Should I Worry About Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with excess moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water infiltration, or poor ventilation. It can grow on various materials, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will typically inspect for signs of leaks and water in a home to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most types of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for individuals who are immuno-compromised. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Pets can also be affected by mold, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in your areaLA and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It's ok if you're concerned about the safety 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're able to evaluate an individual for contact with mold? We cannot provide that as a part 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 well-being of most people, it's particularly bad for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and devour plant-based materials and deteriorate them over time. Common cellulose or plant-based components found inside of buildings are:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable before you buy a home or if you currently reside inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can propagate widely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home as time goes on. A professional mold inspector has the extensive knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the insights required to make smart 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 completely.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your healthcare provider through dermal and blood screening. If you think or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Techniques Are Employed To Conduct a Professional Mold Inspection?

A trustworthy mold inspection service typically involves a thorough examination of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the scope of the infestation. The particular procedures for a dependable mold inspection may differ depending on the property size, but generally includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information from the current homeowner regarding any observable mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality doubts. Musty odors or health symptoms presented by occupants will also be evaluated.
• Visual Inspection: The following step of our mold inspection service includes a thorough visual examination of the property, both inside and out, inspecting for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related concerns. We scrutinize areas vulnerable to mold growth, including subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and spaces with plumbing or heating and cooling equipment.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector could use moisture detection tools, such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to pinpoint areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help reveal areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be carried out to evaluate indoor air quality and ascertain the amount of spores in the environment. Air pumps and extraction devices are used to gather air samples from diverse areas of the home. These samples are then sent to a lab for analysis.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is suspected but not readily apparent, your mold inspector may acquire surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires wiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then sent to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are recorded, including observations, measurements, sampling points, and lab findings. A thorough report is prepared, outlining the inspection specifics, mold species identified, and proposed remedies for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may supply guidance for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a qualified mold remediation company. They will likely suggest steps to alleviate moisture problems, improve ventilation, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up evaluation may be performed to verify that the remediation efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been adequately addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold precaution methods, including proper ventilation, humidity management, and care procedures.

How Should I Prepare for the Mold Test?

You can adhere to a few easy rules to support your mold inspector in conducting a detailed and exhaustive home inspection. Activities to refrain from include preparing food, smoking, cleaning with chemicals, or using air purifiers to prevent interfering with air measurements that your mold inspector may obtain.

You should guarantee clear access to areas that your mold inspector is going to need to access by removing clutter and hindrances that may hinder the examination. Additionally, provide pertinent details about any previous water incidents or plumbing issues within the house. It's also helpful to record areas of interest with pictures or notes to support in prospective cleanup efforts.

Talk with your nearby Pillar To Post™ before your mold inspection service appointment to receive further details on how to assist in an precise inspection.

Get a Hold of Pillar To Post™ in Your AreaLouisiana Immediately

Mold can establish itself quickly within a home and degrade many construction materials and household belongings. The fungus also presents a possible health risk to at-risk individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near your areaLA, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise results and a well-defined path forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and occupants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.