Mold, Moisture & Water Damage Services (Sampling)

At Sussex Environmental Consultants (SEC), our certified Indoor Environmental Professionals provide comprehensive mold, moisture, and water damage. The evaluations are completed using knowledge of building science focusing on moisture dynamics – how water enters, moves and dried in buildings – using principles of airflow, vapor diffusing and temperature to identify source(s), prevent growth and design remediation activities. 

Inspections include a full visual assessment of accessible areas, moisture mapping using professional-grade meters, FLIR camera thermal imaging to detect hidden water intrusion, evaluation of ventilation systems, boroscope or sampling for hidden moisture or mold and documentation of mold growth, water staining, structural damage, or building deficiencies contributing to elevated humidity or microbial activity. Each evaluation includes clear findings, photographs, and professional recommendations to guide necessary repairs, remediation, or preventative measures.

Fungal, Bacterial & Sewage Contamination Sampling

SEC offers a complete suite of microbial sampling services to accurately assess indoor environmental health. This includes:

Sussex Environmental Consultants (SEC) provides comprehensive Indoor Air Quality assessments to identify chemical, particulate, and biological (allergen-related) concerns that may be impacting the health and comfort of building occupants. Our evaluations go beyond mold to address a wide range of indoor pollutants, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), fine and coarse particulate matter, combustion byproducts, odors, dust, and common indoor allergens.

Using advanced instruments such as particle counters, VOC meters, humidity and temperature profiling, and allergen-specific sampling methods, SEC evaluates overall indoor environmental conditions and identifies factors contributing to poor air quality—such as inadequate ventilation, off-gassing building materials, cleaning chemicals, nearby combustion sources, or occupant activities.

All findings are interpreted by certified Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP), and results are provided in a clear, easy-to-understand report outlining areas of concern, contributing factors, and recommended corrective actions. Whether you are experiencing odors, chemical sensitivities, respiratory issues, or simply want peace of mind, SEC’s IAQ inspections help ensure a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment for homes, businesses, and facilities of all types.

Sussex Environmental Consultants (SEC) utilizes advanced thermal imaging and non-destructive moisture detection methods to identify hidden water intrusion, insulation deficiencies, and temperature anomalies without damaging building materials. Infrared thermography allows our certified inspectors to visualize temperature differentials behind walls, ceilings, roofing, and other structural components—helping pinpoint active leaks, trapped moisture, air infiltration, missing insulation, and areas at risk for mold development.

Our evaluations combine infrared scanning with professional-grade moisture meters, hygrometers, and detailed moisture mapping to confirm findings and determine the extent of water impact. This approach provides an accurate assessment of concealed conditions while minimizing disruption to the structure.

Following the assessment, SEC provides clear findings, thermal images, moisture readings, and recommendations for corrective action, repairs, or further investigation if needed. Whether you are concerned about a leak, moisture intrusion, or elevated humidity, our non-destructive inspection methods help identify issues early and protect the integrity of your home or building.

Sussex Environmental Consultants (SEC) provides specialized odor evaluations to identify and diagnose chemical, environmental, or building-related odor concerns. Unexplained odors can originate from a wide range of sources—including off-gassing building materials, ventilation contamination, chemical spills, sewer gases, microbial activity, or outdoor infiltration. Our team uses a combination of real-time monitoring and laboratory-based analysis to determine the source and severity of the issue.

SEC utilizes advanced instruments such as VOC meters, photoionization detectors, and humidity/temperature profiling to assess indoor conditions and narrow down potential causes. When a more detailed analysis is required, we offer EPA Method TO-15 summa canister sampling, which captures indoor air for laboratory identification of hundreds of volatile organic compounds at extremely low concentrations. These results help confirm or rule out specific chemical contributors responsible for nuisance odors.

All findings are interpreted by certified environmental professionals, and a clear, comprehensive report is provided outlining likely odor sources, contributing building conditions, and recommended mitigation or corrective actions. Whether odors are intermittent, persistent, chemical-like, musty, or unexplained, SEC’s odor evaluation services provide evidence-based answers and practical solutions to restore a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

Sussex Environmental Consultants (SEC) provides comprehensive expert services for legal matters, insurance claims, construction disputes, water loss investigations, environmental contamination cases, and indoor environmental concerns. Our certified environmental professionals conduct detailed inspections, review documentation, evaluate remediation efforts, interpret laboratory data, and prepare clear, defensible reports grounded in industry standards and scientific methodology.

Our team carefully analyzes all relevant materials—including prior inspection reports, moisture maps, remediation protocols, laboratory summaries, photographs, and contractor documentation—to determine accuracy, compliance, and the validity of conclusions presented by other parties. When needed, SEC performs independent site inspections, sampling, and diagnostic evaluations to provide an unbiased technical assessment of conditions.

