What You Should Expect From Your Mold Assessor
So you now know what a mold inspection consists of and approximately how much it should cost, but what should you expect to find out about your home after your mold inspection is completed?
You would hope if you to know if you have mold in your home, right?
Thats definitely the goal!
However
Your expectations shouldnt be to know if there is mold behind every wall of the home. You cannot determine if mold is behind the walls unless you actually sample behind each and every single wall which is not only very costly but also unnecessary .
Your expectations should be to determine if you have any present, past or possible future water damage issues that have caused or can lead to mold growth. You should also want to know if there are any mycotoxins present that can be affecting the health of you and your family.
A Professional Mold Inspection In Texas Needs Protocol
Texas has the most stringent certification and licensing process in the United States. Our Mold Inspectors throughout Texas have state mandated certifications and licensing. We are also continuing their education and keeping up with the most current practices and technology available. Mold Test Company offers protocol writing for the remediation process upon request. Our environmental consultants can schedule your mold inspection or answer any questions you may have. We look forward to servicing the entire state of Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth TX. Call us at 930-6533 to set a time that is convenient for you!
When Should You Test For Mold
If you notice any evidence of mold growth in your home, say, in the corners of walls or cracks in the ceiling, then you definitely have mold growing and spreading. But just because you dont see any doesnt mean youre mold-free. Mold can often grow in places that you cant see, like between your walls or in your air ducts. It can also grow in insulation, drywall and carpet.
You should have a professional test for mold any time youre planning on purchasing a home, but also if youve ever experienced water damage of any kind. If youve had a leaky roof, a broken pipe or had any standing water in your home for an extended period of time, you should definitely consider testing for mold in the house.
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Apps And Gadgets To A Healthier Home
One problem: Because mold infestations can greatly vary in size, the cost of a mold inspection can, too. In fact, the running total for an expert to examine your home can range anywhere from $400 to $3,000.
Some companies will offer free mold inspections, but do keep in mind that they often offer their services free of charge because they are hoping you will employ them if mold is detected.
A useful tip for helping to cut the cost of a mold inspection is to prepare ahead of time any questions you might have and to be ready to point out your areas of concern. This will help subtract a bit of time off of the length of their stay and save you some money.
When you are choosing a mold inspector, be sure research the companies you are thinking of selecting. Ask neighbors or friends for recommendations, and don’t hesitate to ask questions when calling a company to inquire about their services.
What Is The Difference Between Mold Inspection And Mold Testing
A mold inspection occurs at the home, where the home inspector or mold inspector conducts a visual inspection of the house. The inspector will also talk to the homeowner about any water damage, leaks, moisture problems, and areas of mold that might have already been discovered.
Mold testing occurs at a laboratory from samples taken at the mold inspection. The samples that have been collected are examined in carefully controlled conditions. The types of mold are identified, as well as how many mold spores are circulating through the air in the home. Some mold inspections will include mold testing as part of the service.
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Prime Mold Removal Mold Inspection & Testing
Prime mold removal specialize at mold inspection & testing.
We are based in Brooklyn NY and service all 5 boroughs
Got mold ? We can inspect, test,
verify and then remediate it.
But before we take the steps to remediate it, well first let you know if youve got a mold problem or not. Its what we do here at Prime Mold Removal, and the first step to determining whether or not theres a problem is inspecting and testing for one. Well help you determine if you have a mold problem and whats causing it. Then, well work to remediate the mold and fix the underlying issue causing it so that it wont come back.
Leveraging Extensive Knowledge, Industry-Leading Tools
We dont play a guessing game when it comes to identifying mold. Not only do our professionals have extensive mold knowledge, but we also use advanced industry tools, like moisture meters and IR cameras, so we can see where the moisture is and correct the underlying issues that led to mold growth in the first place.
If our experts discover moisture issues and mold-like growth, we never automatically assume that what weve found is mold growth. Thats why well always take a sample and send it off to an independent lab for formal testing. If the test comes back positive, then well work with you to properly and effectively remove the mold, and then resolve the underlying condition. Our professionals are trained in and follow the IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation.
