Mold Inspection Service Near Erie, IL

Should I Worry About Mold?

Mold spores are always in the surrounding environment, only becoming noticeable when conditions are right, and the fungus finds an appropriate surface to colonize. The fungus usually opts for dim and damp locations. Among other things, your expert mold inspector will pinpoint the source of the moisture – whether it's from recently occurring flooding or leaks – to help you develop a strategy for remediation. Mold can be virtually any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is famously associated with a particularly dangerous species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to trigger dangerous health effects in some individuals and pets.

Though mold is not hazardous for the majority of people, it does result in serious aesthetic issues and a musty odor. Even more concerning, the fungus consumes the surfaces that it colonizes, ruining materials and weakening the structural stability of a home over time. It feeds on cellulose materials that are common in nearly every household, including:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable when purchasing a house or if you currently live inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can spread fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home over time. A professional mold inspector has the right 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 insights they need to make smart decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and remove it entirely.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for exposure to the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your healthcare provider through dermal and blood screening. If you suspect or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service typically involves a thorough examination of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the extent of the infestation. The particular procedures for a professional mold inspection may change depending on the property size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector obtains information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality concerns. Musty odors or health effects experienced by individuals will also be scrutinized.
• Visual Inspection: The next task of our mold inspection service includes a detailed visual examination of the home, both inside and out, scanning for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related concerns. We investigate areas inclined to mold growth, such as subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and spaces with plumbing or HVAC appliances.
• Moisture detection: Knowing moisture levels is crucial in detecting potential sources of mold spread. Humidity sensors and other tools are used to determine the moisture content inside building materials and detect areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Heat-sensing equipment may be used to detect areas where mold infestation may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may demand air samples to be gathered from different areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be forwarded to a lab for assessment to establish the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also make surface samples from portions of the house where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be forwarded to a lab for assessment to establish the type of mold detected.
• Documentation and Reporting: A thorough report will be furnished to clients after the mold inspection is finished, including any areas of the home where mold was found, the type of mold present, and advice for remediation.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector supplies advice to address the mold issues and stop further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may carry out a subsequent assessment to ensure that the mold problem has been adequately addressed. Validation testing may be carried out to validate that the indoor environment meets safe mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold precaution measures, including appropriate ventilation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

How Should I Get Ready for the Mold Test?

You can follow a few easy steps to support your mold inspector in conducting a thorough and exhaustive home inspection. Actions not to do include cooking, smoking, cleaning with chemicals, or employing air filtration systems to avoid distorting air readings that your mold inspector may take.

You should guarantee clear access to spaces that your mold inspector is going to need to access by removing obstacles and hindrances that might impede the inspection. Furthermore, provide appropriate details about any prior water incidents or plumbing problems in the residence. It's also useful to document areas of interest with pictures or notes to support in potential remediation efforts.

Talk with your nearby Pillar To Post™ before your mold inspection service date to obtain more details on the best way to assist in an precise inspection.

Call Pillar To Post™ in Erie, IL Now

Mold can establish itself quickly within a residence and degrade various building materials and personal belongings. The fungus additionally presents a possible health hazard to at-risk people and pets. When searching for mold inspection near Erie, IL, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a clear course forward for remediation. Protect your investment and inhabitants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.