A Professional Mold Inspection Before Considering Purchasing or Selling a House in Scandia, MN Will Provide Boosted Peace of Mind

How Toxic Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that develops in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water infiltration, or poor ventilation. It can be present on various items, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually look for signs of leaks and water in a house to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most types of mold are benign, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for individuals who are vulnerable. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and rash. Animals can also be affected by the fungus, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Scandia, MN and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It's ok if you're concerned for the health of yourself or your family and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they are able to assess an individual for contact with mold? We are not able to offer that as a portion of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not always pose a significant risk to the well-being of most people, it's particularly harmful for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and feed on plant-based materials and deteriorate them over time. Examples of cellulose or plant-based materials found inside of buildings are:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended when buying a house or if you presently dwell inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing more damage to a home over time. A professional mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the insights they need to make better decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and remove it altogether.

Some people ask if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for contact with the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your healthcare provider through dermal and blood screening. If you suspect or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

A trustworthy mold inspection service is your optimal resource to identify the severity of mold infestation and create a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing by Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the best technology and techniques in the business for added peace of mind. The way your mold inspector carries out testing may change from house to house, but will typically involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information about the property, any identified mold issues, and your concerns during the initial consultation to formulate a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: An extensive visual evaluation of the property is performed, including around both the inside and exterior areas. The mold inspector scans for observable signs of mold growth, water damage, and other moisture issues using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to identify areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Evaluating moisture levels is important in recognizing potential sources of mold growth. Moisture meters and other specialized equipment are used to analyze the moisture content inside building materials and locate areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Thermal-imaging technology may be used to locate areas where mold colonization may be occurring.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often conducted to assess indoor air quality and identify the amount of floating mold spores. Air filters and collection tools are used to collect air samples from various areas of the home. The samples are then dispatched to a laboratory for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also make surface samples from spaces of the property where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for assessment to identify the type of mold detected.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector prepares a detailed report recapping their conclusions. The report normally includes data on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold varieties present (if identified), and suggestions for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector provides recommendations to address the mold issues and avoid further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may carry out a post-remediation assessment to ensure that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed. Verification testing may be conducted to validate that the indoor space meets permissible mold spore levels and is healthy for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention methods, including adequate air circulation, moisture control, and care procedures.

Are There Any Actions I Should Take To Help the Mold Inspection Technician Do His Job and Obtain Better Test Results?

The most significant way you can assist your mold inspector prior to their visit is to remove all obstacles that may hinder their ability to conduct the test. This includes keeping pets out of their path and taking away clutter, furniture, or additional objects that make it hard for them to access multiple areas of the property.

Call or Book Mold Inspection Services Online

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a residence and degrade many construction materials and personal belongings. The fungus additionally presents a possible health risk to vulnerable individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near Scandia, MN, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most precise results and a well-defined course forward for remediation. Safeguard your investment and occupants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.