A Professional Mold Evaluation When Buying or Selling a House in Moscow, OH Will Prove Invaluable Peace of Mind

Mold poses a risk to persons and animals and eats building materials. Mold testing from a professional mold inspection service is extremely advised before buying a home in Moscow, OH. Obtaining a mold inspection when selling a home can also provide transparency and accelerate the closing process. Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely esteemed as the leading home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, soon-to-be homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Defend your family and your investment by calling us when searching for mold inspection near you.

How Toxic Is Mold?

Mold is a kind of fungus that develops in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with abundant moisture. It can present 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 ventilation. It can be present on organic-based surfaces, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually inspect for evidence of leaks and moisture in a home to find the source of mold growth.

While some types of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for people who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Pets may also be affected by the fungus, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of special concern in Moscow, OH and part of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to comprehend the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It's understandable if you're concerned about the health 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 it's possible to assess 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 dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically present an outsized risk to the well-being of most people, it's particularly harmful for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and consume plant-based materials and ruin them over time. Common cellulose or plant-based materials used and stored 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 infestation inside of your current home or the one you're planning on buying. A frequent question posed to mold inspectors is if we are able to test a person for mold exposure. Unfortunately, this cannot be determined by our mold inspection service but can be conducted by a healthcare provider with blood and skin screening. A skilled mold inspection will offer you more advantage in your home-selling negotiations or offer you more knowledge into the quality of your investment and the well-being of occupants when purchasing a home.

What Processes Are Utilized To Carry Out a High-Quality Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service typically involves a detailed examination of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the scope of the infestation. The particular procedures for a dependable mold inspection may vary depending on the house size, but typically includes:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality issues. Mildewy odors or health effects experienced by occupants will also be checked.
  • Visual Inspection: An extensive visual assessment of the home is performed, including throughout both the interior and exterior areas. The mold inspector searches for visible signs of mold growth, water damage, and other moisture concerns using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to spot areas of potential moisture intrusion.
  • Moisture detection: Your mold inspector may use moisture detection tools, such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to pinpoint areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help recognize areas where mold is likely to grow.
  • Air Sampling: Mold testing may involve air samples to be collected from different areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be forwarded to a laboratory for evaluation to ascertain the type and concentration of mold spores found in the air.
  • Surface Sampling: The inspector may also make surface samples from spaces of the house where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be forwarded to a laboratory for evaluation to ascertain the type of mold found.
  • Documentation and Reporting: A detailed report will be furnished to clients after the mold inspection is complete, including any areas of the home where mold was identified, the variety of mold present, and suggestions for remediation.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is found, the inspector may offer suggestions for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation service. They may suggest steps to reduce moisture intrusions, improve airflow, and avoid future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up evaluation may be executed to assure you that the restoration efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention methods, including adequate airflow, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

Are There Any Actions I Can Take To Help the Mold Inspector Perform His Job and Get Accurate Test Results?

You don't need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection aside from guaranteeing that your inspector can easily reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to plan for pets to be outside of the home throughout the inspection time to ensure that the results of the test are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

A few activities you should refrain from partaking in to ensure the accuracy of the inspection include:

  • Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any regions within the house where you observe mold growth to be present.
  • Do not use air purifiers or air filtration equipment when the inspection is being conducted, as these can degrade the accuracy of the results.
  • If possible, refrain from participating in tasks such as cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the indoor environment for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the test. This precaution will assist in preventing the test results from being affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended you keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. This measure guarantees that the air within the home remains motionless and precisely reflects the usual indoor air quality. By complying with these guidelines, you will boost the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Buy, Sell, or Move Into a House Confidently by Booking Services From an Experienced Mold Inspector Right Away

Mold can take hold quickly within a home and consume numerous building materials and personal belongings. The fungus additionally poses a potential health risk to vulnerable individuals and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Moscow, OH, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise results and a clear path forward for remediation. Protect your investment and inhabitants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.