A Professional Mold Evaluation When Buying or Selling a Residence Near Franklin, Kentucky Will Provide Enhanced Peace of Mind

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a variety of fungus that grows in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with excess moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, and poor airflow. It can be present on organic-based surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually search for evidence of leaks and moisture in a house to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most types of mold are benign, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for individuals who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, and rash. Pets can also be negatively impacted by the fungus, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of particular concern in Franklin, Kentucky and an important component of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to comprehend the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It's understandable if you're concerned for the well-being of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it's possible to evaluate a person for contact with mold? We are not able to supply that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

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

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

Mold testing is highly advisable before you purchase a house or if you presently live inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and resulting in more damage to a home over time. A professional mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise detectable. A sufficient mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the insights they need to make better decisions about their investment and give current homeowners information into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and remove it altogether.

Some people inquire if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your doctor through dermal and blood screening. If you believe or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing is required.

What Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

A vetted mold inspection service is your ideal resource to assess the severity of mold infestation and develop a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing by Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the best technology and methods in the industry for added confidence. Some aspects in how your mold inspector carries out testing may vary with each home, but will generally involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector collects information about the home, any established mold issues, and your concerns during the initial consultation to develop a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The next step of our mold inspection service involves a comprehensive visual assessment of the home, both inside and out, inspecting for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related issues. We investigate areas inclined to mold infestation, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or HVAC systems.
• Moisture detection: Advanced equipment like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be used to uncover hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could promote the spread of mold.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may necessitate air samples to be extracted from multiple areas of the home using advanced equipment. The air samples will be transferred to a lab for evaluation to confirm the type and concentration of mold spores existing in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not visible, the inspector may acquire surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other protions. This requires swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also transferred to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are documented, including things visually seen, measurements, sample locations, and analysis findings. A thorough report is compiled, outlining the inspection specifics, mold types identified, and advised measures for cleanup, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is identified, the inspector may give recommendations for mold cleanup, which may involve hiring a specialist mold remediation company. They may suggest steps to alleviate moisture problems, improve airflow, and stop future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may carry out a subsequent assessment to ensure that the mold problem has been successfully addressed. Validation testing may be carried out to validate that the indoor space meets tolerable mold spore levels and is protected for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold prevention methods, including proper airflow, humidity management, and care procedures.

What Do I Need To Do To Prepare for the Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do a lot in preparation for a mold inspection apart from making sure that your inspector can effortlessly reach parts of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to plan for pets to be outdoors of the house during the testing period to ensure that the results of the inspection are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

Some activities we ask you not to do include:

• Do not clean or disrupt any spaces inside the home where you suspect mold colonization.
• Do not utilize any air purifiers or air filtration devices during the testing time, as these can throw off the data of the test.
• If possible, avoid cooking, smoking, or utilizing any chemical-releasing products for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the inspection. This measure ensures that the inspection data is not influenced 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 measure guarantees that the air inside the house stays motionless and accurately reflects the typical indoor air quality. By complying with these guidelines, you will improve the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Contact With Us By Phone or Schedule Mold Inspection Services On The Web

Mold can establish itself quickly within a residence and consume various building materials and personal belongings. The fungus also presents a potential health danger to at-risk individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near Franklin, Kentucky, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise results and a clear course forward for remediation. Protect your investment and inhabitants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 now.