How Does Mold Affect My House and Family?

Mold spores are widespread in the air, only becoming noticeable when conditions are right, and the fungus finds an appropriate surface to colonize. The fungus typically thrives in shadowy and damp locations. Among other things, your professional mold inspector will identify the source of the moisture – whether it's from recently occurring flooding or leaks – to help you develop a course of action for remediation. Mold can be nearly any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is famously associated with a particularly dangerous species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to trigger dangerous health effects in certain individuals and pets.

Though mold is not dangerous for most people, it does lead to serious aesthetic issues and a stale odor. Even worse, the fungus eats the surfaces that it colonizes, compromising materials and degrading the structural integrity of a home over time. It eats cellulose materials that are frequent in nearly every household, including:

• Drywall
• Wood
• Carpet
• Insulation
• Ceiling tiles
• Wallpaper
• Fabrics
• Upholstery
• Some Painted surfaces
• Paper
• Cardboard
• And More

Mold testing is strongly recommended when acquiring a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing more damage to a home over time. A trained mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information they need to make smarter decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eliminate it completely.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your doctor through skin and blood screening. If you suspect or know that you or your family has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a comprehensive assessment of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the extent of the infestation. The specific procedures for a professional mold inspection may differ depending on the property size, but generally includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality worries. Earthy odors or health symptoms presented by occupants will also be scrutinized.
• Visual Inspection: The following task of our mold inspection service involves a complete visual examination of the property, both inside and out, scanning for signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture-related issues. We inspect areas prone to mold infestation, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and areas with plumbing or HVAC units.
• Moisture detection: Measuring moisture levels is important in identifying potential sources of mold growth. Moisture sensors and other tools are used to measure the moisture content inside building materials and pinpoint areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Infrared devices may be used to locate areas where mold infestation may be occurring.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be carried out to determine indoor air quality and determine the presence of airborne mold spores. Air pumps and collection equipment are employed to gather air samples from diverse areas of the home. The samples are then transferred to a laboratory for evaluation.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not immediately apparent, your mold inspector could recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires swabbing or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also transferred to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are noted, including things visually seen, measurements, sample locations, and laboratory results. A detailed report is prepared, outlining the inspection information, mold varieties identified, and proposed remedies for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector supplies recommendations to address the mold issues and halt further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may execute a follow-up assessment to ensure that the mold problem has been effectively addressed. Verification testing may be conducted to assure you that the indoor area meets tolerable mold spore levels and is safe for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention measures, including appropriate air circulation, humidity management, and care procedures.

What Do I Have To Do To Prepare for the Mold Inspection?

The most significant way you can assist your mold inspector prior to their arrival is to remove all obstacles that might hinder their ability to conduct the test. This includes securing pets out of their path and removing clutter, furniture, or additional objects that make it hard for them to access multiple parts of the home.

Book a Mold Inspection Today

Mold is a quickly spreading fungus that feeds on numerous building materials and household possessions. Permitting mold growth to escalate can cause significant damages that will require a lot of effort and financial resources to fix. Mold additionally poses a potential health hazard to vulnerable individuals and pets. A competent mold inspection is your best resource for identifying the root cause of the issue and formulating a plan for cleanup. If you're searching for a mold inspection near your areaNB, Pillar To Post™ is the most dependable due to our advanced technology and extensive expertise. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to acquire the knowledge required for informed decision-making and protecting your assets and loved ones.