Mold Testing Near Clarksville, OH

Why Is Mold So Harmful to the Safety of People and Pets and the Structural Stability of a House?

Mold is a type of fungus that develops in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with abundant moisture. It can manifest in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, or poor airflow. It can grow on various surfaces, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will typically inspect for evidence of leaks and moisture in a house to locate the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While some kinds of mold are benign, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for people who are immuno-compromised. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Pets are sometimes affected by the fungus, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of special concern in Clarksville, OH and part 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 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 test a person for contact with mold? We are not able to supply that as a part of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be conducted 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 harmful for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and consume cellulose-based materials and deteriorate in a relatively short period. Common cellulose-based components found inside of homes are:

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

Mold testing is urgently suggested before you acquire a house or if you currently reside inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and causing more damage to a home over time. A professional mold inspector has the extensive knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. An adequate mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information needed to make informed decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and eliminate it entirely.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for contact with the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your healthcare provider through skin and blood tests. If you believe or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

You'll Appreciate the Value From the Expertise and Comprehensive Process of Our Mold Inspectors

A vetted mold inspection service is your best resource to understand the extent 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 business for added assurance. Some aspects in how your mold inspector conducts testing may differ from house to house, but will usually involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information about the home, any recognized mold issues, and your worries during the initial consultation to formulate a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: A detailed visual examination of the house is executed, including around both the inside and exterior areas. The mold inspector searches for visible signs of mold growth, water leakage, and other moisture concerns using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to discern areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector might use moisture detection equipment, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to locate areas of the home that have high levels of moisture to help detect areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often performed to determine indoor air quality and identify the presence of spores in the air. Air pumps and collection tools are employed to obtain air samples from diverse areas of the home. The samples are then forwarded to a lab for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not visible, the inspector could collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires swabbing or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then forwarded to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: A in-depth report will be given to clients after the mold inspection is concluded, including any areas of the home where mold was found, the type of mold present, and suggestions for remediation.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may provide suggestions for mold cleanup, which may involve hiring a expert mold remediation company. They may suggest measures to alleviate moisture intrusions, improve airflow, and stop future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may execute a follow-up inspection to ensure that the mold problem has been thoroughly addressed. Final testing may be carried out to assure you that the indoor environment meets safe mold spore levels and is protected for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold precaution measures, including proper airflow, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Enable a Smooth Mold Inspection Before the Inspector Arrives?

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection besides ensuring that your inspector can readily access areas of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to plan for pets to be outdoors of the house throughout the inspection period to make sure that the results of the test are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

Examples of things you should refrain from doing for the reliability of mold testing include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any portions inside the property where you observe mold growth to be growing.
• Refrain from using air pumps or air filtration units while the inspection is being performed, as these can lower the accuracy of the results.
• If possible, abstain from participating in tasks like cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing products in the indoor environment for at least 24 hours before the test. This measure will help in preventing the test results from being impacted by other airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended you keep all windows and doors closed for at least 12 hours before the test. This measure ensures that the air inside the house stays motionless and correctly represents the typical indoor air quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you will enhance the precision of your mold inspection service and examination.

Make Informed Decisions About Your Home Investment by Contacting Us for Dependable Mold Inspection Services Today

Mold can take hold rapidly within a home and degrade numerous construction materials and household belongings. The fungus also presents a possible health risk to vulnerable people and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Clarksville, OH, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise findings and a well-defined course forward for remediation. Safeguard your investment and inhabitants by booking a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.