If you are looking for a mold inspector for your home, office, or commercial property, look no further than Precision Environmental Services, professional mold inspectors. We have professionally trained and certified mold inspection specialists who will evaluate your mold issue and advise you on the best way to remove the mold to solve your mold problem.
Mold and Its Growth
Mold is a fungus, and like all fungi, it flourishes in wet and damp places. Mold spreads by releasing spores. Spores are microscopic particles often as small as a single cell. Mold spores are everywhere, outdoors as well as inside your house or office building. The spores float around in the air until they land on a surface. In small quantities, these mold spores are usually harmless. However, when they land on a moist surface they grow and become more dangerous and causing mold damage.
Moisture can travel through wood and concrete floors, it can leak from plumbing, it is produced by the daily routines of bathing, washing, and cooking. Moisture naturally collects in homes and mold excess needs to be ventilated. So, an unventilated area is a perfect place for mold growth. These areas can be found in your laundry room, bathrooms, kitchen, attic, and even around your HVAC system or water heater.
There are several strains of mold, and some are more dangerous than others. It is always best to find a professional to do a toxic mold inspection or mold assessment in your home to prevent illnesses and remove mold.
What is a Mold Inspection?
A mold inspection begins when the home inspector or mold inspector performs a visual inspection of the house. Mold specialists know where the mold tends to grow. The inspector will also talk to you about any past issues in the home such as water damage, pipe leaks, and ask if you have seen mold in your house.
If there is no evidence of mold and mildew from the visual inspection, the mold assessor will then use specialty tools to see if there is moisture in other parts of the home.
Testing for mold
Moisture Meters
One such tool is called a moisture meter. This device can test the moisture content (MC) of many different types of material, including drywall, paneling, and wood studs. The meter will quickly scan materials to obtain instant MC measurement results.
Thermal Imaging
A thermal imaging camera can also provide information about mold growth. Thermal patterns created by hidden moisture become readily visible when viewed through an infrared camera. This is because the thermal imaging camera sees the temperature difference between wet spots and building materials. During home inspections, the thermal imaging camera will detect water that has seeped in from the walls, ceilings, in and around the HVAC system, in the kitchen around the sink, under the dishwasher, behind the refrigerator, and under the cooking range, as well as around vents and exhaust fans, in basements and attics.
Moisture Mapping
Moisture mapping visually represents or outlines the wet areas in your facility that need to be dried and returned to their dry standard. It also shows areas in your building that are not affected by water damage. Moisture mapping is done using specific technologies and instruments, such as infrared cameras, invasive moisture meters, non-invasive moisture meters, and thermo hygrometers.
Airborne Mold Testing and indoor air quality
Air samples gather data about mold spores present inside of a house. These indoor air quality samples are taken by using a pump that forces air through a collection device that catches mold spores. Samples are generally best taken if a visual, non-invasive inspection reveals apparent mold growth or conditions that could lead to growth, such as built-up moisture or water damage. If no sign of mold or potential for mold is apparent, one or two indoor air samples can still be taken in the most lived-in room of the house and at the HVAC unit. The sample is then sent off to a laboratory for analysis. It is imperative to perform an air quality test to see if there are mold spores in the air of your home so that they can be safely removed.
Surface Sampling
Surface sampling is the most common and easiest testing method. This is the most frequent method of sampling visible mold because the inspector can collect several samples in different parts of the home quickly. The technician may use a cellulose swab with a liquid preservative to collect and then send suspected mold for laboratory testing. Or home inspectors might use carpet samples for testing which can be completed on vacuumed contents, or even a clip of the carpeting. Any carpets that have visible mold or have tested positive for mold should be thrown out and replaced, as it’s virtually impossible to remove all traces of mold.
Mold Testing and mold inspection Cost
When buying a home, an inspection is very important. Inspections can sometimes make buyers anxious, but they are essential to the home buying process. a standard inspection provides you with a detailed report on the house you are purchasing. including vital information related to the electrical and plumbing systems, to an in-depth analysis of the structural components of the home. However, there are several specialized inspections that are not typically covered in a routine home inspection — including mold inspections.
Average Inspection Price
The average inspection price is $650. However, the inspection price range by a mold professional: $300-$1,000 depending on the square footage of the home. Mold is a serious problem and identifying mold infestation before it grows out of control can save you thousands of dollars. Spending a few hundred dollars when buying a new house is very worth it if you’re concerned about mold.
Professional Mold Inspection, mold remediation, and mold removal companies
A professional mold inspection by mold experts will ensure your home is healthy and safe. At Precision Environmental Services, we have professionally trained and certified mold inspection specialists who will inspect your home, test your home for mold infestation, and find and remove mold. Call us today to set up your appointment to talk about residential mold inspection and/or mold remediation.
