The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Mascoutah, Illinois

Is Mold A Risk?

Mold is a kind of fungus that thrives in dark 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 flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water infiltration, or poor airflow. It can grow on various materials, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually look for signs of leaks and water in a home to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most types of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause health concerns, especially for persons who are vulnerable. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, chest pain, and rash. Animals are sometimes affected by the fungus, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of special concern in Mascoutah, Illinois and part of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It's understandable if you're concerned for the safety of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it's possible to test an individual for contact with mold? We cannot 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 dermal, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not always present a significant risk to the health of most people, it's particularly detrimental for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and feed on plant-based materials and ruin them over time. Some cellulose or plant-based components used and stored inside of buildings include:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable before you buy a home or if you currently reside inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and triggering more damage to a home as time goes on. A professional mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information required to make better decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can test 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 screening. If you think or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing is required.

What Happens When I Receive a Mold Assessment?

Come to us when searching for mold inspection near me in Mascoutah, Illinois for a trustworthy mold inspection and peace of mind. Our mold inspectors use the latest technology and have detailed knowledge of home construction to evaluate the air and surfaces for mold spores. Our mold testing will deliver the deepest insights into the present state of your home regarding mold infestation and the course of action you can take to resolve the problem. Our process includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information from the current homeowner regarding any apparent mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality worries. Earthy smells or health effects experienced by individuals will also be evaluated.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will carry out a visual inspection of the property, examining for any noticeable signs of mold growth. They will check areas of the home that are known to be liable to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Evaluating moisture levels is critical in recognizing likely sources of mold growth. Moisture meters and other specialized equipment are used to assess the moisture content of building materials and locate areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Infrared technology may be used to identify areas where mold growth may be occurring.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often conducted to analyze indoor air quality and determine the presence of airborne mold spores. Air filters and extraction equipment are used to capture air samples from diverse areas of the house. The samples will be sent to a laboratory for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not visible, the inspector may recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This involves swabbing or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector prepares a elaborate report summarizing their findings. The report typically includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if confirmed), and recommendations for remediation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Based on the inspection findings, the inspector supplies guidance to resolve the mold issues and stop further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up inspection may be performed to verify that the cleanup efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been correctly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention measures, including proper airflow, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

How Should I Prepare for the Mold Test?

You don't need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection besides ensuring that your inspector can easily access areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the inspection period to ensure that the results of the inspection are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of things you should refrain from partaking in to ensure the reliability of mold testing include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any rooms inside the home where you suspect mold growth to be present.
• Refrain from using air purifiers or air filters when the inspection is being conducted, as these can lower the accuracy of the results.
• If possible, refrain from engaging in tasks such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing substances in the air for at least 24 hours before the inspection. This precaution will help in avoiding the inspection results from being affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours before the inspection. This step ensures that the air inside the home remains still and accurately represents the typical indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Protect Your Home Investment by Getting in Touch With Us for Dependable Mold Inspection Services Now

Mold can establish itself quickly within a residence and degrade many building materials and household belongings. The fungus additionally presents a possible health risk to at-risk individuals and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Mascoutah, Illinois, select Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate findings and a well-defined path forward for remediation. Safeguard your assets and inhabitants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.