The Most Trusted Mold Inspection Service in Afton, Minnesota

Is Getting an Expert Mold Assessment Worth the Cost?

Mold is a kind of fungus that thrives in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with higher levels of moisture. It can appear in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water damage, and poor airflow. It can be present on various items, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually search for signs of leaks and water in a house to locate the source of mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are harmless, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for individuals who are immuno-compromised. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Pets can also be negatively impacted by the fungus, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Afton, Minnesota 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 ok if you worry about the health of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they are able to test a person for contact with mold? We are not able to provide that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed 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 bad for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and feed on plant-based materials and deteriorate in a relatively short period. Some cellulose or plant-based components found inside of homes include:

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

Mold testing can identify the variety present and reveal the source of moisture contributing to an outbreak inside of the home you own or the one you're planning on buying. A common request posed to mold inspectors is if it's possible to test a person for mold poisoning. That cannot be ascertained by our mold inspection service but can be performed by your doctor with blood and skin analysis. A skilled mold inspection will offer you more advantage in your home-selling negotiations or provide you more understanding into the quality of your investment and the safety of occupants when buying a house.

You'll Feel the Advantages From the Attention to Detail and All-Encompassing Nature of Our Mold Inspectors

A professional mold inspection service typically involves a complete evaluation of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the scope of the issue. The specific procedures for a professional mold inspection may change depending on the property size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector acquires information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality concerns. Musty smells or health symptoms presented by individuals will also be assessed.
• Visual Inspection: A thorough visual inspection of the home is executed, including around both the interior and outside areas. The mold inspector scans for observable signs of mold growth, water damage, and other moisture problems using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector might use moisture detection equipment, such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to identify areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help detect areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often carried out to analyze indoor air quality and establish the presence of spores in the air. Air filters and extraction devices are employed to gather air samples from various areas of the property. These samples are then submitted to a laboratory for evaluation.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not visible, your mold inspector could recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other protions. This involves swabbing or tape-lifting portions of surfaces, which are then submitted to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Your mold inspector generates a elaborate report outlining their findings. The report normally includes data on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold species present (if recognized), and suggestions for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is detected, the inspector may offer suggestions for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a qualified mold remediation company. They will likely suggest measures to alleviate moisture problems, improve airflow, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may perform a post-remediation evaluation to ensure that the mold problem has been successfully addressed. Validation testing may be executed to assure you that the indoor area meets tolerable mold spore levels and is healthy for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold precaution measures, including appropriate airflow, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

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

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can effortlessly access parts of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the house during the testing time to guarantee that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of activities you should avoid partaking in to ensure the reliability of the inspection include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any rooms within the property where you think mold growth to be present.
• Refrain from using air pumps or air filters when the testing is being conducted, as these can impact the accuracy of the data.
• If possible, abstain from engaging in activities such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing substances in the indoor environment for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. This measure will help in preventing the inspection data from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the inspection. This step ensures that the air within the house stays still and precisely reflects the typical indoor air quality. By complying with these guidelines, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and testing.

Purchase, Sell, or Move Into a Home With Enhanced Confidence by Requesting Services From an Experienced Mold Inspector Right Away

Mold can take hold quickly within a home and degrade many construction materials and household belongings. The fungus also poses a potential health danger to vulnerable people and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Afton, Minnesota, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a clear course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and inhabitants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.