Is Seeking a Comprehensive Mold Assessment Worth the Cost?

The spores of mold are widespread in the surrounding environment, only becoming noticeable when conditions are right, and the fungus finds an ideal surface to colonize. The fungus usually chooses dark and humid areas. Among other things, your expert mold inspector will detect the source of the moisture – whether it's from recent flooding or leaks – to help you develop a course of action for remediation. Mold can be almost 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 animals.

Though mold is not hazardous for the majority of people, it does lead to serious cosmetic issues and a stale odor. Even more concerning, the fungus eats the surfaces that it colonizes, damaging materials and degrading the structural integrity of a house over time. It feeds on cellulose materials that are ubiquitous in just about every house, including:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended when buying a home or if you currently reside inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more costly to eliminate and resulting in extensive damage to a home over time. A professional mold inspector has the extensive knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. A satisfactory mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information needed to make smarter decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some people ask if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for contact with the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your doctor through dermal and blood tests. If you believe or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Should I Expect When I Receive a Mold Assessment?

A vetted mold inspection service is your optimal resource to assess the severity of mold infestation and devise a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing by Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the finest technology and techniques in the business for added assurance. The way your mold inspector conducts testing may differ from house to house, but will typically involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector obtains information about the property, any noted mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to design a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will perform a visual inspection of the property, assessing for any noticeable signs of mold growth. They will check areas of the house that are known to be liable to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector might use moisture detection equipment, such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to detect areas of the home that have high levels of moisture to help identify areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may require air samples to be gathered from different areas of the home using specialized equipment. The air samples will be forwarded to a lab for evaluation to identify the type and concentration of mold spores existing in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also take surface samples from areas of the house where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be forwarded to a lab for evaluation to identify the type of mold existing.
• Documentation and Reporting: A thorough report will be given to clients after the mold inspection is finished, including any areas of the home where mold was discovered, the species of mold present, and advice for mitigation.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is found, the inspector may offer advice for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a qualified mold remediation company. They may suggest steps to minimize moisture intrusions, improve ventilation, and stop future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After restoration efforts, the inspector may execute a follow-up inspection to ensure that the mold issue has been successfully addressed. Final testing may be carried out to confirm that the indoor area meets safe mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution measures, including proper ventilation, moisture control, and care procedures.

Is There Any Steps I Can Take To Help My Mold Inspector Carry Out His Task and Get Accurate Test Results?

You do not need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection aside from ensuring that your inspector can effortlessly access parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to make arrangements for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the inspection time to guarantee that the results of the inspection are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Some activities we suggest you do not do are:

• Do not clean or disturb any places within the house where you suspect mold colonization.
• Do not operate any air purifiers or air filters during the testing day, as these will alter the results of the test.
• If you're able, refrain from cooking, smoking, or utilizing any chemical-releasing products for at least 24 hours before the inspection. This step ensures that the inspection data is not influenced by other airborne contaminants.

It is additionally advised you keep all windows and doors closed for at least 12 hours before the inspection. This measure guarantees that the environment within the home stays still and correctly reflects the typical indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will improve the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Contact With Us By Phone or Make an Appointment For Mold Inspection Services On The Web

Mold can take hold quickly within a home and consume numerous building materials and household belongings. The fungus additionally presents a possible health danger to at-risk individuals and animals. When searching for mold inspection near your areaAR, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate results and a well-defined course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and inhabitants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.