The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Cannon Falls, MN

Is Mold A Threat?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in dark 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 thrives in spaces with high humidity, water damage, or poor airflow. It can be present on organic-based items, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will typically inspect for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While many types of mold are harmless, others can cause health issues, especially for individuals who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Animals are sometimes affected by mold, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Cannon Falls, MN and an important component of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It's understandable if you worry for the safety of yourself or your family and ask questions relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they are able to assess a person for contact with mold? We cannot provide that as a part of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically present a significant risk to the well-being of most people, it's particularly detrimental for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and consume plant-based materials and deteriorate in a relatively short period. Some cellulose-based components used and stored inside of houses include:

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

Mold testing is urgently suggested before you purchase a home or if you currently reside inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can disseminate widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and triggering more damage to a home over time. A skilled mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise detectable. A satisfactory mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the information they need to make smarter decisions about their investment and give current homeowners information into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and eliminate it entirely.

Some people inquire if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your healthcare provider through skin and blood tests. If you believe or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing is warranted.

What Techniques Are Utilized To Conduct a Professional Mold Inspection?

A trustworthy mold inspection service is your optimal resource to identify the extent of mold infestation and devise a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the finest technology and methods in the industry for added assurance. The way your mold inspector conducts testing may vary with each home, but will generally involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector collects information from the current homeowner regarding any perceptible mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality doubts. Musty smells or health effects presented by individuals will also be evaluated.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the property, assessing for any observable signs of mold colonization. They will scrutinize areas of the house that are known to be vulnerable to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Assessing moisture content in areas around the house is crucial in uncovering potential sources of mold growth. Humidity sensors and other tools 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 spaces. Thermal-imaging devices may be used to identify areas where mold colonization may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be carried out to evaluate indoor air quality and identify the amount of spores in the air. Air filters and extraction devices are employed to obtain air samples from diverse areas of the home. These samples will be transferred to a laboratory for analysis.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also make surface samples from spaces of the house where mold is suspected. These samples will be transferred to a laboratory for analysis to identify the type of mold existing.
• Documentation and Reporting: A in-depth report will be furnished to clients after the mold inspection is done, including any areas of the home where mold was detected, the kind of mold present, and guidance for remediation.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector provides guidance to address the mold issues and avoid further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A post-remediation evaluation may be carried out to confirm that the cleanup efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold precaution measures, including appropriate ventilation, moisture control, and care procedures.

How Should I Get Ready for a Mold Test?

You don't need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can easily reach parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to make arrangements for pets to be outside of the home during the inspection time to make sure that the outcomes of the test are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

A few things we implore you not to do include:

• Do not clean or disrupt any portions inside the house where you suspect mold growth.
• Do not use any air purifiers or air filtration devices during the testing time, as these will impact the results of the test.
• If possible, avoid cooking, smoking, or using any products that release chemicals into the air for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This measure helps ensure that the test results are not affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended you keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. This step ensures that the environment inside the home stays motionless and precisely reflects the standard indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Protect Your Home Investment by Getting in Touch With Us for Comprehensive Mold Inspection Services Right Away

Mold can quickly spread within a home and be a danger to the well-being of occupants as well as the structural stability of the property itself. An thorough and comprehensive professional mold inspection offers valuable insights on preventing its growth and eradicating the fungus permanently. Prospective homebuyers can receive essential details to make knowledgeable decisions, while homeowners can utilize the report obtained from a mold inspector to protect their investment or expedite the closing process. When looking for the most reliable mold inspection service near Cannon Falls, MN, opt for the most trusted name by homeowners, prospective buyers, and real estate professionals and contact Pillar To Post™ today.