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In need of radon testing or mold analysis? No problem! Our team of professionals has got you covered. Schedule an inspection to get started today.
Testing Services
Our company provides clients with radon screening and mold/moisture analysis.
The Master Inspection Group is a full service real estate inspection and consulting firm specializing in the inspection, diagnostics and testing of residential and commercial properties. The company services all of TN and is a recognized leader in testing and diagnostic inspections in the area. Tennessee Building Inspections combines a focus on customer service and experience with the utilization of technology to provide clients with the highest quality and fastest delivery times in the market.
Radon Screening
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is emitted from the earth and found nearly everywhere in the United States.
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers. Radon is difficult to detect as it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. The only accurate way to detect radon is to have a certified test conducted in your home, office, or business. We offer our clients certified radon testing services using the latest in electronic radon testing equipment. We can provide our clients with short-term screening and comprehensive test results in as little as two days to expedite our clients’ needs.
Why should you test for radon?
According to the EPA, everyone should test for Radon. We offer testing using state-of-the-art Sun Nuclear continuous monitors. Our monitors are calibrated yearly by an independent lab to ensure accuracy.
Should you mitigate?
The EPA recommends that everyone should mitigate if the results of the test are 4.0pCi/l or more. So what does 4.0pCi/l mean? Well, let’s put it in everyday terms. According to Radon Awareness, “If you live in a home for 1 year that has exactly 4.0 pCi/L then your radiation exposure is the same as 200 chest x-rays per year.”
New Construction
If you are getting ready to build, a passive system may be all that is needed to prevent your home from future Radon exposure. Most of these systems can be installed economically and can fit into your construction budget. Most builders could install Radon systems for less than $1000 if they took the time to find out what is needed and how to do it right. In addition, the mitigation system can be hidden out of sight and vented through the roof. We will be happy to meet with you or your builder during your planning/building stage to share what is needed to ensure the air quality of your new home or business. If Radon concerns you, then this is the most economical time to have a radon reduction system installed. For more information please contact us today.
Other Benefits
Other than removing radon, a radon reduction system offers several other key benefits. It removes other earth and soil gases, and it can reduce moisture under your slab or crawl space. The active dampness control that it offers can remove as much as 1200 gallons of water a year. This in return can reduce the need for dehumidification and help lower your heating and cooling costs. This also reduces the chances for harmful molds and mildew to develop in your home.
We offer our home inspection clients a FREE short-term radon screening while we are at the home inspection. This gives us a chance to determine the best place to perform our certified test should our clients decide to have the longer-term Radon Tests of 48 hours or more. The long-term Radon Test is the only way to determine whether mitigation is needed. Consult our office or your inspector for testing fees.
We offer our home inspection clients a FREE short-term radon screening while we are at the home inspection. This gives us a chance to determine the best place to perform our certified test should our clients decide to have the longer-term Radon Tests of 48 hours or more. The long-term Radon Test is the only way to determine whether mitigation is needed. Consult our office or your inspector for testing fees.
Mold Inspection and Testing
Building Moisture and Mold
We solve moisture issues related to:
- Roof & gutter leaks
- Basement water intrusion
- Crawl space moisture
- Exterior drainage issues
- Leaking windows & doors
- Faulty siding and installation
- Leaking plumbing
- Failed HVAC equipment
Moisture Diagnostics
Eight of the top twelve issues found during a home inspection involve moisture-related problems. Excessive moisture comes from many sources and must be eliminated or managed to prevent damage to the building’s components and health issues for occupants. We use Infrared Thermography to survey areas of concern and follow up with highly specialized moisture meters to determine the extent of moisture penetration, concentration, and possible damage.
Water Damage
Water is a powerful force. Any doubt of this fact can be erased by a simple visit to the Grand Canyon. And while your home is in no danger of becoming one of the Seven Wonders of the World, water can wreak havoc on a much smaller scale.
