The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Deer Creek, Illinois

How Is Mold So Dangerous to the Safety of People and Animals and the Structural Integrity of a Home?

Mold is a variety of fungus that thrives in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with abundant moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water damage, or poor ventilation. It can be present on various items, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will usually search for signs of leaks and water in a home to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While many types of mold are benign, others have been known to cause health concerns, especially for individuals who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Animals may also be negatively impacted by mold, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of special concern in Deer Creek, Illinois and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It's understandable if you worry about the well-being of yourself or your loved ones and make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if they are able to evaluate an individual 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 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 eat plant-based materials and destroy in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose or plant-based components used and stored inside of buildings are:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended before you purchase a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can propagate widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home over time. A skilled mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. A satisfactory mold inspection service will provide 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 halt further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some people inquire if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your healthcare provider through dermal and blood tests. If you think or know 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 Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the scope of the problem. The particular process for a professional mold inspection may change depending on the house size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information from the current homeowner regarding any apparent mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality worries. Earthy odors or health effects presented by individuals will also be assessed.
• Visual Inspection: The following task of our mold inspection service includes a thorough visual assessment of the home, both inside and out, inspecting for signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture-related problems. We examine areas inclined to mold growth, such as subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or HVAC systems.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector might use moisture detection equipment, like 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 collected from several areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be transferred to a laboratory for analysis to establish the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not visible, the inspector may take surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires swiping or tape-lifting areas of surfaces, which are then transferred to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are documented, including things visually seen, measurements, sample locations, and test outcomes. A detailed report is generated, outlining the inspection specifics, mold varieties identified, and advised measures for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is found, the inspector may give guidance for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a specialist mold remediation service. They may suggest steps to minimize moisture intrusions, improve air circulation, and halt future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A subsequent evaluation may be conducted to assure you that the remediation efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold prevention measures, including adequate air circulation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

Is There Any Actions I Should Take To Help My Mold Inspection Professional Do His Work and Obtain Accurate Test Results?

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

Some things we ask you not to do are:

• Do not clean or disturb any portions of the property where you suspect mold growth.
• Do not operate any air purifiers or air filtration appliances during the testing date, as these can impact the data of the test.
• If feasible, avoid cooking, smoking, or using any chemical-releasing products for a minimum of 24 hours before the inspection. This measure ensures that the inspection results are not influenced by foreign airborne contaminants.

It is additionally advised you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours before the inspection. This measure ensures that the air inside the home stays motionless and correctly reflects the standard indoor air quality. By adhering to these recommendations, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Acquire, Sell, or Move Into a Home Confidently by Booking Services From an Expert Mold Inspector Right Away

Mold is a quickly spreading fungus that consumes numerous building materials and household possessions. Allowing mold growth to escalate can cause substantial damages that may necessitate considerable financial resources to fix. Mold additionally poses a potential health hazard to at-risk individuals and animals. A thorough mold inspection is your best resource for identifying the underlying cause of the problem and developing a plan for cleanup. If you're searching for a mold inspection near Deer Creek, Illinois, Pillar To Post™ is the most dependable due to our cutting-edge technology and vast expertise. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to obtain the knowledge required for informed decision-making and protecting your assets and loved ones.