Finding & Testing Mold

Mold is everywhere. It is an essential part of our existence. You are inhaling mold at this exact moment. The important thing for me to know is if the mold levels are elevated and if the mold is harmful.

Mold is a very common issue in many households. This is especially true in older homes, crawlspaces, and homes that have been vacant for a while, but it can be found anywhere, including in newly constructed homes. Many forms of mold are not harmful to humans (such as blue cheese, penicillin (which is made from mold), etc.), but some harmful molds can be unhealthy in a home. It does not matter if the occupants have a compromised immune system or are perfectly healthy; these growths can cause a variety of health-related issues, including asthma.

It is critical that you know if the mold levels in your home are elevated. This is why If Walls Could Talk Home Inspection, Inc. offers mold inspection and mold sampling services.

Ensuring You Get Accurate Information

It is important to know that I am not a mold expert. While there is a lot of misinformation out there about molds and their associated health risks, I strive to be as accurate as possible when providing information about what is happening in your home.

What to Expect During Your Home Inspection

Although I am no mold expert, I have been trained by experts to identify conditions that promote mold growth, and I will look for a variety of factors. The first and most important contributing factor I will look for is moisture. Mold cannot grow without moisture, and it can come in many forms, such as water leaks, moisture vapor, and humidity. I have the training, knowledge, and tools to look for moisture in all its forms.

If I find a fungal growth during your home inspection, I can collect a mold sampling at an additional cost if you choose. Once I collect the samples, I overnight them to a trusted laboratory. The lab usually returns the results on the same day (Monday through Friday). This will determine the species of the molds, and if an air sampling is completed, it will determine the concentration levels. The lab will also tell you any potential health concerns.

Under most circumstances, most mold problems can be corrected by remediation.

Resources & Guidance

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints are common symptoms associated with high mold exposure levels.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment, but the best way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture in the environment.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. To ensure that mold does not return, it is important to fix the water/moisture problem's source.
5. Some easy ways to reduce indoor humidity and therefore mold growth include venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning.
6. All damp or wet building materials and furnishings should be dried and cleaned or removed within 24 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. To clean hard surfaces, use water and detergent. Then, ensure that it is completely dry. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles may need to be replaced.
8. Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. Do not install carpeting in areas with a perpetual moisture problem (i.e., by drinking fountains, sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow on virtually any substance where moisture is present.