Water damage can come from several sources: floods, burst pipes, leaky roofs, seepage, etc. Many types are obvious, as is the damage caused by them. But even if you can’t see the damage right away, a slow flow of water can often be worse than obvious leaks. Left untreated, it can cause:
- Pipe corrosion
- Foundation damage
- Foul odors
- Mold
Repairing hidden water damage can be an even greater challenge. Depending upon the source of the damage, it may or may not be covered by homeowner’s insurance. In the case of mold, getting rid of the problem may be a monumental undertaking. How can you protect yourself from this menace? A professional inspection can help. Using moisture detection devices, coupled with years of experience, we can often detect water damage long before it becomes a problem.
Mold in the Home
The first thing to understand about mold is that there is a little mold everywhere – indoors and outdoors. It’s in the air and can be found on plants, foods, dry leaves, and other organic materials. It’s very common to find molds in homes and buildings. After all, molds grow naturally indoors. And mold spores enter the home through doorways, windows, and heating and air conditioning systems. Spores also enter the home on animals, clothing, shoes, bags, and people. When mold spores drop where there is excessive moisture in your home, they will grow. Common problem sites include humidifiers, leaky roofs and pipes, overflowing sinks, bathtubs and planted pots, steam from cooking, wet clothes drying indoors, dryers exhausting indoors, or where there has been flooding. Many of the building materials for homes provide suitable nutrients for mold, helping it to grow. Such materials include paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood and wood products, dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.
Exposure to mold
Everyone is exposed to some amount of mold daily, most without any apparent reaction. Generally, mold spores can cause problems when they are present in large numbers and a person inhales large quantities of them. This occurs primarily when there is active mold growth. For some people, a small exposure to mold spores can trigger an asthma attack or lead to other health problems. For others, symptoms may only occur when exposure levels are much higher. The health effects of mold can vary. The production of allergens or irritants can cause mild allergic reactions and asthma attacks. The production of potentially toxic mycotoxins can cause more severe reactions and in rare cases death.
The importance of mold in the real estate market today
Much has been made of indoor mold in advertising and the media lately, so it’s a common concern for homeowners and buyers. It’s common to find mold even in new homes. Whether you’re selling your current home or looking into buying one, it’s vital to get a mold inspection. The presence of active mold can drastically affect the resale value of any home. For homeowners, a mold inspection will either put your mind at rest or make you aware of any problems that could otherwise cause delays once you’ve entered negotiations with a buyer. A professional mold inspection will give you a signed report from an expert before you put the home up for sale. Imagine being able to show a “clean bill of health” to potential buyers that express concerns – they’ll be impressed by your thoroughness and commitment to your home. For buyers, getting a mold inspection will ensure that you’re not surprised by costly clean-up and the potential health hazards of mold. If any mold is found to be present and active in the home, the mold inspection will allow you to ask the seller to do the clean-up before buying the home.
Should I be concerned about mold in my home?
Yes. If indoor mold is extensive, those in your home can be exposed to very high and persistent airborne mold spores. It is possible to become sensitized to these mold spores and develop allergies or other health concerns, even if one is not normally sensitive to mold.
Can my home be tested for mold?
Yes. A mold inspection is outside of the scope of a Home Inspection. We recommend that you or your agent contact a mold specialist for inspection and testing. Mold conditions will be identified in your home inspection, but we do not identify the “type” of mold or any health-related issues with the mold.
How do I remove mold from my home?
First address the source of moisture that is allowing the mold to grow. Then take steps to clean up the contamination. Here are helpful links to learn more about cleaning up mold in your home.
Radon & Mold Testing Services FAQ
Why should I test for radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in many homes and buildings across the U.S. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without testing. As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., radon poses serious health risks. We use the latest technology, including state-of-the-art Sun Nuclear continuous monitors, to ensure an accurate reading and provide you with fast results—usually within two days.
How do I know if my home has high radon levels?
The only way to know if radon is present at dangerous levels in your home is to have a professional test. If radon levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigation. To put this into perspective, exposure to radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L for one year is equivalent to receiving 200 chest X-rays annually. Our radon screening services offer peace of mind by giving you a clear picture of your home's air quality.
Can I reduce radon exposure in my home?
Yes! If you're building a new home, installing a passive radon system during construction is an affordable way to reduce future radon exposure. Most builders can install these systems for under $1000. For existing homes, radon mitigation systems actively reduce radon levels and also help remove moisture, improve indoor air quality, and lower heating and cooling costs.
