Mold Inspection in El Paso, IL For Peace of Mind During Home Buying and Selling

Mold presents a hazard to individuals and animals and damages building materials. Mold testing from a certified mold inspection service is highly recommended before buying a home in El Paso, IL. Retaining a mold inspection while selling a home can also provide clarity and accelerate the closing process. Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely esteemed as the premier home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Defend your family and your possessions by choosing us when searching for mold inspection near you.

How Can Mold Affect My Residence and Family?

Mold is a variety of fungus that thrives in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can appear in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, and poor ventilation. It can grow on cellulose-based materials, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually inspect for signs of leaks and water in a home to identify the source of mold growth.

While most types of mold are harmless, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for persons who are vulnerable. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and rash. Animals are sometimes affected by the fungus, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in El Paso, IL and part of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It's understandable if you're concerned for the health of yourself or your family and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it's possible to assess an individual for contact with mold? We are not able to supply 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 examinations.

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 occupy and devour cellulose-based materials and deteriorate in a relatively short period. Some cellulose or plant-based materials found inside of homes are:

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

Mold testing can identify the variety present and reveal the source of moisture contributing to an outbreak inside of the home you own or the one you're thinking about buying. A common request posed to mold inspectors is if we are able to test a human or pet for mold exposure. Unfortunately, this cannot be established by our mold inspection service but can be conducted by a healthcare provider with blood and skin testing. A proficient mold inspection will offer you more advantage in your home-selling negotiations or provide you more knowledge into the quality of your investment and the well-being of occupants when purchasing a home.

What Should I Expect During a Mold Assessment?

A trustworthy mold inspection service is your optimal resource to identify the severity of mold infestation and create a remediation plan moving forward. Mold testing by Pillar To Post™ comes with the advantage of the best technology and methods in the industry for added assurance. Some aspects in how your mold inspector carries out testing may vary with each home, but will usually involve the following:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector collects information about the home, any identified mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to develop a plan for mold testing.
  • Visual Inspection: The next step of our mold inspection service involves a thorough visual examination of the home, both inside and out, searching for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related concerns. We examine areas prone to mold growth, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and spaces with plumbing or HVAC systems.
  • Moisture detection: Measuring moisture levels is important in discovering likely sources of mold spread. Humidity sensors and other specialized equipment are used to assess the moisture content of building materials and pinpoint areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Infrared tools may be used to locate areas where mold colonization may be occurring.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling will be conducted to analyze indoor air quality and establish the presence of spores in the air. Air filters and collection devices are utilized to gather air samples from diverse areas of the property. The samples are then sent to a lab for analysis.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not seen, the inspector could collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other protions. This requires wiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: A thorough report will be supplied to clients after the mold inspection is finished, including any areas of the home where mold was detected, the species of mold present, and recommendations for mitigation.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is identified, the inspector may supply recommendations for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation service. They may suggest steps to reduce moisture intrusions, improve airflow, and stop future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up inspection may be performed to confirm that the remediation efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold prevention measures, including appropriate airflow, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

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

The biggest way you can help your mold inspector before their arrival is to eliminate all obstacles that may impede their ability to carry out the inspection. This includes securing pets out of their path and removing clutter, furniture, or additional objects that make it difficult for them to access different parts of the home.

Protect Your Home Investment by Calling Us for Thorough Mold Inspection Services Today

Mold has the potential to quickly grow inside a home and be a danger to the health of inhabitants and the structural integrity of the property itself. An accurate and comprehensive professional mold inspection provides valuable insights on preventing its spread and eradicating the fungus permanently. Prospective homebuyers will receive essential details to make informed decisions, while homeowners can utilize the report obtained from a mold inspector to safeguard their property or expedite the sale. When searching for the most trusted mold inspection service near El Paso, IL, opt for the most trusted name by homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals and call Pillar To Post™ today.