The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Fairfield, OH

How Toxic Is Mold?

The spores of mold are always in the air, only becoming visible when conditions are right, and the fungus finds an appropriate surface to colonize. The fungus typically colonizes shadowy and moist locations. Among other things, your expert mold inspector will identify the source of the moisture – whether it's from recent flooding or leaks – to help you develop a course of action for remediation. Mold can be almost any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is famously associated with a particularly dangerous species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to trigger dangerous health effects in certain individuals and animals.

Though mold is not harmful for most people, it does cause serious aesthetic issues and a damp odor. Even more concerning, the fungus consumes the surfaces that it colonizes, ruining materials and degrading the structural integrity of a building over time. It feeds on cellulose materials that are common in just about every house, including:

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

Competent mold testing is helpful for homeowners, buyers, and sellers because of the insights it generates about the risk mold poses to the stability of a home. A mold inspector will detect the presence of mold, determine its species, and offer recommendations for its remediation. For present homeowners or future buyers and sellers, professional mold inspection will help to ensure a safe and healthy living environment and can avert further expensive remediation efforts down the line. Mold testing is greatly encouraged as an essential resource in preserving a safe and healthy living environment.

What Happens During a Mold Assessment?

A professional mold inspection service is your best resource to assess 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 methods in the business for added peace of mind. The way your mold inspector performs testing may change from house to house, but will generally involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality problems. Stale odors or health effects presented by occupants will also be assessed.
• Visual Inspection: The following task of our mold inspection service includes a thorough visual assessment of the property, both inside and out, searching for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related concerns. We examine areas inclined to mold infestation, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and areas with plumbing or HVAC equipment.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector could use moisture detection equipment, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to spot areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help uncover areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may demand air samples to be extracted from different areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be submitted to a laboratory for evaluation to determine the type and concentration of mold spores found in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not seen, the inspector may collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other protions. This requires swabbing or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then submitted to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including observations, measurements, sampling sites, and analysis findings. A complete report is generated, outlining the inspection specifics, mold species identified, and recommended actions for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may give suggestions for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation service. They will likely suggest steps to reduce moisture intrusions, improve airflow, and stop future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After remediation efforts, the inspector may conduct a follow-up evaluation to ensure that the mold issue has been effectively addressed. Verification testing may be performed to confirm that the indoor space meets safe mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold precaution methods, including adequate airflow, humidity management, and care procedures.

What Do I Need To Do To Get Ready for a Mold Inspection?

You don't need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection besides ensuring that your inspector can readily reach areas of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to plan for pets to be outdoors of the house during the testing period to make sure that the results of the test are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

Some activities we recommend you do not do include:

• Do not clean or disturb any rooms within the property where you suspect mold colonization.
• Do not operate any air purifiers or air filtration appliances during the testing day, as these may alter the data of the test.
• If possible, refrain from cooking, smoking, or utilizing any chemical-releasing products for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This precaution ensures that the test results are not affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is additionally advised you keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. This precaution guarantees that the environment inside the house stays still and correctly reflects the usual indoor air quality. By adhering to these recommendations, you will boost the precision of your mold inspection service and examination.

Arrange a Mold Inspection Right Away

Mold can take hold rapidly within a residence and consume various construction materials and personal belongings. The fungus additionally presents a possible health hazard to vulnerable people and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Fairfield, OH, select Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate findings and a well-defined path forward for cleanup. Safeguard your assets and occupants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.