Mold Testing in Smithfield, RI For Peace of Mind During Home Purchasing and Selling

If you're in search of the most trusted mold inspection near Smithfield, RI, Pillar To Post™ is a pioneer in the home inspection industry with state-of-the-art technology and knowledgeable professionals at our disposal. Mold is a potentially harmful fungus that can result in health issues in certain people and pets and cause damage to your home's structural integrity. Mold testing is advantageous for current homeowners and prospective buyers and sellers wanting to preserve their investment and their families. Take advantage of the most trusted mold inspection service in the area and achieve confidence knowing the things most important in life are protected by scheduling a mold inspection with Pillar To Post™.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a fungus that propagates through the air as spores, eventually depositing themselves on organic matter where they become visible as they grow. The fungus usually manifests as furry splotches and can be almost any color, including white, green, yellow, and black. Certain species of black mold are more often considered a health risk and can cause allergic reactions in vulnerable people and pets. The major danger is the detriment mold can do to a building. Not only is the fungus ugly and produces a foul odor, but there are also many common materials used to construct homes and possessions inside that it will occupy and eat. Over time, the fungus can spread throughout a building and weaken many of the vital structural components, including:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable when buying a home or if you presently dwell inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing more damage to a home over time. A professional mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. An adequate mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the insights required to make smarter decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and eradicate it altogether.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for exposure to the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your healthcare provider through skin and blood tests. If you think or discover that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing is warranted.

What Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

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

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector collects information from the current homeowner regarding any apparent mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality issues. Musty smells or health symptoms presented by individuals will also be assessed.
  • Visual Inspection: Your inspector will undertake a visual inspection of the property, examining for any apparent signs of mold infestation. They will inspect areas of the house that are known to be susceptible to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Moisture detection: Your mold inspector might use moisture detection equipment, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to detect areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help detect areas where mold is likely to grow.
  • Air Sampling: Mold testing may require air samples to be acquired from several areas of the home using specific equipment. The air samples will be transferred to a lab for assessment to confirm the type and concentration of mold spores found in the air.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not seen, the inspector could collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other protions. This requires wiping or tape-lifting portions of surfaces, which is also transferred to a lab for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Findings are documented, including observations, measurements, sample locations, and laboratory results. A comprehensive report is prepared, recapping the inspection specifics, mold types identified, and recommended actions for restoration, if necessary.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may give recommendations for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a qualified mold remediation company. They will likely suggest measures to alleviate moisture problems, improve ventilation, and stop future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A subsequent inspection may be performed to ensure that the restoration efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention methods, 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 preparation for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can easily reach parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the testing time to guarantee that the outcomes of the test are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

A few activities you should avoid partaking in for the accuracy of mold testing include:

  • Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any areas of the house where you observe mold growth to be present.
  • Refrain from using air pumps or air filters when the testing is being performed, as these can degrade the accuracy of the results.
  • If possible, abstain from participating in tasks like cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the indoor environment for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This precaution will help in preventing the test results from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is additionally advised you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the test. This measure guarantees that the environment inside the home stays still and accurately represents the usual indoor air quality. By complying with these guidelines, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and testing.

Get in Touch With Us By Phone or Book Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold can take hold rapidly within a residence and degrade various construction materials and personal belongings. The fungus additionally poses a potential health risk to vulnerable individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near Smithfield, RI, choose Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a clear path forward for cleanup. Safeguard your assets and inhabitants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.