If you suspect that there may be mold growing in your home or building, it is wise to have a mold inspection performed by a qualified professional. Whether mold is visible or not, mold can still create unhealthy indoor air quality. Not only does it create unhealthy indoor air quality, but it can also potentially destroy your family’s health by causing severe breathing problems, especially in children. Although most mold is not toxic, it is essential to realize that it should never be inhaled because it is hazardous for such small people to breathe in large amounts. Additionally, mold can make it difficult to leave the house due to the health issues that it can cause.
The term “mold” can mean different things to different individuals. Its simplest form refers to any fungus that can grow in both fresh and dry conditions. By definition, mold is a living organism that grows on damp materials and is usually a naturally occurring part of the environment. Mold is a natural component of the ecosystem and plays an integral role in nature; however, mold should be avoided indoors because it is highly toxic.
If you suspect that you have a mold problem, getting a mold inspection done as soon as possible is essential. This will help you avoid the expensive cost of demolition and potential remediation costs. If the mold inspection shows no mold growth inside your home, you do not need peace of mind until you get a professional mold specialist out to look over your home. If the mold growth is present, however, you need peace of mind and immediate action.
When you have a mold inspection performed by a qualified, certified inspector, there are some steps the inspector should take first to determine if there is a mold problem. First, the inspectors will need to look at the area you live in and the surrounding area. Indoor moisture (wet floors, walls, and cabinets) may not be the only source of mold growth. For example, leaks may be causing excess moisture in the attic or basement. If the leak has not been repaired, the water damage can lead to the presence of mold. Check test mold for more details.
Once the inspectors have taken an inventory of the building’s total area, they will then need to test the air quality in the area. Indoor testing cannot detect mold unless the building is also contaminated with airborne spores. To determine if a mold infestation is present, testing must be done on the area outside of the walls and flooring where mold often grows. For mold testing to be accurate, professionals use specialized mold detection devices called moisture probes and ultraviolet light machines. Once the mold is found, the inspectors will then take steps to eliminate the mold infestation.
A mold assessment is typically not done until all of the testings have been completed and the mold inspector has determined that there is, in fact, a mold problem. If you are not sure whether or not your home has a mold problem, the safest thing to do is call a mold remediation company for an inspection and clean-up. However, suppose a mold assessment determines that there is, in fact, a mold problem. In that case, it is essential to hire a professional mold inspector (either an indoor or outdoor one) to test the premises to ensure that no further mold contamination is possible. A flat fee is usually required when requesting an assessment of the property. Mold remediation companies are more than willing to work on a flat fee basis since they aim to eliminate the mold problem as quickly and thoroughly as possible.