[mjjstang]

I just did an inspection on a home I plan to purchase. I am no professional, but confident enough to do my own inspections. I found some issues and some other mold/rot, but they were explainable.

So my first question is WHAT is this, and second, it was just kind of out of place; no explanation of why it was there, though if it can be identified, it may help to explain how or why it is there. To me, it appears to be some type of mold, but maybe it is some building material or at least maybe some material that was on it caused something to grow. I don't know, I am clueless.

The conditions of the crawl were pretty good. There was some concern about the fact that the dryers (multi-unit) were both venting directly to crawl because the vent tube had separated from the outdoor vent. Though there was no sign of moisture damage around where the actual venting was taking place, so I doubt this aided in much growth. Anyhow, here is a pic. It was in a couple places fairly close to each other. Thanks for any help!

 

[griz]

Mold.

 

[mjjstang]

Mold.

Can you elaborate, type maybe? I am wondering why it would choose to grow where there is otherwise no sign of moisture/ surrounding areas are very clean and appear like new construction. Thank you for your response, though.

 

[griz]

Could have been something on the OSB.

Have it tested then you'll know exactly what it is.

 

[mjjstang]

Thanks, I think I will do that before agreeing to purchase.

 

[joed]

Could have been something on the OSB.

Have it tested then you'll know exactly what it is.

It's not just on the OSB. It has grown onto the joist as well.
Looks some type of mold or rot as a result of some sort of water leak. What is above that spot?

 

[jmon]

They sell mold test kits at any big box store. You can diy and find out for sure.

My guess, probably a one time thing from the dryer vents coming apart and venting directly into the crawl space.

Wear the proper protective posture equipment and get rid of the mold and rotted wood. Clean it up first with some mold remover, put some fans on it to air/dry/vent it out, and keep RH around 40 percent or less with dehumidifer if needed.

Unless you find a lot of it, I don't think it should be a deal breaker. Take pictures of it and negotiate the asking price. Most homeowners insurances cover mold remediation if you find a lot of it. Just a suggestion.

 

[mjjstang]

Thank you! Jut not sure about being due to the dryers, since it is not close at all, to where the vent is terminating, however maybe there was something on the wood that caused growth after general crawl conditions were humid due to the venting. Obviously the vents have to get fixed right away, regardless.

Thanks again for the response and suggestions.

 

[mjjstang]

It's not just on the OSB. It has grown onto the joist as well.
Looks some type of mold or rot as a result of some sort of water leak. What is above that spot?

That's the thing. There is nothing specifically in the area that would cause concern, plus, you would think that if there was leaking, you would see discolored wood directly around it, there is some discoloration showing in the background there, but right around the growth, there is just really clean nice looking OSB.

Well, now that I look closer, from the pics, it appears maybe there is some discoloration, didn't notice it when taking the pics, so maybe a substance other than water leaked, and it wasn't continuous, but the substance stayed on the wood, and allowed this to grow. just speculating. still need to test.

 

[griz]

These kits are available at most any home improvement store.

Very reasonable & accurate results.

http://www.prolabinc.com/

 

[carpdad]

Wipe a spot with alcohol damp paper towel. If it dissolves, it is a paint. When I was young and really stupid, one job was crawling around a crawl space less than 2' high. Damp earth, removing the garbage, including a few dead mice and bones. I am still living. For the inspection purpose, you can touch and scrape it to see what it is. You've already exposed yourself to the spores, and if that scares you, there is no place on earth where you can live naturally.
One spot is really good for a house. But you must have a pro inspection (for the lawyers, minimum). Ask your lawyer for a name. Don't ask your realtor.