Stucco has been used successfully for centuries in its traditional “cementitious” form. Synthetic stucco systems referred to EIFS have been in use since the 1960s in the United States. The most commonly referred to EIFS brand is Dryvit, but they are not the only manufacturer. Due to well publicized failures, “stucco” is now seen as a major concern. Many of these systems have been installed correctly and are up to standard. However, defective installations of either type of stucco can result in moisture intrusion within the walls which in turn will contaminate and compromise the structural integrity of the structure. The evaluation of either type of stucco system and determining the necessary remedial measures requires highly specialized training, equipment and expertise. IM has been recognized for such expertise, receiving certification as a third-party forensic stucco inspector. IM also offers the service of supervising remedial measures to ensure they are effective.

How old is Mold?

In Leviticus 14, 33-53, 505 words were dedicated to the serious awareness of this issue. We can hardly do less in our evaluation and recommendations to address this hazard. IM provides the accurate analysis, evaluation and the control measures used in remediation of this threat in your structure. We can provide a quick and decisive air-quality test via certified laboratory of the type, amount and condition of any mold or fungus within your structure above exterior benchmark levels. This necessary first step will determine the types and quantity of mold and fungus present within a structure, and thus what will be required for proper and accurate remediation. If residents suffer from allergies or asthma, this is especially important as moisture issues may make these conditions worse.

Lead paint manufacturers were mandated to terminate production of all lead-based paint in 1978 by the federal Government. Several case studies recently performed by IM have revealed some interesting data.

LEAD PAINT residual within a dwelling built 8 years after the 1978 mandate. A recent investigation of a client’s purchase of a 1985 residential structure uncovered lead contaminated dust on the floors and walls of this dwelling. Although the levels were below the action level as deemed by the EPA they were nonetheless present in several areas of this home. The amount of this residual dust can easily accumulate on the hands and clothing of a child within that building. IM can
provide a quick and inexpensive residual dust analysis by laboratory standards.

A simple residual lead dust test can determine any presence in your home.

LEAD in the soil around a dwelling. In a second case a dwelling built in the 1950s had painted wood siding. The buyer wanted to replace the wood clapboard siding with a simulated wood shake in vinyl siding. The siding revealed levels of lead paint present that suggested further soil testing after removing the siding. A lead specialist was hired to sample and remediate any levels above the EPA benchmark. Surprisingly, the test revealed contamination far above those levels that might reasonably have been expected from the siding replacement. Total remedial cost and soil replacement was in the low five figures.

It is important to remember that even newer construction may have used a site of a former, pre-1978 building and lead paint from that earlier structure may remain in the soil.