Mold Testing in Liverpool, Illinois For Confident Home Purchasing and Listing

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold spores are always in the air, only becoming noticeable when conditions are right, and the fungus finds an appropriate surface to colonize. The fungus typically selects dim and damp environments. Among other benefits, your professional mold inspector will identify the source of the moisture – whether it's from recent flooding or leaks – to help you develop a strategy for remediation. Mold can be nearly any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is typically associated with a particularly toxic species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to cause dangerous reactions in certain individuals and animals.

Though mold is not dangerous for most people, it does result in serious cosmetic issues and a stale odor. Even worse, the fungus eats the surfaces that it colonizes, damaging materials and weakening the structural integrity of a building over time. It eats cellulose materials that are common in just about every house, including:

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

Mold testing is urgently suggested before you purchase a home or if you currently live inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can propagate widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and triggering more 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 not otherwise seen. A satisfactory mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the insights needed to make informed decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eliminate it completely.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can test people for contact with the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your healthcare provider through skin and blood tests. If you suspect or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing is warranted.

What Methods Are Utilized To Conduct a Professional Mold Inspection?

A professional mold inspection service is your best resource to detect the extent of mold infestation and create a remediation plan moving forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the advantage of the top technology and methods in the business for added peace of mind. 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 data about the home, any recognized mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to develop a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The following task of our mold inspection service involves a detailed visual assessment of the home, both inside and out, searching for signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture-related problems. We examine areas vulnerable to mold infestation, including subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and areas with plumbing or heating and cooling equipment.
• Moisture detection: Specialized devices like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be used to identify hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could promote mold growth.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may necessitate air samples to be gathered from multiple areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be sent to a lab for analysis to determine the type and concentration of mold spores existing in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also take surface samples from areas of the property where mold is presumed. These samples will be sent to a lab for analysis to determine the type of mold existing.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are documented, including observations, measurements, sample locations, and analysis findings. A complete report is generated, outlining the inspection information, mold varieties identified, and suggested steps for restoration, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may offer suggestions for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation company. They will likely suggest steps to minimize moisture problems, improve ventilation, and halt future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A post-remediation evaluation may be carried out to assure you that the restoration efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention measures, including appropriate ventilation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

Is There Any Steps I Should Take To Help the Mold Inspector Do His Work and Obtain Better Test Results?

You do not need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection apart from ensuring that your inspector can readily reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the testing period to ensure that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Some things we ask you not to do include:

• Do not clean or disrupt any spaces within the property where you suspect mold colonization.
• Do not use any air purifiers or air filtration equipment during the testing period, as these will affect the results of the test.
• If possible, avoid cooking, smoking, or utilizing any products that release chemicals into the air for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the inspection. This step ensures that the inspection data is not affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is additionally advised you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the inspection. This step ensures that the air within the home remains motionless and accurately reflects the usual indoor air quality. By following these guidelines, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Arrange a Mold Inspection Now

Mold can take hold rapidly within a residence and consume numerous construction materials and personal possessions. The fungus additionally presents a potential health danger to vulnerable individuals and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Liverpool, Illinois, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a clear path forward for remediation. Protect your investment and inhabitants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.