Mold Testing in New Athens, IL For Peace of Mind During Home Purchasing and Selling

How Can Mold Affect My Residence and Family?

Mold spores are always in the surrounding environment, only becoming noticeable when conditions are acceptable to it, and the fungus finds a suitable surface to colonize. The fungus typically chooses shadowy and humid areas. Among other things, your professional mold inspector will pinpoint the source of the moisture – whether it's from recently occurring flooding or leaks – to help you develop a strategy for remediation. Mold can be almost any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is famously associated with a particularly harmful species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to trigger dangerous health effects in certain individuals and pets.

Though this fungus is not dangerous for most people, it does cause serious aesthetic issues and a musty odor. Even more concerning, the fungus eats the surfaces that it colonizes, damaging materials and degrading the structural integrity of a home over time. It eats cellulose materials that are ubiquitous in nearly every home, including:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable when buying a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can spread fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home as time goes on. A trained mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores not otherwise detectable. An adequate mold inspection service will provide 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 stop further spread of the fungus and remove it completely.

Some clients inquire 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 conducted by your healthcare provider through dermal and blood screening. If you suspect or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

A trustworthy mold inspection service typically involves a complete examination of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the extent of the issue. The particular process for a dependable mold inspection may differ depending on the property size, but usually includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information about the property, any noted mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to develop a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: Your inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the property, checking for any observable signs of mold infestation. They will scrutinize areas of the home that are known to be vulnerable to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector might use moisture detection tools, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to identify areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help uncover areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may involve air samples to be acquired from multiple areas of the home using special equipment. The air samples will be sent to a lab for evaluation to establish the type and concentration of mold spores found in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not seen, the inspector may take surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This involves wiping or tape-lifting portions of surfaces, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including observations, measurements, sampling areas, and lab findings. A detailed report is created, summarizing the inspection data, mold types identified, and advised measures for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is detected, the inspector may offer advice for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a qualified mold remediation service. They may suggest measures to alleviate moisture intrusions, improve ventilation, and halt future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may execute a secondary assessment to ensure that the mold problem has been effectively addressed. Verification testing may be conducted to assure you that the indoor space meets tolerable mold spore levels and is healthy for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention methods, including adequate ventilation, moisture control, and care procedures.

How Can I Facilitate a Smooth Mold Inspection On the Day the Inspector Arrives?

You can implement a few simple rules to aid your mold inspector in conducting a detailed and exhaustive home inspection. Actions to refrain from include preparing food, smoking, cleaning with chemicals, or employing air filtration systems to avoid altering air measurements that your mold inspector will take.

You should make sure of clear access to areas that your mold inspector will need to access by removing obstacles and obstructions that may hinder the inspection. Additionally, supply pertinent information about any previous water incidents or plumbing problems in the home. It's also helpful to document locations of interest with pictures or notes to aid in possible cleanup efforts.

Communicate with your nearby Pillar To Post™ before your mold inspection service appointment to receive more information on the best way to assist in an thorough inspection.

Call or Schedule Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold is a quickly spreading fungus that consumes various building materials and household possessions. Permitting mold colonization to escalate can cause substantial damages that may necessitate considerable financial resources to fix. The fungus also represents a potential health hazard to vulnerable individuals and pets. A competent mold inspection is the most reliable tool for detecting the root cause of the issue and formulating a strategy for cleanup. If you're seeking a mold inspection near New Athens, IL, Pillar To Post™ stands out for our advanced technology and vast expertise. Arrange a date for our mold inspection services today to obtain the information necessary for making better decisions and safeguarding your investment and loved ones.