Mold Testing in Farmington, IL For Peace of Mind During Home Purchasing and Listing

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with higher levels of moisture. It can manifest in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water leaks, or poor airflow. It can be present on organic-based materials, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will typically search for signs of leaks and water in a home to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While some kinds of mold are benign, others have been known to cause health concerns, especially for individuals who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Pets can also be affected by the fungus, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Farmington, IL 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 worry for the health 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 they are able to test a person for mold exposure? We are not able to provide that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically present an outsized risk to the health of most people, it's particularly bad for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and eat cellulose-based materials and destroy them over time. Examples of cellulose-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 when buying a home or if you presently dwell inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more costly to eliminate and resulting in more damage to a home as time goes on. A skilled mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores not otherwise seen. An adequate mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the information needed to make smarter decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and remove it altogether.

Some people ask if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for contact with the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your doctor through dermal and blood tests. If you think or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Happens During a Mold Assessment?

A trustworthy mold inspection service will deliver a comprehensive assessment of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the extent of the infestation. The particular procedures for a professional mold inspection may vary depending on the house size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector obtains information about the home, any identified mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to devise a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will execute a visual inspection of the property, checking for any observable signs of mold growth. They will investigate areas of the house that are known to be inclined to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• 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 the spread of mold.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may involve air samples to be acquired from different areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be transferred to a laboratory for assessment to identify the type and concentration of mold spores existing in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not visible, your mold inspector may acquire surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires wiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also transferred to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are noted, including observations, measurements, sampling areas, and analysis findings. A complete report is compiled, summarizing the inspection details, mold types identified, and proposed remedies for restoration, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may supply suggestions for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a specialist mold remediation company. They may suggest measures to alleviate moisture problems, improve airflow, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may conduct a post-remediation evaluation to ensure that the mold problem has been successfully addressed. Final testing may be carried out to assure you that the indoor space meets acceptable mold spore levels and is safe for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold precaution methods, including proper airflow, moisture control, and care procedures.

What Do I Need To Do To Get Ready for My Mold Inspection?

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

Some activities you should refrain from partaking in to ensure the accuracy of mold testing include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any spaces within the house where you think mold growth to be present.
• Do not use air purifiers or air filtration devices when the inspection is being conducted, as these can impact the accuracy of the results.
• If possible, refrain from participating in activities like cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing products in the indoor environment for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. This measure will help in preventing the inspection results from being impacted by other airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the inspection. This step guarantees that the air inside the home stays still and accurately reflects the usual indoor air quality. By complying with these recommendations, you will boost the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Get in Touch With Us By Phone or Schedule Mold Inspection Services Online

Mold is a quickly spreading fungus that devours various construction materials and personal belongings. Allowing mold colonization to get out of hand can cause significant damages that will require considerable financial resources to repair. Mold additionally represents a possible concern to vulnerable individuals and pets. A professional mold inspection is your best resource for detecting the underlying cause of the problem and formulating a strategy for cleanup. If you're searching for a mold inspection near Farmington, IL, Pillar To Post™ is the most dependable for our cutting-edge technology and vast expertise. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to obtain the knowledge necessary for making better decisions and protecting your assets and loved ones.