understanding the cleanliness level in a controlled environment. These particles can vary in size, shape, and composition. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is especially concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller because these particles are inhalable. Once inhaled, particles can affect the heart and lungs and, in some cases, can cause serious health effects.
Q: What is a spore-trap cassette air sample?
A: Air sampling is designed to count and identify the presence of total fungal material in a measured volume of air. These samples are taken by using a Zefon Bio-PumpÒ Plus IAQ sampling pump, Buck BioAire™ Model B520 or Gast 1532 High Volume Pump w/Locking Flow Valve & Tubing that forces air through either an Air-O-CellÒ or Allergenco-D spore-trap cassette to collect mold spores for analysis via a microscopic screen. Culturable fungi or bacteria are collected for analysis with either a Via-CellÒ Bio-Aerosol sampling cassette or an N-6 impactor.
Q: What is a surface sample?
A: Surface samples are collected using a tape lift to analyze surfaces for mold and microbial contaminants.
Q: What is a swab sample?
A: Swab samples are collected on sterile cotton swabs and immediately sealed and labeled. These samples can be collected over a predetermined surface area or as a composite sample from various points on a contaminated surface. Surface samples are collected at locations exhibiting visible water staining or microbial growth. They are taken for the purposes of identification utilizing a microscopic screen, viable fungi culture or viable bacteria culture. Tape samples are another form of surface sample collected from a specific location exhibiting microbial contamination. They are utilized to microscopically identify fungi and cannot be cultured for fungi or bacteria.
Q: What is a wall/ceiling cavity sample?
A: Samples are collected by drilling a small access hole into the surface of the area to be sampled and inserting a plastic tube into the hole through which an air sample is pulled. These samples are collected on either an Air-O-CellÒ or Allergenco-D spore-trap cassette and analyzed microscopically. Wall/Ceiling Cavity samples are typically collected at locations associated with known plumbing leaks, roof leaks or any other source of water intrusion.
Q: What is a bulk sample?
A: Bulk samples are typically a 2” x 2” piece of material that is cut from its surroundings and having visible microbial growth or a suspect area on it. The bulk sample is then placed in a sealed container and submitted to the laboratory via a chain of custody for analysis.
Q: What is a dust sample?
A: Dust samples are samples of the dust material located within the carpets or other porous materials. These samples are analyzed via a microscopic screen, viable fungi culture, or viable bacteria culture. The viable culture data is reported in colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of dust. Bulk dust samples are collected to determine the average microbial loading within a fabric material.
Q: What equipment is used by NTX Enviro during a mold inspection?
A: Some or all of the following equipment may be utilized to gather data during an inspection: Vaisala model HM41 Humidity and Temperature Meter, Fluke model 985 airborne particle counter, Tramex Moisture Encounter Plus meter, Delmhorst BD2100 moisture meter, Tramex model CME4 non-destructive concrete moisture meter, Flir model E4 thermal imaging camera, Buck BioAire™ Model B520 sampling pump, Zefon Bio-Pump Plus IAQ sampling pump, and a Gast 1532 High Volume Pump w/locking flow valve.
Q: Where can I file a complaint?
A: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation regulates mold remediation in the state by administering the Texas Mold Assessors and Remediators Occupations Code and Administrative Rules. Additional information regarding the Texas Mold Program and the state mold statute can be found on their homepage at www.tdlr.texas.gov/mld/mld.htm. Anyone who believes a company or individual has violated the rules can file a complaint with TDLR. For information on this process, call 1-800-803-9202, or complete the online complaint form.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, Tx. 78711
Q: What is a sample raw spore count?
A: The raw spore count is the number of mold spores identified and counted on the adhesive air sample slide by the laboratory technician while looking through the microscope.
Q: What does the sample spores per cubic meter (count/m3) mean?
A: The spores per cubic meter count is a measure of the concentration of mold spores in the air. It is useful for comparing samples and understanding how many spores are in a given section of air. This is calculated based on the air flow rate of the pump, the time the pump was run for, the proportion of the sample enumerated, and the raw count. It is calculated as ((100/Proportion of Sample Analyzed)/(Air Flow Rate * Pump Run Time))*(Raw Count). This number is then rounded to two significant figures. The calculated concentration is useful for comparing samples with different volumes, sample types, and counting methods. It is also useful for understanding how many spores there are in a given section of air.
