Mold Inspection Service Near Winslow, IL

Mold poses a risk to people and animals and eats away at building materials. Mold testing from a professional mold inspection service is strongly advised before buying a home in Winslow, IL. Retaining a mold inspection when selling your home can also provide openness and speed up the closing process. Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely esteemed as the premier home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Defend your family and your investment by contacting us when seeking mold inspection near you.

Should I Be Stressed About Mold?

Mold is a variety of fungus that grows in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with excess moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water leaks, and poor airflow. It can grow on cellulose-based surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually look for evidence of leaks and water in a home to identify the source of mold growth.

While most types of mold are harmless, others can cause medical problems, especially for persons who are vulnerable. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and rash. Pets can also be affected by mold, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of special concern in Winslow, IL and part of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It's understandable if you're concerned for the health of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if it's possible to evaluate an individual for contact with mold? We cannot supply that as a part of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically present an outsized risk to the health of most people, it's particularly harmful for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and consume plant-based materials and ruin them over time. Common cellulose-based components found inside of homes are:

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

Mold testing can detect the variety present and expose the source of humidity contributing to an outbreak inside of your current home or the one you're thinking about buying. A typical question posed to mold inspectors is if we are able to test a person for mold poisoning. That cannot be established by our mold inspection service but can be conducted by a healthcare provider with blood and skin analysis. A skilled mold inspection will offer you more advantage in your home-selling negotiations or give you more knowledge into the quality of your investment and the security of occupants when purchasing a home.

How Is an Expert Mold Inspection Carried Out?

A dependable mold inspection service is your ideal resource to understand the extent of mold infestation and create a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the best technology and methods in the industry for added confidence. The way your mold inspector performs testing may vary with each home, but will generally involve the following:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality issues. Mildewy smells or health symptoms presented by occupants will also be examined.
  • Visual Inspection: The inspector will carry out a visual inspection of the property, examining for any apparent signs of mold colonization. They will examine areas of the home that are known to be inclined to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Moisture detection: Evaluating moisture content in areas around the home is essential in detecting likely sources of mold growth. Hygrometers and other specialized equipment are used to evaluate the moisture content inside building materials and detect areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Thermal-imaging technology may be used to find areas where mold colonization may be occurring.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling is often conducted to assess indoor air quality and determine the presence of airborne mold spores. Air pumps and collection devices are utilized to acquire air samples from diverse areas of the property. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for assessment.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not seen, the inspector may recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other protions. This requires wiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector compiles a comprehensive report recapping their findings. The report usually includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if identified), and recommendations for cleanup or further actions.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may give recommendations for mold cleanup, which may involve hiring a specialist mold remediation service. They may suggest measures to mitigate moisture intrusions, improve air circulation, and halt future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up assessment may be executed to assure you that the cleanup efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold precaution methods, including appropriate air circulation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Assist in an Effective Mold Inspection On the Day My Inspector Arrives?

You don't need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can easily access areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to make arrangements for pets to be outdoors of the home during the course of the inspection time to guarantee that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

A few activities you should refrain from partaking in for the accuracy of mold testing include:

  • Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any spaces inside the home where you think mold growth to be present.
  • Do not use air pumps or air filtration units when the inspection is being conducted, as these can impact the accuracy of the results.
  • If feasible, refrain from participating in tasks like cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing substances in the indoor environment for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the inspection. This precaution will assist 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 prior to the inspection. This step ensures that the air within the home remains motionless and correctly represents the usual indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will improve the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Gain More Peace of Mind With Your Home Investment by Getting in Touch With Us for Expert Mold Inspection Services Right Away

Mold is a quickly spreading fungus that consumes many construction materials and personal belongings. Permitting mold colonization to escalate can result in significant damages that may necessitate considerable financial resources to fix. Mold also poses a possible concern to vulnerable individuals and animals. A competent mold inspection is the most reliable tool for identifying the root cause of the problem and developing a strategy for remediation. If you're seeking a mold inspection near Winslow, IL, Pillar To Post™ is the most dependable for our advanced technology and extensive experience. Arrange a date for our mold inspection services today to acquire the information necessary for informed decision-making and protecting your investment and loved ones.