A Comprehensive Mold Evaluation Before Considering Purchasing or Listing a Home in Compton, Illinois Will Prove Invaluable Peace of Mind

Should I Worry About Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found inside houses with excess moisture. It can appear in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water damage, or poor airflow. It can grow on various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually look for signs of leaks and water in a home to find the source of mold growth.

While some types of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for people who are vulnerable. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Animals are sometimes negatively impacted by the fungus, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of special concern in Compton, Illinois and part of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It's understandable if you're concerned for the well-being of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it's possible to test an individual for contact with mold? 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 harmful for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and consume cellulose-based materials and ruin in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose-based materials used and stored inside of homes are:

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

Competent mold testing is advantageous for homeowners, buyers, and sellers because of the insights it generates about the hazard this fungus poses to the soundness of a home. A mold inspector will verify the presence of mold, determine its species, and offer advice for its remediation. For present homeowners or future buyers and sellers, professional mold inspection will help to guarantee a safe and healthy living environment and can minimize further expensive remediation efforts down the line. Mold testing is strongly advised as an essential tool in upholding a safe and healthy living environment.

How Is a Professional Mold Inspection Performed?

A trustworthy mold inspection service is your ideal resource to detect the extent of mold infestation and develop a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing by Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the top technology and techniques in the business for added confidence. The manner in which your mold inspector carries out testing may vary with each home, but will typically involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector acquires data about the property, any noted mold issues, and your worries during the initial consultation to create a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The following task of our mold inspection service involves a complete visual assessment of the property, both inside and out, searching for signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture-related issues. We investigate areas prone to mold infestation, including subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and areas with plumbing or heating and cooling units.
• Moisture detection: Advanced devices like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be employed to uncover hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could facilitate mold growth.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be performed to determine indoor air quality and confirm the amount of spores in the environment. Air pumps and collection devices are used to collect air samples from diverse areas of the home. These samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for analysis.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed 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 areas of surfaces, which are then dispatched to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector creates a detailed report outlining their conclusions. The report normally includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold species present (if recognized), and suggestions for cleanup or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector supplies guidance to deal with the mold issues and halt further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After remediation efforts, the inspector may carry out a post-remediation assessment to ensure that the mold problem has been successfully addressed. Verification testing may be performed to assure you that the indoor space meets safe mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold prevention methods, including proper air circulation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

Is There Any Actions I Should Take To Help My Mold Inspector Perform His Job and Obtain Better Test Results?

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection apart from ensuring that your inspector can effortlessly access parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to plan for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the inspection period to make sure that the results of the test are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Some activities you should refrain from doing for the accuracy of mold testing include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any regions within the home where you observe mold growth to be growing.
• Do not use air purifiers or air filters while the inspection is being performed, as these can degrade the accuracy of the data.
• If feasible, refrain from engaging in tasks like cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing substances in the air for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the test. This measure will assist in avoiding the test data from being affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also advised to keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. This precaution ensures that the environment within the home stays motionless and precisely represents the standard indoor air quality. By following these guidelines, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Call or Schedule Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold is a rapidly growing fungus that devours various building materials and household possessions. Permitting mold growth to get out of hand can result in substantial damages that may necessitate a lot of effort and financial resources to repair. Mold also 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 problem and developing a plan for remediation. If you're searching for a mold inspection near Compton, Illinois, Pillar To Post™ stands out for our advanced technology and extensive experience. Arrange a date for our mold inspection services today to acquire the knowledge necessary for informed decision-making and protecting your investment and loved ones.