Q: What is Alternaria?
A: A common allergen that is typically found on plant tissue, decaying wood, and foods.
Q: What is an Ascospore?
A: A large category of mold spore that occur everywhere in nature and are known to be a plant pathogen. Ascospores have not been extensively studied but are considered an allergen and depending on the Genus and Species may produce mycotoxins.
Q: What is Aspergillus/Penicillium?
A: Health effects vary by species, but many are listed as allergens. Some species can produce toxins that may have significant health effects in humans. Aspergillus is listed as one of the most infectious types of mold, but infections are not common in normal healthy immune systems. Susceptible individuals typically begin to experience allergic type reactions when levels reach 500-700 spores/m3. Aspergillus and Penicillium produce spores that are so similar as to not be distinguishable by visual analysis alone and are therefore grouped together.
Q: What are Basidiospores?
A: A common cause of wood rot and are often higher in indoor air samples when there has been some type of water intrusion event.
Q: What is Bipolaris/Drechslera/Helminthos?
A: Considered a contaminant and possible health effects include allergic and chronic invasive sinusitis. Its natural habitat is on many plants where it will appear as a white, powdery mold.
Q: What is Cercospora?
A: Considered a contaminant and plant pathogen with no current known allergen related health effects.
Q: What is Chaetomium?
A: Referred to as a “water activity” mold – a mold that typically only shows up in water damaged buildings where there has been a moisture intrusion event. Some species of the Chaetomium genera can produce mycotoxins which are toxic metabolites produced by organisms of the fungi kingdom.
Q: What is Cladosporium?
A: Considered an allergen and a common agent of hay fever, asthma, and other allergy related symptoms. It is a very commonly found mold in air samples and often found in higher concentration in water-damaged building materials. It is also commonly found growing on HVAC vent covers and grills.
Q: What is Curvularia?
A: A contaminant that has been linked to rare infections of the cornea, nail, and sinuses, primarily in immunocompromised individuals.
Q: What is Epicoccum?
A: Considered an allergen but in rare situations can cause infections in the skin.
Q: What are Hyphal fragments?
A: Fragments of a mold spore without the identifying fruiting or root structure.
Q: What is Myxo/Periconia/Smut?
A: Considered a plant pathogen. Typically, these spores are associated with living and decaying plants but do associate with decaying wood as well, which is often found once drywall removal begins.
Q: What is Nigrospora?
A: Considered a Saprophyte – a plant, fungus, or microorganism that lives on dead or decaying organic matter and is not considered to be pathogenic.
Q: What does Non-specified spore mean?
A: The spore is NOT Stachybotrys.
Q: What is Oidium/Erysiphe?
A: Considered a plant pathogen with indoor plants being the normal environment. Some species can germinate in 0% humidity, and it will appear as a white, powdery mold.
Q: What is Pestalotiopsis/Pestalotia?
A: Considered a Saprophyte – a plant, fungus, or microorganism that lives on dead or decaying organic matter and is not considered to be pathogenic.
Q: What is Pithomyces?
A: Considered a contaminant and requires a high moisture level for germination. It is most commonly found in decaying leaves, soil and tree bark and rarely found growing indoors, but can grow on paper under the right conditions (the backside of drywall).
Q: What is Scopulariopsis?
A: Has been reported to cause toenail and some soft tissue infections in compromised individuals, but this is rarely the case. Also, otitis, and septicema are rarely reported.
Q: What is Stachybotrys?
A: Typically does not show up in an outdoor sample as it is what is referred to as a “water activity” mold – a mold that typically only shows up in water damaged buildings where there has been a moisture intrusion event. Some species of the Stachybotrys genera can produce mycotoxins which are toxic metabolites produced by organisms of the fungi kingdom.
Q: What is Torula?
A: Considered an allergen and is often found in soil, on dead leaves and indoors on cellulose-based materials.
Q: What is Trichoderma/Gliocladium?
A: While rare, has been reported to cause infections in some immune suppressed individuals. It can produce toxins similar to those produced by Stachybotrys.
Q: What is Yeast-like fungi?
A: A category assigned to spores that have morphological characteristics similar to yeast. Examples of yeast like mold are Acremonium and Exophiala.
Q: What is particulate matter?
