Mold Testing in a Home
Just about everyone has heard of mold and knows of the damage it can do over time if left untreated, but many homeowners don’t know exactly what mold is or how to detect it in the house.
The Inspect-It 1st team is experienced with a variety of common home problems, many of which lead to mold growth, and our home inspectors are experts in the services we provide. This blog post shares all homeowners need to know about mold detection and testing.
What is Mold?
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors, growing best in warm, damp conditions. Molds need water to grow, and they spread by producing spores. According to the CDC, indoor mold is most likely to be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.
In addition, some people are sensitive to molds, and exposure can cause symptoms such as congestion, eye and skin irritation, wheezing and sometimes more severe reactions. If you notice a moldy smell or begin suffering allergic symptoms, there’s a good chance mold is hidden in the house.
How to Detect Mold in a House
If you see or smell mold in your home, there is a potential health risk, so no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal. As long as water is present, mold will continue to grow and eventually damage the home structure, as well as increase the chances of your exposure.
Mold testing, which should always be performed by a qualified professional, can tell you if you have a mold problem in your home, detect hidden mold, measure indoor air quality and identify what species of mold is present.
The three main types of mold tests are air testing, surface testing and bulk testing. Air sampling tests the concentration of mold spores in the air, which can tell you if there’s a mold problem even if you haven’t found the growth. Surface testing takes samples from household surfaces to assess how much the mold has grown and spread. Lastly, bulk testing involves collecting pieces of material from the home to estimate the concentration of particles around the house. Testing is also useful after mold removal, ensuring that the removal was successful and thorough.
Inspection and Prevention
With the potential dangers to both your health and your home when mold grows undetected, it’s important to be informed and aware of areas more prone to mold growth, calling in the professionals for inspection if necessary.
Homeowners, buyers and real estate professionals choose to “Inspect-It 1st” because with a high level of customer care and our ability to deliver a wide range of inspection services tailored to the market’s needs, you have the convenience of making one call instead of scheduling multiple inspectors. If you suspect the presence of mold in your home or want to ensure your home is mold-free, contact Inspect-It 1st today!