A Professional Mold Evaluation Before Considering Acquiring or Listing a House Near Atlanta, Georgia Will Prove Invaluable Peace of Mind

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with excess moisture. It can present in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, or poor airflow. It can grow on organic-based items, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually look for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While many types of mold are benign, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for people who are vulnerable. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and rash. Pets can also be affected by mold, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of particular concern in Atlanta, Georgia and an important component of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It's ok if you're concerned for the health of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they are able to assess an individual for mold exposure? We are not able to provide that as a part of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically pose an outsized risk to the health of most people, it's particularly detrimental for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and consume cellulose-based materials and ruin them over time. Examples of cellulose or plant-based materials used and stored inside of houses include:

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

Mold testing can detect the species and uncover the source of moisture contributing to an outbreak inside of your current home or the one you're planning on buying. A frequent request posed to mold inspectors is if we are able to test a person for mold poisoning. This cannot be ascertained by our mold inspection service but can be provided by your doctor with blood and skin testing. A proficient mold inspection will offer you more leverage in your home-selling negotiations or provide you more understanding into the quality of your investment and the security of occupants when buying a home.

What Should I Expect During a Mold Inspection?

A trustworthy mold inspection service typically involves a complete examination of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the scope of the issue. The specific procedures for a dependable mold inspection may change depending on the house size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector collects information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality doubts. Mildewy smells or health symptoms experienced by occupants will also be examined.
• Visual Inspection: An extensive visual inspection of the home is performed, including throughout both the interior and outside areas. The mold inspector scans for visible signs of mold growth, water damage, and other moisture concerns using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to discern areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector might use moisture detection equipment, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to identify areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help uncover areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be carried out to analyze indoor air quality and establish the presence of floating mold spores. Air filters and extraction equipment are employed to acquire air samples from diverse areas of the home. These samples will be submitted to a laboratory for evaluation.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is suspected but not obvious, your mold inspector could collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other protions. This requires swabbing or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also submitted to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector creates a detailed report summarizing their results. The report usually includes details on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if identified), and suggestions for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector offers recommendations to deal with the mold issues and avoid further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up assessment may be executed to confirm that the cleanup efforts were successful and that the mold issue has been correctly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold prevention methods, including adequate air circulation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Do I Get Ready for the Mold Test?

You can follow a few simple rules to support your mold inspector in carrying out a detailed and complete home inspection. Actions to refrain from include preparing food, smoking, using chemical cleaners, or using air purifiers to avoid distorting air measurements that your mold inspector will obtain.

You should ensure clear access to areas that your mold inspector is going to have to access by clearing clutter and hindrances that might hinder the examination. Moreover, provide appropriate information about any previous water damage or plumbing issues in the house. It's also useful to document areas of concern with pictures or notes to support in potential remediation efforts.

Talk with your nearby Pillar To Post™ before your mold inspection service appointment to obtain further information on the way to ensure an precise inspection.

Book a Mold Inspection Right Away

Mold has the potential to rapidly grow inside a residence and pose a risk to the health of occupants as well as the structural stability of the property itself. An accurate and detailed professional mold inspection offers valuable insights on halting its growth and eradicating the fungus for good. Prospective homebuyers can obtain essential information to make knowledgeable decisions, while property owners can utilize the report obtained from a mold inspector to safeguard their property or expedite the closing process. When searching for the most reliable mold inspection service near Atlanta, Georgia, choose the most recommended name by property owners, buyers, and real estate professionals and call Pillar To Post™ today.