A Dependable Mold Evaluation Before Considering Purchasing or Listing a House in Collinsville, IL Will Prove Invaluable Confidence

Is Mold A Concern?

Mold is a kind of fungus that thrives in warm and damp environments, and is commonly found inside houses with excess moisture. It can appear in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water damage, and poor airflow. It can be present on organic-based materials, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will typically look for evidence of leaks and water in a home to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While some types of mold are harmless, others can cause medical problems, especially for people who are vulnerable. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Animals may also be affected by mold, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of particular concern in Collinsville, IL and part of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to comprehend the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It's understandable if you worry for the well-being of yourself or your loved ones and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they're able to evaluate a person for contact with mold? We are not able to provide that as a part of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not always pose an outsized risk to the health of most people, it's particularly harmful for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and consume plant-based materials and deteriorate in a relatively short period. Common 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 is highly advisable before you buy a home or if you currently live inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can propagate widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and resulting in extensive damage to a home over time. A trained mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the insights needed to make better decisions about their investment and give current homeowners information into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for exposure to the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your healthcare provider through skin and blood screening. If you think or discover that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Should I Expect During a Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a comprehensive evaluation of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the extent of the issue. The specific procedures for a professional mold inspection may vary depending on the property size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector collects information about the home, any known mold issues, and your concerns during the initial consultation to devise a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: Your inspector will execute a visual inspection of the property, checking for any observable signs of mold colonization. They will inspect areas of the house that are known to be susceptible to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Specialized devices like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be employed to find hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could promote mold growth.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may require air samples to be collected from several areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for analysis to confirm the type and concentration of mold spores present in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also acquire surface samples from portions of the house where mold is suspected. These samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for analysis to confirm the type of mold present.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including observations, measurements, sample locations, and laboratory results. A thorough report is created, recapping the inspection data, mold types identified, and proposed remedies for cleanup, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector gives guidance to resolve the mold problem and stop further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may perform a secondary examination to ensure that the mold issue has been successfully addressed. Verification testing may be performed to validate that the indoor area meets safe mold spore levels and is healthy for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution methods, including appropriate air circulation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Enable a Smooth Mold Inspection Prior to When My Inspector Arrives?

You don't need to do a lot in preparation for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can easily reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to make arrangements for pets to be outside of the home throughout the inspection time to make sure that the results of the inspection are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

Some things we recommend you not to do include:

• Do not clean or disrupt any regions of the house where you suspect mold to be present.
• Do not utilize any air purifiers or air filters during the testing time, as these may impact the results of the test.
• If you're able, avoid cooking, smoking, or utilizing any chemical-releasing products for at least 24 hours before the inspection. This measure ensures that the inspection data is not influenced by additional airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours before the inspection. This measure ensures that the air inside the home stays motionless and precisely represents the usual indoor air quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and testing.

Schedule a Mold Inspection Now

Mold can take hold rapidly within a home and consume various construction materials and personal possessions. The fungus additionally poses a possible health hazard to vulnerable people and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Collinsville, IL, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate results and a clear course forward for cleanup. Protect your investment and inhabitants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.