A: A complex mixture of solid and/or liquid particles suspended in air. These particles can vary in size, shape, and composition. The size of these particles is measured in microns. A micron, short for micrometer and abbreviated µm, is one millionth (1/1,000,000) of a meter. A particle of 1 micron in diameter is far smaller than the period that ends this sentence.
Most airborne particulates cannot be seen with the human eye. In fact, approximately 98% of all airborne particles are less than 1 micron in diameter. Airborne mold spores are generally between 1 and 10 microns. Due to the lack of mass, these “invisible” particles tend to remain airborne for an extended period of time, drifting with the air currents, or attaching themselves to our clothing, animals, etc. These very tiny particles migrate on “pathways” driven by air movement or differences in air pressure. Small particles naturally migrate from areas of higher to lower relative pressure. Even very small differences cause movement. Because of their extremely low mass, they can take days, weeks or even months to settle out of the air. Ultrafine particles can penetrate even the smallest opening and are not detectable using most conventional particle detection instruments.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “particulate sampling (i.e., total numbers and size range of particulates) is a practical method for evaluating the performance of the HVAC system, with an emphasis on filter efficiency in removing respirable particles (< 5 μm in diameter) or larger particles from the air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is especially concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller because these particles are inhalable. Once inhaled, particles can affect the heart and lungs and, in some cases, can cause serious health effects. The human health effects of outdoor particulate matter are well-established and are used to set health-based standards for outdoor air (National Ambient Air Quality Standards, NAAQS). Particulate matter is also found in all indoor environments and have the potential to exceed outdoor particulate matter levels and the NAAQS. However, less is known about the specific impacts of indoor particulate matter on health. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the levels of air pollutants are two to five times higher indoors than outside, regardless of whether the buildings are located in rural or highly industrial areas.
Particle counters are used to determine the air quality by counting and sizing the number of particles in the air. This information is useful in determining the quantity of particles inside a building or in the ambient air. It also is useful in understanding the cleanliness level in a controlled environment. To date, there are no regulations for “acceptable” particulate levels. Particle counter data is used to help determine potential levels of spore and fungal materials that individuals may be exposed to.
Q: Can I go inside containment during the project?
A: Only persons licensed or registered under the Mold Assessors and Remediators Administrative Rules should have access to any mold remediation related containment work areas and those work areas should not be accessible to occupants while the work occurs.
Q: What is make-up air?
A: The purpose of make-up air is to replace air exhausted from inside containment and to introduce sufficient excess air to provide proper containment pressurization.
Q: What is a condition 1 environment?
A: The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) defines a condition 1 environment relative to mold as a “normal fungal ecology”, an indoor environment that may have settled spores, fungal fragments, or traces of actual growth whose identity, location and quantity are reflective of a normal fungal ecology for a similar indoor environment.
Q: What is a condition 2 environment?
A: The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) defines a condition 2 environment relative to mold as “settled spores”, an indoor environment which is primarily contaminated with settled spores that were dispersed directly or indirectly from a Condition 3 area, and which may have traces of actual growth.
Q: What is a condition 3 environment?
A: The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) defines a condition 3 environment relative to mold as “actual growth”, an indoor environment contaminated with the presence of actual mold growth and associated spores. Actual growth includes growth that is active or dormant, visible, or hidden.
Q: What are NTX Enviro’s hours?
A: The office is open from 9:00PM to 5:00PM Monday Through Friday. We are closed on weekends and holidays.
Q: Are you open on Chrismas?
A: No.
Q: Are you open on Thanksgiving?
A: No.
Q: Are you open on Labor Day?
A: No.
Q: Are you open on Memorial Day?
A: No.
Q: Are you open on the fourth of July?
A: No.
Q: Do you do air conditioner inspections?
A: We offer mold inspection services of the readily accessible areas of the air conditioner unit. This service is performed prior to the start of a residential HVAC mold remediation project with the purpose of gathering data to confirm or deny the presence of mold. If a mold issue is discovered to exist, the data gathered is used to develop a mold remediation protocol (work plan) for the mold remediation contractor.
Q: Do you do HVAC inspections?
A: We offer mold inspection services of the readily accessible areas of the HVAC unit. This service is performed prior to the start of a residential HVAC mold remediation project with the purpose of gathering data to confirm or deny the presence of mold. If a mold issue is discovered to exist, the data gathered is used to develop a mold remediation protocol (work plan) for the mold remediation contractor.