I can’t find your email address? You are the bees knees and this video has answered so many of my questions and educated me enough to watch your other videos. You are like the God of fair and unbiased reporting and genuinely honest. I need to send you a message in regards to a point you made in this video that actually could help my family and our continued health issues after a R for mold. Super challenge for you from CA -Carrie
Hi Carrie. First and foremost, thank you for the very kind words! While I'm no god, I certainly strive to set myself apart from others. You're welcome to send me an email at josh@learniaq.com.
Welcome to the Wild West that is Florida mold assessment! 🙃 If you ever have any questions on assessments, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help a fellow IEP!
@@Jemhead 😂 You’re not alone there. I learn something new just about every day, most of which can benefit our clients. The caveat is that every time I learn something new, I have way more questions than answers for a while!
Spot on IAQ Josh. Would like to see this used as a teaching tool to show potential new assessment contractors are being taught what to do and not to do.
Most suck. Most don't do a real inspection. They are just overpaid sample collectors. Most have incorrect and / or a lack of knowledge about mold, mycotoxins, and how to investigate. They take an online course & start thei business. They are hurting people living with toxic mold by their negligence. This industry needs more rigorous standards and ongoing training requirements.
Thanks for the comment! You just provided comments on a near and dear subject for me… Before getting into anything, we have to make the distinction between the general population and those who are more sensitive to mold/fungi. For the general masses, a “traditional” mold assessment service will suffice. Granted, this would be more than just collecting samples, but one does not need to be knowledgeable of mycotoxins. While there is a low bar to get into this industry, there are distinguished certifications that are intended to separate average individuals from exceptional individuals. This all starts with a consumer doing their research and hiring one that fits the criteria that they are looking for. Now, when it comes to mold assessment and even mold investigations within properties occupied by individuals with sensitivities, the game changes completely. Professionals should be more knowledgeable of mold/fungi as a whole - including basic knowledge of mycotoxins. Most importantly here, the professional needs to be more erring on the side of caution with his/her recommendations. In instances where an area is on the fence, as far as needs for cleaning, strong consideration should be made to recommend a more intense cleaning approach - knowing the sensitivities at-hand. As far as professional hurting people living with toxic mold, I will agree with you that some professionals should not be working with sensitive individuals. However, consumers need to be knowledgeable enough to be able to determine if a professional is a good fit for their situation. Unfortunately, it’s a two-way street during the initial phone call/ interview process. While entry into our industry has lower standards, it’s really no different than any other trade - such as a “meh” plumber vs. one who seeks continuing education and implements new methods as they progress in their path. My recommendation for consumers with sensitivities is to seek professionals with accreditations from organizations such as the ACAC and other continuing education platforms with more rigorous requirements for certification. One should also do their research to see what professional organizations and even boards a professional is a part of. Professionals who are well versed with the subject matter at-hand and also involved in other elements of the industry through donating their time are likely a better fit for someone looking to have a passionate, knowledgeable individual working with them to resolve their concerns.
Hi Chris! At the moment, my only “training” for assessors is through content on my CZcams channel. However, I’m in the process on putting together curriculum for future courses. Simply haven’t settled on the platform in which I’ll be delivering this training - be it online, in-person, the combination of the two, etc.
What type of software do you use to create a report? I have looked at several dozen mold assessment reports and some are very short. I am a licensed home inspector/mold assessor and always looking to improve the process.
Hi Bob. Man... reporting software is something that I could talk about forever! I've tried everything from Auditing software to Home Inspection software and have finally settled on using Microsoft Word to accomplish my needs. I hope to do a video covering the best software platforms that I've found for reporting at a later date. With a pre-formatted Word document, I have my template with highlighted areas where I need to enter in information specific to each project. Surprisingly enough, I get through the report writing process pretty quick when I don't get distracted by CZcams videos and the sort. lol
Oh man… what up, Gabriel! Put hockey on a hold for a bit, but will definitely throw the gear back on at some point. Everything good with you and the CZcams channel?
Hi Keith. Depending on your use cases, camera selection will vary. If you’re looking to identify thermal anomalies with a pretty large delta T (surface temperature difference), a lower resolution thermal camera would do just fine - e.g., Flir Pro (phone adapter), C5, etc. If you’re aiming to observe more details in your thermal images, as well as looking at surface temperatures that don’t vary as much (low delta T), you’ll need a camera with greater IR resolution and thermal sensitivity. Flir E-Series cameras are the best bang for your buck, in my opinion. They’re lightweight, allow for charging a spare battery with a portable battery pack and produce great thermal images. Let’s look at a real life example: If you’re inspecting a home that has long term water intrusion from a window, a lower resolution camera will have difficulty picking this up - as the temperature of the wet drywall will be pretty close to surrounding non-impacted drywall. Now, if you are inspecting a home that suffered from recent water damage, even a lower resolution camera should be sufficient for observing the surface temperature differences. A higher end camera would certainly be more beneficial, however, a lower end camera could still achieve most of the job.
I can’t find your email address? You are the bees knees and this video has answered so many of my questions and educated me enough to watch your other videos. You are like the God of fair and unbiased reporting and genuinely honest. I need to send you a message in regards to a point you made in this video that actually could help my family and our continued health issues after a R for mold. Super challenge for you from CA -Carrie
Hi Carrie. First and foremost, thank you for the very kind words! While I'm no god, I certainly strive to set myself apart from others. You're welcome to send me an email at josh@learniaq.com.
