Mold Inspection in Port Orchard, WA

How moisture shows up in Port Orchard

Port Orchard, the Kitsap County seat, sits on the south shore of Sinclair Inlet across from Bremerton, with a waterfront downtown along Bay Street. The city warns that king tides combined with winter weather can raise water enough to threaten shoreline areas and downtown businesses. Heavy rain running off the hill during high tides has flooded downtown before: the water couldn't drain to the bay, and the city closed part of Bay Street and the roundabout at Bethel Avenue and Mile Hill Drive until the tide went out. Away from the water, housing is newer than in much of the region; Census-based figures put the median year built at 2004. Newer, tighter homes can still grow mold when indoor humidity has nowhere to go, often in attics, closets and around windows. Bath fans that are undersized, run for only a few minutes, or vent into the attic instead of outdoors are frequent culprits, and an inspector can check where each fan actually discharges.

Inspection vs testing

EPA says that when mold is visible, sampling is usually unnecessary, and there are no federal limits to judge results against.

Signs worth checking

• Water marks on lower walls or flooring in a downtown building after a high-tide storm.
• Black dots on window frames and the bottom of curtains in winter.
• Frost or dampness on attic nails, or a musty smell from the attic hatch.
• Bathroom ceilings that stay wet long after showers.

Timing

Schedule as soon as any flooding has drained; EPA says to assume mold growth if a flooded home couldn't be dried within 24 to 48 hours. For condensation problems, winter is the best time to see them in action. Repairs within city limits go through the City of Port Orchard Department of Community Development Permit Center, and unfixed building problems can be reported on the city's Code Compliance Complaint Form.