A mold inspection is performed when a home or business owner suspects they have a mold contamination issue at their home or commercial location. The purpose of a mold inspection is not only to determine if a mold problem exists but more importantly why the problem started and how we can remediate the mold effectively and not allow a future recurrence.
Mold Inspection: Professional Mold Testing
How is Mold Testing Done in Your House or Business?
Professional mold testing begins with a visual inspection of the suspected problem area. The use of a focussed LED lighting device is key as this will illuminate mold growth on hard-to-see surfaces. The next step in the mold testing process is called Moisture Mapping. Moisture mapping measures the moisture content in building materials such as wood, sheetrock, foundation walls, furniture, etc. The most common places for mold in homes and businesses in the basement, crawlspace, and attic.
Perhaps the most important tool that a mold inspector has is the portable air quality testing device. Oftentimes mold, which is actually microscopic size, cannot be seen with the naked eye, and yet there is plenty of evidence that it is present. To determine if mold is adversely affecting the air quality of a home or business, air quality testing is performed. This utilizes an air pump that draws air through a thin membrane housed in a disk. This disk is then collected, packaged, and delivered to an accredited lab such as EMSL Laboratories for analysis. The lab will generate a report that can then allow the determination of airborne spore counts.
I am very pleased with Tom McGuire and his crew of guys at Moisture Science Environmental. I had Tom come inspect several mold spots in my basement and he was very thorough. He also revealed to me that there were many other mold areas that I didn’t even see (and neither did the previous company I had out for an inspection) that could be affecting the air quality for me and my wife. I hired him to do the complete mold remediation and as I result I have peace of mind. Would highly recommend!
– M.Z. (5-Star Google Review)
Don’t Let a Mold Issue Fester
The biggest concern with mold contamination is adverse health effects. Kids under 6, adults over 65, and anyone with asthma, sinusitis, COPD, immune disorders, or specific mold allergies can be negatively impacted by elevated mold spores. This is a large population of potential victims.
The second concern is damage to your property. Mold contamination can only be present if you have moisture intrusion problems and as we all know, damage from excessive moisture causes hundreds of billions of dollars in damage every year. Much of this damage will fall on the home or business owner to pay for. The sooner a mold and moisture problem can be identified, the less damage will occur and the less costly the situation will end up being.
Finally and perhaps most important is the danger to the health of those exposed to elevated mold concentrations. Exposure to elevated mold spores is particularly dangerous to those 6 years of age and younger as well as those 65 years and older. The younger age group is susceptible to mold infection due to an underdeveloped immune system. Many studies link childhood asthma to being exposed to high levels of mold spores as a toddler or child. This is also the case with Aspergillus/Penicillium which can cause a penicillin allergy that lasts a lifetime. In the elderly, respiratory conditions such as COPD, Congestive heart failure, and asthma can be exacerbated by chronic exposure to mold spores.
Mold Inspection FAQs
How Dangerous Is Mold?
Exposure to elevated mold spores can be dangerous. It may cause some mild or severe symptoms of mold allergies like wheezing, fatigue, coughing, problems with breathing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, etc.
Learn more about how dangerous is mold on our blog.
How long does a mold inspection take?
Moisture Science recommends a professional mold inspection to get an accurate analysis of any ongoing moisture intrusion issues or the presence of active mold growth. An inspection can take between 1-2 hours to inspect the entire structure. Sometimes additional tests need to be performed
Contact MSE to get an idea of how long your mold inspection will take.
What to expect from a mold inspection?
A Moisture Science mold inspection includes the discussion of what caused the mold and recommendations on the process of mold remediation.
Call Moisture Science Environmental to learn about your mold inspection: (609) 314-3528
Should I get a mold inspection when buying a house?
Some home inspectors aren’t as equipped to do a mold inspection as a professionally licensed mold inspector company. And even new homes can still get mold in them. Home Inspectors specifically have clauses in their agreement stating they are not mold experts and you should consult a certified mold professional if there is any hint of mold contamination.
When you are purchasing your home, trust the experience of a Moisture Science technician to examine it so your family can have peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your home mold inspection.
What happens if mold is found during home inspection
If mold growth has been found in your property during a home inspection, then the seller might become responsible for the removal of mold. Whether you are a home buyer or home seller that has found mold during your home inspection, contact a licensed mold inspector for a quote to remediate the issue.