Expert opinions, written findings, affidavits, and court-ready reports are prepared by our team of certified technicians and reviewed at the highest level by Susan White, PhD, Board-Certified Indoor Environmentalist, who also serves as SEC’s primary expert witness. Dr. White provides professional testimony for depositions, hearings, and court proceedings, ensuring that all conclusions are presented with clarity, scientific support, and industry expertise.

Whether supporting homeowners, attorneys, contractors, or insurance carriers, SEC delivers thorough, credible, and defensible expert services designed to withstand legal and regulatory scrutiny.

Sussex Environmental Consultants (SEC) provides comprehensive hazardous material surveys to support building renovations, demolition projects, insurance claims, and regulatory compliance. Before any structural disturbance occurs, our certified inspectors evaluate building materials for asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-based paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), all of which may be present in older homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities.

Our assessments include a detailed visual inspection of accessible interior and exterior materials, followed by representative sampling of suspect components such as drywall/joint compound, flooring, ceiling textures, caulking, mastics, roofing, insulation, window glazing, electrical equipment, and other materials known to contain regulated substances. All samples are analyzed by accredited laboratories using approved methods to ensure accurate identification and classification.

Following the survey, SEC provides a clear, comprehensive written report outlining sample locations, laboratory results, regulatory considerations, and any requirements for abatement or special handling prior to renovation or demolition. Our evaluations help property owners, contractors, and architects plan projects safely, remain compliant with federal and state regulations, and avoid costly delays or exposures.

Whether preparing for minor remodeling or full structural teardown, SEC’s hazardous material surveys deliver the critical information needed to move forward safely and responsibly.

Our expert fire and soot evaluations provide detailed assessments of structural and content damage after fires, identifying hidden smoke/soot penetration using visual inspection and lab analysis (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) to pinpoint acidic residues, assess health risks, and develop comprehensive restoration plans, ensuring deep cleaning, odor removal, and compliance for insurance or property recovery. PAH testing analyzes harmful chemicals from burning organic matter (coal, oil, wood) found in air, soil, water, food (grilled/smoked), and consumer products like cosmetics.

Fire damage is more than just char; it’s microscopic soot and smoke that penetrate deep into structures, affecting air quality and causing corrosion. Our specialized evaluations combine visual inspection with lab testing to map smoke pathways, quantify damage, and create effective cleaning strategies for walls, contents, and HVAC systems, ensuring thorough remediation and peace of mind. 

The evaluation includes:

Legionella bacteria can grow in building water systems and pose a serious risk if aerosolized or inhaled. Out Legionella Risk Evaluations are designed to identify conditions that may promote bacterial growth and to help building owners meet evolving regulatory and duty-of-care expectations. 

Our evaluation, directed by Susan E White, ASSE International Certified in Legionella Water Safety & Management (#61966) follow recognized guidance from:

Sussex Environmental Consultants (SEC) offers specialized environmental testing services for unique or emerging concerns not covered by standard indoor air or mold evaluations. These services include PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) testing, radon testing, water quality analysis, petroleum releases in homes/businesses and other contaminant-specific assessments tailored to the needs of homeowners, businesses, and industrial facilities.

We work with accredited laboratories capable of analyzing ultra-low-level contaminants using EPA-approved methods, ensuring reliable and defensible results. SEC provides sampling guidance, collection, and interpretation of results, along with clear recommendations for mitigation, corrective action, or additional investigation if elevated levels are identified.

Whether assessing groundwater for PFAS, performing radon screening for real estate or health concerns, or evaluating other environmental hazards, SEC delivers accurate testing and expert interpretation to help clients make informed decisions and maintain a safe property.

Sussex Environmental Consultants provides comprehensive environmental evaluations for residential and commercial real estate transactions. Our assessments help buyers, sellers, and lenders identify potential environmental risks that may impact property value, future liability, or suitability for redevelopment.

Services can include mold and moisture evaluations, asbestos and lead-based paint screening, radon testing, water quality assessments, and general building health evaluations. 

For commercial properties, SEC offers Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I ESAs) in accordance with ASTM E1527, including historical research, site inspections, regulatory review, and identification of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs).

These evaluations provide a clear understanding of environmental risks and help clients make informed decisions during real estate transactions. Whether assessing a residential home or a complex commercial property, SEC delivers thorough, defensible reports that support smooth closings and long-term property planning

Sussex Environmental Consultants (SEC) provides comprehensive industrial hygiene services to ensure workplace safety and adherence to OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH standards.

SEC’s industrial hygiene professionals evaluate workplace hazards through various methods: