The Premier Mold Inspection Service in La Follette, TN

Is Mold A Concern?

Mold is a kind of fungus that develops in warm and damp environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can present in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, and poor ventilation. It can grow on organic-based materials, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will typically inspect for evidence of leaks and moisture in a house to identify the source of mold growth.

While some kinds of mold are benign, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for people who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Pets may also be negatively impacted by mold, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of specific concern in La Follette, TN and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to comprehend 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 it's possible to assess a person for mold exposure? We are not able to supply that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not always present an outsized risk to the well-being of most people, it's particularly detrimental for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and devour plant-based materials and ruin them over time. Common cellulose-based materials used and stored inside of homes are:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable before you buy a house or if you currently live inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can spread fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and triggering more damage to a home as time goes on. A trained mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. An adequate mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the insights they need to make smarter decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some people 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 dermal and blood screening. If you believe or discover that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing is required.

What Processes Are Used To Carry Out a Professional Mold Inspection?

A professional mold inspection service will deliver a complete assessment of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the extent of the infestation. The specific process for a dependable mold inspection may change depending on the house size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers data about the home, any known mold issues, and your concerns during the initial consultation to create a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: Your inspector will undertake a visual inspection of the property, evaluating for any observable signs of mold infestation. They will scrutinize areas of the property that are known to be susceptible to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Evaluating moisture content in areas around the property is crucial in discovering potential sources of mold spread. Hygrometers and other specialized equipment are used to determine the moisture levels inside building materials and detect areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Infrared tools may be used to find areas where mold infestation may be occurring.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may necessitate air samples to be taken from multiple areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be dispatched to a lab for evaluation to identify the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not obvious, your mold inspector may recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then dispatched to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: A in-depth report will be furnished to clients after the mold inspection is concluded, including any areas of the home where mold was identified, the species of mold present, and recommendations for cleanup.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector offers recommendations to address the mold issues and stop further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up assessment may be executed to confirm that the remediation efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention methods, including adequate air circulation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

Are There Any Actions I Can Take To Help My Mold Inspection Technician Carry Out His Job and Obtain Accurate Test Results?

You don't need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can easily reach areas of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the house throughout the inspection period to guarantee that the outcomes of the test are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

Examples of activities you should avoid partaking in for the reliability of the inspection include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any rooms within the property where you think mold growth to be present.
• Refrain from using air pumps or air filters while the inspection is being performed, as these can impact the accuracy of the data.
• If feasible, refrain from engaging in activities such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing products in the indoor environment for a minimum of 24 hours before the test. This measure will assist in preventing the test data from being affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is also advised to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours before the test. This measure ensures that the environment within the house stays still and precisely reflects the typical indoor air quality. By following these guidelines, you will enhance the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Call or Schedule Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold can establish itself quickly within a home and degrade numerous building materials and personal belongings. The fungus also poses a potential health hazard to vulnerable individuals and animals. When searching for mold inspection near La Follette, TN, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a clear path forward for remediation. Protect your investment and occupants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.