A Reliable Mold Evaluation Before Considering Buying or Listing a House in Lindenwood, IL Will Prove Invaluable Peace of Mind

How Dangerous Is Mold?

The spores of mold are ever-present in the air, only becoming visible when conditions are acceptable to it, and the fungus finds an appropriate surface to colonize. The fungus typically opts for dark and moist spaces. Among other things, your professional mold inspector will detect the source of the moisture – whether it's from recently occurring flooding or leaks – to help you develop a course of action for remediation. Mold can be almost any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is typically associated with a particularly dangerous species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to induce dangerous reactions in some individuals and pets.

Although this fungus is not dangerous for most people, it does result in serious cosmetic issues and a stale odor. Even worse, the fungus devours the surfaces that it colonizes, damaging materials and weakening the structural integrity of a house over time. It feeds on cellulose materials that are common in almost every household, including:

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

Mold testing can discern the variety present and expose the source of humidity contributing to an outbreak inside of the home you own or the one you're considering buying. A common request posed to mold inspectors is if it's possible to test a human or pet for mold exposure. Unfortunately, this cannot be determined by our mold inspection service but can be provided by a healthcare provider with blood and skin screening. A proficient mold inspection will offer you more leverage in your home-selling negotiations or give you more understanding into the quality of your investment and the security of occupants when purchasing a home.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

A professional mold inspection service is your best resource to detect the severity of mold infestation and devise a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the top technology and methods in the industry for added assurance. The manner in which your mold inspector conducts testing may change with each home, but will generally involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information from the current homeowner regarding any observable mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality concerns. Musty odors or health effects experienced by individuals will also be scrutinized.
• Visual Inspection: A complete visual examination of the home is undertaken, including throughout both the interior and outside areas. The mold inspector looks for apparent signs of mold growth, water leakage, and other moisture problems using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Evaluating moisture levels is essential in recognizing potential sources of mold growth. Hygrometers and other tools are used to determine the moisture levels inside building materials and identify areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Heat-sensing technology may be used to pinpoint areas where mold infestation may be occurring.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may call for air samples to be gathered from multiple areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be transferred to a laboratory for assessment to ascertain the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not seen, the inspector could collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires swabbing or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then transferred to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector creates a thorough report recapping their conclusions. The report typically includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold varieties present (if recognized), and recommendations for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may supply recommendations for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a expert mold remediation service. They may suggest steps to alleviate moisture intrusions, improve ventilation, and stop future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up inspection may be carried out to confirm that the remediation efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been correctly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution methods, including proper ventilation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Facilitate an Effective Mold Inspection Before My Inspector Arrives?

You do not need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can easily access areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to plan for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the inspection period to guarantee that the results of the test are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

A few activities you should refrain from doing to ensure the accuracy of mold testing include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any spaces of the property where you think mold growth to be present.
• Do not use air purifiers or air filters when the inspection is being conducted, as these can impact the accuracy of the data.
• If feasible, abstain from engaging in tasks such as cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the indoor environment for a minimum of 24 hours before the test. This precaution will help in preventing the test data from being affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours before the test. This step guarantees that the environment within the home stays motionless and accurately represents the standard indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Purchase, Sell, or Inhabit a House Confidently by Booking Services From an Experienced Mold Inspector Today

Mold can establish itself quickly within a home and consume many construction materials and personal belongings. The fungus also poses a potential health hazard to vulnerable people and pets. When searching for mold inspection near Lindenwood, IL, opt for Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most precise results and a well-defined course forward for remediation. Safeguard your assets and inhabitants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.