As a relatively new FL mold assessor I was able to learn a lot of “dos” and “don’t dos” from this video. Very educational, thank you for sharing!
Welcome to the Wild West that is Florida mold assessment! 🙃 If you ever have any questions on assessments, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help a fellow IEP!
Thank you very much! I very well may take you up in this offer since I feel I have more questions than answers the longer I do this. Lol
@@Jemhead 😂 You’re not alone there. I learn something new just about every day, most of which can benefit our clients. The caveat is that every time I learn something new, I have way more questions than answers for a while!
Spot on IAQ Josh. Would like to see this used as a teaching tool to show potential new assessment contractors are being taught what to do and not to do.
Thank you for the kind words, Culley!
Most suck. Most don't do a real inspection. They are just overpaid sample collectors. Most have incorrect and / or a lack of knowledge about mold, mycotoxins, and how to investigate. They take an online course & start thei business.
They are hurting people living with toxic mold by their negligence. This industry needs more rigorous standards and ongoing training requirements.
Thanks for the comment! You just provided comments on a near and dear subject for me… Before getting into anything, we have to make the distinction between the general population and those who are more sensitive to mold/fungi.
For the general masses, a “traditional” mold assessment service will suffice. Granted, this would be more than just collecting samples, but one does not need to be knowledgeable of mycotoxins. While there is a low bar to get into this industry, there are distinguished certifications that are intended to separate average individuals from exceptional individuals. This all starts with a consumer doing their research and hiring one that fits the criteria that they are looking for.
Now, when it comes to mold assessment and even mold investigations within properties occupied by individuals with sensitivities, the game changes completely. Professionals should be more knowledgeable of mold/fungi as a whole - including basic knowledge of mycotoxins. Most importantly here, the professional needs to be more erring on the side of caution with his/her recommendations. In instances where an area is on the fence, as far as needs for cleaning, strong consideration should be made to recommend a more intense cleaning approach - knowing the sensitivities at-hand.
As far as professional hurting people living with toxic mold, I will agree with you that some professionals should not be working with sensitive individuals. However, consumers need to be knowledgeable enough to be able to determine if a professional is a good fit for their situation. Unfortunately, it’s a two-way street during the initial phone call/ interview process. While entry into our industry has lower standards, it’s really no different than any other trade - such as a “meh” plumber vs. one who seeks continuing education and implements new methods as they progress in their path.
My recommendation for consumers with sensitivities is to seek professionals with accreditations from organizations such as the ACAC and other continuing education platforms with more rigorous requirements for certification. One should also do their research to see what professional organizations and even boards a professional is a part of. Professionals who are well versed with the subject matter at-hand and also involved in other elements of the industry through donating their time are likely a better fit for someone looking to have a passionate, knowledgeable individual working with them to resolve their concerns.
Agreed.
Good video brother! Never been a fan of encapsulation except in very rare situations
Yessir! It has its limited uses, but needless to say that many rely too heavily on it.
Do you do any training for other assessors?
Hi Chris! At the moment, my only “training” for assessors is through content on my CZcams channel.
However, I’m in the process on putting together curriculum for future courses. Simply haven’t settled on the platform in which I’ll be delivering this training - be it online, in-person, the combination of the two, etc.
What type of software do you use to create a report? I have looked at several dozen mold assessment reports and some are very short. I am a licensed home inspector/mold assessor and always looking to improve the process.
Hi Bob. Man... reporting software is something that I could talk about forever! I've tried everything from Auditing software to Home Inspection software and have finally settled on using Microsoft Word to accomplish my needs. I hope to do a video covering the best software platforms that I've found for reporting at a later date.
With a pre-formatted Word document, I have my template with highlighted areas where I need to enter in information specific to each project. Surprisingly enough, I get through the report writing process pretty quick when I don't get distracted by CZcams videos and the sort. lol
Where you been?!?!???
Oh man… what up, Gabriel! Put hockey on a hold for a bit, but will definitely throw the gear back on at some point.
Everything good with you and the CZcams channel?
@@IAQJosh sounds good, I even threw on some gear now lol and yes channel is going great!
@@GabrielDunkin You jinxed me! I just agreed to fill in as a sub tonight at 10:45pm. 😂 Maybe I’ll see you there!
@@IAQJosh wow look at that 😂 i just might see you
Hey Josh, I'm looking for a reasonably priced thermal imaging camera for inspections, what do you suggest?
Hi Keith. Depending on your use cases, camera selection will vary. If you’re looking to identify thermal anomalies with a pretty large delta T (surface temperature difference), a lower resolution thermal camera would do just fine - e.g., Flir Pro (phone adapter), C5, etc.
If you’re aiming to observe more details in your thermal images, as well as looking at surface temperatures that don’t vary as much (low delta T), you’ll need a camera with greater IR resolution and thermal sensitivity. Flir E-Series cameras are the best bang for your buck, in my opinion. They’re lightweight, allow for charging a spare battery with a portable battery pack and produce great thermal images.
Let’s look at a real life example: If you’re inspecting a home that has long term water intrusion from a window, a lower resolution camera will have difficulty picking this up - as the temperature of the wet drywall will be pretty close to surrounding non-impacted drywall.
Now, if you are inspecting a home that suffered from recent water damage, even a lower resolution camera should be sufficient for observing the surface temperature differences. A higher end camera would certainly be more beneficial, however, a lower end camera could still achieve most of the job.
@@IAQJosh Thanks a lot Josh, I'm mainly using TCI for moisture, Im thinking MR 277
LMAO, this was freakin' funny!
Why thank you! 😎