Can You Get Sick From Mold In Your House
Yes, exposure to mold can cause a wide range of health symptoms. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, respiratory symptoms such as allergic reactions and asthma may occur due to mold in the home. Specific mold symptoms can also include sneezing, a runny nose, a rash, and throat and lung irritation.
To protect yourself and your household, routinely inspect your home for mold. If there are signs you have a severe mold infestation, contact the best mold remediation companies near you.
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Mold Inspection And Testing
by Precision Environmental Services | Jul 23, 2021 | Mold
On the heels of a pandemic, more people are being mindful of their health. More people are also purchasing homes. While it doesnt seem like buying a home and your familys health go hand in hand, they actually do. This is because mold hides in homes and can greatly affect your familys health. Thats why you should consider mold inspection and testing prior to purchasing a house, or in your already existing home. Mold inspections help you see if dangerous or out-of-control mold resides in your household. While typical home inspectors may mention something about mold in their report, they arent actually inspecting for mold. Furthermore, most are not qualified to say for certain if mold exists and if its dangerous or not. A professional mold inspector takes a deeper look. They also take samples to make sure your home is as healthy as it can be.
What Happens During A Mold Inspection
Mold inspection is, for the most part, a visual inspection of a house. Thereâs no special equipment involved aside from a good flashlight and tools that are sometimes needed to access restricted areas . Some mold inspectors may use cameras. A moisture meter might also be useful in determining if a particular area is wet, especially after remediation.
A typical mold inspection involves the inspector talking to the property owner about any areas where they have seen mold, or where there have been moisture problems or water damage in the past. The inspector will go over the house thoroughly, looking in places known to be prone to mold growth. If there is a chance mold is growing in an inaccessible space, the inspector may have to damage a section of drywall or remove paneling to get a better look. If mold is detected, the inspector will try to find the source of the moisture that is causing the mold and talk to the homeowner to develop a remediation plan.
In some municipalities, mold inspectors must have a license or certification. Always look for a contractor with experience in mold inspection and mold remediation.
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Mold Testing For Home Inspectors
Mold is a byproduct of the breakdown of organic matter, such as plants, wood, and even food and certain beverages. The problem posed to humans by mold is their spores, which can be released into the air and land on damp surfaces indoors, where they will continue to grow, if the conditions are right. Mold growth left unaddressed can quickly spread and result in damage to the structure of a home. More importantly, mold can compromise the respiratory health of susceptible individuals. Although testing for mold falls outside InterNACHI’s Residential Standards of Practice, home inspectors can benefit from getting trained in mold testing and offering this valuable and sometimes life-changing service to their clients.
Licensing or Certification Requirements for Mold Testing
Before embarking on training in order to offer mold testing services, be sure to check with your state for its requirements for certification or licensing. Some states that require home inspectors to be licensed also require mold inspectors or assessors to be licensed, such as Florida. But there are also states that don’t require home inspectors to be licensed but do require mold testers to be licensed, including Ohio.
Mold Inspections and Home Maintenance
A mold inspection starts as a home inspection, which is a non-invasive, visual examination of the home’s interior and exterior, and its various systems and components.
Testing
Air Sampling
Summary
Professional Mold Testing In Florida
The only way to be certain if your property has mold or not is to have a free mold inspection performed by an expert mold testing and remediation professional atFP Property Restoration. We will come out to your property and do a fullthermal and moisture inspection to determine what issues exist and if there is reason to believe there is mold present. From there, we can recommend an air quality test to determine the type of mold your property has, as well as the amount present in the air.
Contact usonline or call today to book your appointment.
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What If The Home Seller Or Builder Did Not Disclose A Known Mold Problem
If the prior owner of a house you bought knew of the presence of mold and was required to disclose this information under state real estate disclosure rules, but did not do so, the owner may be liable to you for failure to disclose. See the Nolo article, “Mold: Who to Sue” for more on the subject. Other useful Nolo articles include “Home Defects: Sue the Seller,” which provides useful advice on determining who’s legally responsible for home defects and how to file suit. For advice on dealing with problems in a new house, see “New-Home Defects: Holding Your Builder Responsible.”
