Mold Testing in Oak Forest, Illinois For Peace of Mind During Home Purchasing and Listing

How Can Mold Affect My Residence and Family?

Mold is a fungus that disseminates through the air as spores, eventually settling on organic materials where they become observable as they grow. Mold often manifests as fuzzy splotches and can be nearly any color, including white, green, yellow, and black. Certain species of black mold are more often considered a health risk and are known to induce allergic reactions in at-risk people and animals. The major danger is the damage mold can wreak on a home. Not only is mold unsightly and produces a foul odor, but there are also many common materials used to construct homes and belongings inside that it will infest and consume. Over time, the fungus can spread throughout a home and weaken many of the crucial structural elements, including:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended before you purchase a home or if you currently live inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and triggering extensive damage to a home as time goes on. A skilled mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores not otherwise seen. An adequate mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information they need to make better decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for exposure to the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your doctor through dermal and blood tests. If you believe or know that you or your family has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing is warranted.

How Is an Expert Mold Inspection Performed?

An expert mold inspection service typically involves a complete assessment of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the extent of the issue. The specific procedures for a professional mold inspection may vary depending on the house size, but generally includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector collects information from the current homeowner regarding any apparent mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality doubts. Musty smells or health symptoms presented by occupants will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: A thorough visual evaluation of the home is carried out, including around both the interior and exterior areas. The mold inspector looks for visible signs of mold growth, water damage, and other moisture concerns using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Assessing moisture content in areas around the house is crucial in discovering potential sources of mold spread. Hygrometers and other tools are used to determine the moisture content inside building materials and identify areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Infrared tools may be used to find areas where mold colonization may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often carried out to determine indoor air quality and ascertain the presence of airborne mold spores. Air filters and extraction tools are utilized to obtain air samples from various areas of the property. The samples are then dispatched to a lab for evaluation.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also acquire surface samples from spaces of the house where mold is presumed. These samples will be dispatched to a lab for evaluation to ascertain the type of mold found.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including things visually observed, measurements, sample locations, and laboratory results. A comprehensive report is created, outlining the inspection details, mold types identified, and recommended actions for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector supplies advice to address the mold problem and stop further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A post-remediation assessment may be executed to verify that the remediation efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been correctly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold precaution measures, including proper ventilation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Should I Get Ready for a Mold Test?

You don't need to do a lot in preparation for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can effortlessly reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to arrange for pets to be outside of the home throughout the testing time to ensure that the outcomes of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of activities you should avoid doing for the accuracy of mold testing include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any rooms inside the house where you observe mold growth to be growing.
• Refrain from using air purifiers or air filters when the testing is being performed, as these can lower the accuracy of the data.
• If possible, refrain from participating in tasks such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing substances in the air for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the inspection. This measure will help in avoiding the inspection data from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the inspection. This step ensures that the environment within the home stays motionless and precisely reflects the usual indoor air quality. By complying with these guidelines, you will enhance the precision of your mold inspection service and examination.

Purchase, Sell, or Inhabit a Residence Confidently by Scheduling Services From an Expert Mold Inspector Now

Mold can establish itself quickly within a home and degrade various construction materials and household possessions. The fungus also presents a possible health danger to at-risk people and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Oak Forest, Illinois, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a well-defined course forward for cleanup. Protect your assets and inhabitants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.