A Reliable Mold Evaluation When Buying or Listing a Home in Redwood, VA Will Provide Extra Peace of Mind

Mold poses a risk to individuals and pets and destroys building materials. Mold testing from a verified mold inspection service is highly recommended when buying a home in Redwood, VA. Obtaining a mold inspection when selling your home can also provide clarity and speed up the closing process. Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely recognized as the premier home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, soon-to-be homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Defend your loved ones and your possessions by calling us when searching for mold inspection near you.

Is Mold A Hazard?

Mold is a kind of fungus that develops in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with higher levels of 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 leaks, and poor airflow. It can grow on cellulose-based items, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually inspect for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to locate the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While some types of mold are harmless, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for people who are vulnerable. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Pets may also be negatively impacted by mold, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Redwood, VA and part of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It's understandable if you're concerned about the safety of yourself or your loved ones and make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they are able to test a person for mold exposure? We are not able to provide that as a part of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not always present a considerable risk to the health of most people, it's particularly bad for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and eat plant-based materials and ruin them over time. Some cellulose or plant-based components used and stored inside of houses are:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable when purchasing a home or if you presently dwell inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can disseminate fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and resulting in extensive damage to a home over time. A trained mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the insights they need to make smart decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eliminate it entirely.

Some people ask if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your healthcare provider through dermal and blood tests. If you believe or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

A professional mold inspection service is your ideal resource to understand the scope of mold infestation and develop a remediation plan moving forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the best technology and techniques in the business for added peace of mind. The manner in which your mold inspector carries out testing may change from house to house, but will typically involve the following:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality concerns. Musty odors or health symptoms presented by individuals will also be evaluated.
  • Visual Inspection: The next step of our mold inspection service includes a complete visual assessment of the home, both inside and out, scanning for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related concerns. We investigate areas vulnerable to mold infestation, like basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and spaces with plumbing or HVAC systems.
  • Moisture detection: Advanced tools like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be utilized to find hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could facilitate the spread of mold.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling is often performed to determine indoor air quality and determine the amount of spores in the air. Air filters and collection devices are utilized to gather air samples from various areas of the home. The samples will be sent to a laboratory for assessment.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not seen, your mold inspector may recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This involves swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also sent to a lab for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector creates a detailed report recapping their findings. The report normally includes data on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold varieties present (if recognized), and advice for mitigation or further actions.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may supply advice for mold cleanup, which may involve hiring a specialist mold remediation service. They may suggest measures to minimize moisture intrusions, improve airflow, and prevent future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After remediation efforts, the inspector may execute a subsequent assessment to ensure that the mold problem has been effectively addressed. Validation testing may be performed to assure you that the indoor area meets safe mold spore levels and is safe for occupants.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold precaution measures, including adequate airflow, moisture control, and care procedures.

What Do I Have To Do To Get Ready for the Mold Inspection?

The most significant way you can help your mold inspector prior to their arrival is to clear all obstacles that may impede their ability to conduct the test. This includes securing pets out of their path and removing clutter, furniture, or additional objects that make it hard for them to reach multiple parts of the property.

Protect Your Home Investment by Calling Us for Expert Mold Inspection Services Now

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a residence and consume many construction materials and personal possessions. The fungus also presents a possible health danger to vulnerable individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near Redwood, VA, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a clear course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your assets and inhabitants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 now.