Mold Inspection in Jerseyville, IL For Peace of Mind During Home Purchasing and Listing

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a kind of fungus that develops in warm and damp environments, and is commonly found inside houses with excess moisture. It can appear in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water leaks, and poor ventilation. It can be present on organic-based materials, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will usually search for evidence of leaks and water in a home to locate the source of mold growth.

While many types of mold are benign, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for people who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Pets may also be negatively impacted by mold, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of special concern in Jerseyville, 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 about the well-being of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they're able to test a person for mold exposure? 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 performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically pose an outsized risk to the well-being of most people, it's particularly bad for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and eat cellulose-based materials and destroy them over time. Some 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 highly advisable when purchasing a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with obvious 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 over time. A trained mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. An adequate mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information needed to make informed decisions about their investment and give current homeowners information into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your doctor through skin and blood screening. If you suspect or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing is required.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

A dependable mold inspection service is your ideal resource to assess the extent of mold infestation and devise a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing by Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the best technology and methods in the business for added assurance. The way your mold inspector performs testing may vary with each home, but will usually involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information about the home, any noted mold issues, and your concerns during the initial consultation to formulate a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: An extensive visual inspection of the property is undertaken, including around both the inside and outside areas. The mold inspector examines for detectable signs of mold growth, water damage, and other moisture problems using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to identify areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Evaluating moisture content in areas around the property is important in detecting likely sources of mold spread. Moisture sensors and other specialized equipment are used to analyze the moisture content inside building materials and pinpoint areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Heat-sensing equipment may be used to find areas where mold colonization may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may call for air samples to be taken from multiple areas of the home using advanced equipment. The air samples will be sent to a laboratory for evaluation to confirm the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also make surface samples from portions of the property where mold is suspected. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for evaluation to confirm the type of mold detected.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are documented, including observations, measurements, sample locations, and test outcomes. A complete report is created, recapping the inspection information, mold types identified, and proposed remedies for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is identified, the inspector may give guidance for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation company. They may suggest measures to mitigate moisture problems, improve ventilation, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up evaluation may be executed to confirm that the remediation efforts were successful and that the mold issue has been correctly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold precaution methods, including proper ventilation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

What Do I Need To Do To Prepare for the Mold Inspection?

You don't need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can easily access parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the home during the inspection time to guarantee that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

A few activities we implore you not to do are:

• Do not clean or disrupt any spaces inside the property where you suspect mold colonization.
• Do not use any air purifiers or air filtration appliances during the testing day, as these may throw off the results of the test.
• If possible, refrain from cooking, smoking, or using any products that release chemicals into the air for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. This precaution helps ensure that the inspection results are not affected by foreign airborne contaminants.

It is additionally advised to keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the inspection. This step guarantees that the environment within the home stays motionless and precisely reflects the typical indoor air quality. By following these guidelines, you will enhance the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Book a Mold Inspection Right Away

Mold can establish itself quickly within a residence and consume many building materials and personal possessions. The fungus additionally presents a possible health risk to vulnerable individuals and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Jerseyville, IL, select Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise results and a clear course forward for remediation. Safeguard your investment and inhabitants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.