At Precision Environmental Services, a mold testing company, we offer mold testing services for your home, business, or commercial property. You can count on us to provide you with a variety of mold testing and inspection services to meet your needs. We only use top-grade equipment so you can confident that the job is getting done right the first time. Let’s take a closer look at why mold inspections and mold testing are important and when you should test.
Mold Testing and Inspection
When you contact us about testing and mold inspection, we will schedule a site tour so we can assess the areas of concern for a mold issue. From there, we will do a visible mold inspection. This typically includes the attic and foundation crawlspaces, or any unfinished spaces in the building. A thermal scan and moisture meter are also used to determine the exact area where the mold may be present. This can include windows, doors, and water appliances. Once we inspect for mold, we will begin testing the area. Mold testing services are extremely important to determine exactly where the mold is present and how much.
Mold Testing Services
Mold testing can be done in several different ways depending on where you think the mold may be living. There are at-home mold testing kits, but getting a professional mold test can assure the best results. Professionals can also help you eliminate it in the safest way. Here are the various types of mold testing services available:
Air Sampling
Air sampling is used to measure how many airborne mold spores are in a certain area. We take a minimum of one air sample from outside the building so we can compare it with the one that is taken inside. Results typically come back in 2-3 business days.
Surface Sampling
A swab is used for this test to determine the presence of mold growth, abnormal spore activity, and to determine whether any mold genera is present. We offer qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results typically come back in 2-3 business days. Be sure to inquire about same-day service.
Bulk Material Sampling
This type of testing is done when you want to see if there is any mold present in a small section of material. We can determine whether there is abnormal spore activity and identify mold genera that may be present. We offer qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results typically come back in 2-3 business days. Be sure to inquire about same-day service.
ERMI Sampling
Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) is done by taking a sample of dust. This is generally taken from a living room and master bedroom. The dust sample is analyzed to detect the presence of 36 specific mod species. There is an algorithm used in this process. Typical results come back in 5-10 business days.
Surface Culture Full-Speciation
This type of mold testing service will identify the exact mold species that may be present on a specific surface. These results can take up to 21 days to come back. Our extensive mold testing services will not only determine where mold is present but can also help to prevent serious illness.
When Should You Test for Mold?
There are some red flags that indicate that you should seek mold testing services. These include:
- A musty odor in the home. This is almost always due to mold.
- Your home or business has recently been flooded.
- You find mold in one area of your home. Mold spreads quickly and easily so it’s important to get testing done as soon as possible.
- You or someone in your home has symptoms of mold-related health problems such as constant sinus infections, sore throat, frequent headaches, coughing, wheezing, unexplained fatigue, unexplained rashes, or hives.
- You or someone in your home has a health condition that gets worse if you’re exposed to mold. This includes asthma, respiratory disorders, and immune system disorders.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, call us for mold testing services and mold inspection. This will help to improve the air quality of your home or business.
Test for Mold Before You Remediate
It’s also important to test for mold before any mold remediation is done. This will help to measure and record the types and quality of mold spore activity before any remediation efforts are taken. This is important because it will give a baseline of mold spore activity.
Indoor air quality testing
If you are considering mold testing services, you may also want to look into indoor air quality testing. This can detect other indoor air pollutants that are biological, chemical, and combustion pollutants. One or more of these types of pollutants can be present in your home or business without your knowledge. Some common indoor pollutants include:
- Carbon Monoxide
- Radon
- Asbestos
- Dust and dander
- Pressed wood products
- Cleaning products
Having an indoor air quality test will not only detect these pollutants but will allow you to get the proper cleaning services to make your space healthier for everyone inside.
Mold Exposure and Health Concerns
The health effects of mold exposure can vary from person to person. Symptoms of mold exposure can include, but not be limited to:
- Breathing problems
- Flu-like symptoms
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Headaches
- Pink eye
- Skin irritations
- Dry, hacking cough
- Throat irritation
People with compromised immune systems and those taking medicines to treat cancer or HIV are typically the most affected. Getting mold testing services can help determine if there is a problem and prevent illness.
Contact Us to Reach a Mold Inspector
If you suspect mold at your home, business, or commercial property contact Precision Environmental Services for testing and mold inspection. You can feel confident in our professional mold testing services and certified mold inspectors will improve the air quality of your home or business and help to prevent health problems.
