Mold Testing in Rochester, Kentucky For Peace of Mind During Home Purchasing and Selling

How Worrisome Is Mold?

The spores of mold are widespread in the air, only becoming visible when conditions are acceptable to it, and the fungus finds a suitable surface to colonize. The fungus usually chooses dim and moist areas. Among other benefits, your professional mold inspector will detect the source of the moisture – whether it's from recently occurring flooding or leaks – to help you develop a plan 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 cause dangerous health effects in some individuals and pets.

Although this fungus is not hazardous for most people, it does lead to serious cosmetic issues and a stale odor. Even more concerning, the fungus eats the surfaces that it colonizes, compromising materials and degrading the structural stability of a house over time. It eats cellulose materials that are common in almost 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 acquiring a home or if you currently live inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can disseminate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home over time. A trained mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the insights required to make informed decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and remove it entirely.

Some people 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 conducted by your doctor through dermal and blood tests. If you think or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Techniques Are Utilized To Carry Out an Expert Mold Inspection?

A professional mold inspection service is your ideal resource to identify the severity of mold infestation and create a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the advantage of the top technology and methods in the industry for added assurance. Some aspects in how your mold inspector carries out testing may differ from house to house, but will usually involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information about the property, any identified mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to devise a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: A complete visual evaluation of the home is carried out, including around both the inside and outside areas. The mold inspector examines for visible signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture problems using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to identify areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Advanced equipment like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be utilized to locate hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could facilitate mold growth.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be performed to examine indoor air quality and confirm the presence of airborne mold spores. Air pumps and extraction devices are used to capture air samples from various areas of the home. These samples are then forwarded to a laboratory for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also obtain surface samples from spaces of the property where mold is suspected. These samples will be forwarded to a laboratory for assessment to confirm the type of mold found.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector generates a thorough report recapping their results. The report normally includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold species present (if detected), and suggestions for cleanup or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may provide recommendations for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation company. They may suggest steps to reduce moisture problems, improve air circulation, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A post-remediation inspection may be performed to assure you that the remediation efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been correctly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention measures, including appropriate air circulation, moisture control, and care procedures.

Is There Any Steps I Can Take To Help My Mold Inspection Technician Do His Task and Obtain Accurate Test Results?

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can readily access areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to arrange 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 other allergens.

A few things you should refrain from doing to ensure the reliability of the inspection include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any rooms of the property where you observe mold growth to be present.
• Abstain from using air pumps or air filtration devices while the inspection is being performed, as these can lower the accuracy of the data.
• If possible, refrain from participating in activities like cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the air for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the inspection. This precaution will assist in preventing the inspection data from being impacted by other 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 environment inside the home stays motionless and correctly reflects the standard indoor air quality. By complying with these recommendations, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and examination.

Get a Hold of Pillar To Post™ in Rochester, Kentucky Now

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a residence and consume numerous building materials and personal possessions. The fungus also poses a potential health risk to vulnerable individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near Rochester, Kentucky, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most precise results and a clear course forward for cleanup. Protect your assets and occupants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.