Mold Inspection in Rock Falls, IL For Peace of Mind During Home Buying and Selling

Is Mold A Concern?

Mold is a kind of fungus that grows in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, or poor ventilation. It can grow on various surfaces, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually look for evidence of leaks and water in a home to find the source of mold growth.

While many kinds of mold are benign, others have been known to cause health concerns, especially for individuals who are immuno-compromised. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and rash. Pets are sometimes affected by mold, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of particular concern in Rock Falls, IL and part of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It's understandable if you worry about the health of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if they are able to evaluate an individual for contact with mold? We are not able to supply that as a part of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically pose an outsized risk to the well-being of most people, it's particularly detrimental for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and devour cellulose-based materials and deteriorate them over time. Examples of cellulose-based materials used and stored inside of houses include:

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

Mold testing can detect the variety present and reveal the source of moisture contributing to an infestation inside of your current home or the one you're planning on purchasing. A typical question posed to mold inspectors is if it's possible to test a human or pet for mold exposure. That cannot be ascertained by our mold inspection service but can be performed 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 safety of occupants when purchasing a home.

What Should I Expect When I Receive a Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service typically involves a thorough assessment of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the severity of the infestation. The specific process for a dependable mold inspection may differ depending on the property size, but generally includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector acquires information about the home, any recognized mold issues, and your worries during the initial consultation to devise a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: An extensive visual assessment of the property is executed, including around both the inside and outside areas. The mold inspector looks for noticeable signs of mold growth, water leakage, and other moisture concerns using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector may use moisture detection tools, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to identify areas of the home that have high levels of moisture to help identify areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may require air samples to be acquired from multiple areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be sent to a lab for evaluation to identify the type and concentration of mold spores found in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is suspected but not readily apparent, the inspector may acquire surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Your mold inspector creates a elaborate report outlining their discoveries. The report typically includes details on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold species present (if recognized), and recommendations for remediation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector offers recommendations to resolve the mold issues and avoid further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After remediation efforts, the inspector may conduct a post-remediation inspection to ensure that the mold issue has been effectively addressed. Validation testing may be executed to validate that the indoor environment meets tolerable mold spore levels and is safe for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution measures, including adequate air circulation, moisture control, and care procedures.

How Should I Get Ready for the Mold Test?

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can effortlessly reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to plan for pets to be outside of the home throughout the inspection period to guarantee that the results of the inspection are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of things you should refrain from doing to ensure the accuracy of mold testing include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any areas inside the home where you observe mold growth to be present.
• Refrain from using air pumps or air filters when the inspection is being performed, as these can lower the accuracy of the results.
• If possible, refrain from engaging in activities like cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing products in the air for a minimum of 24 hours before the inspection. This measure will help in avoiding the inspection results from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended you keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours before the inspection. This precaution guarantees that the environment inside the home remains motionless and correctly represents the typical indoor air quality. By complying with these guidelines, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and examination.

Book a Mold Inspection Now

Mold is a quickly spreading fungus that devours numerous building materials and personal belongings. Permitting mold growth to get out of hand can result in substantial damages that will require a lot of effort and financial resources to fix. Mold also represents a potential health hazard to vulnerable individuals and pets. A thorough mold inspection is your best resource for identifying the root cause of the problem and formulating a plan for cleanup. If you're searching for a mold inspection near Rock Falls, IL, Pillar To Post™ stands out due to our advanced technology and extensive experience. Arrange a date for our mold inspection services today to obtain the knowledge required for informed decision-making and safeguarding your assets and loved ones.