Mold Testing Companies In Your Area
Mold inspections and testing are important when you suspect there may be toxic mold growing in your home. Mold can cause a variety of health issues, so it is crucial to understand if it is present and if it is of a harmful variety . A certified inspector will look for evidence of past or current growth inside walls and other areas. This includes areas where growth could be causing structural issues – like in crawlspaces. A mold test, however, will not include remediation. In fact, many inspection services will refer you elsewhere for mold removal.
Reasons you may need mold testing include:
- If you have an allergic reaction when in a certain room. Reactions include a runny nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes.
- To see if a known water or mold problem has been fixed.
- To understand if there is a problem with a home you plan to buy.
If you are looking for mold inspectors near you, HomeAdvisor can help. Enter your zip code to be connected to mold testing companies in your area who are ready to inspect your property.
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Florida: Paradise For Peopleand Mold
Mold spores are nearly always present inside and outside your Florida home. The problem arises when these spores begin to multiply. Once the mold has found a sustainable food source inside your home , the colony will put out increasingly more spores into the air.
Since it is enclosed in the walls of your home, these spores will exponentially populate your air and cause the negative health problems mentioned earlier.
Unfortunately, the hot, humid weather that makes Florida such a dream location also makes it a prime breeding ground for mold. Add extra moisture to the mixlike rain from one of our many thunderstormsand you have a mold breeding ground.
If You Find Mold In Your Home What Do You Do
When mold becomes excessive in the home, or if checking for mold in a new home, it is crucial to contact a home inspector. Testing of the samples collected from a mold inspection occurs at a laboratory and tests the samples taken during the house mold inspection.
Luckily, mold inspection and testing are easily accessible almost anywhere. Pick a mold testing company you find trustworthy and affordable. Feel free to research different testing methods or speak up to ensure a thorough mold inspection with no conflict of interest.
Ask them about their professional mold test and how that will impact your home or commercial property when performed. MI& T is the biggest and most trusted mold company in the United States, offering unbiased mold testing at a reasonable price.
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Whos On The Hook To Remove Mold Thats Found During An Inspection
This one can be tricky. If were inspecting a house for the buyer, the advice we offer to our client is to have the seller of the house remove all mold and do whats necessary to keep it from coming back. The process of having mold removed is invasive to the residence of the house, and buyers dont want to bear the expense of mold remediation, so definitely have the current homeowners eliminate all mold.
Generally, mold remediation requires at least four visits to the home:
Unfortunately weve found that mold remediators dont always complete the job on their first attempt. Weve routinely found during mold remediation clearance inspections that obvious mold remains.
Who Do You Call For A Mold Inspection
A professional mold inspector can help you identify the presence of mold in your home. Its important to hire a reputable mold inspector even if you have just a few square feet of mold.
Mold remediation companies have the tools to remove mold safely from your home. Contact the best mold remediation professionals near you if you think you need a mold inspection.
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You Wont Know If Mold Is Airborne
Most of the time the mold remediation company will just see mold in a certain area and just treat that particular area.
But what happens if the mold spores are airborne?
You wont know with having the air quality tested in other areas to see if it spread through the HVAC system.
A mold remediation company will generally not test the air quality for mold and also perform the remediation. And if they do, that may be something that should throw up some red flags for you. That brings me to my next point:
Infrared Camera And Moisture Meter Inspections
An infrared camera is not x-ray vision and is not actually looking for mold. What an infrared camera is actually detecting is very small changes in surface temperature of the wall. If a material is wet, the water will evaporate from the surface of the material. Evaporation is an endothermic process, meaning that surrounding heat is absorbed in the process, which gets released. Because of that, the area where the evaporation is happening will appear cooler on the infrared camera image. However there are other causes for a cooler surface on a wall, so it is important to use a moisture meter to confirm that the surface is actually damp. Moisture is a key indicator of mold growth. Mold needs moisture in order to grow on building materials, so if you can find moisture, there is a high chance that there may be associated mold growth on that material. Because an infrared camera is detecting temperature, using a moisture meter in tandem with an infrared camera can help us rapidly assess a room for moisture, and find the areas where mold may be most likely to be growing in a wall cavity. A thorough moisture analysis is a key step in any good mold inspection.
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What Does A Mold Inspection Consist Of
But heres the real question:
What exactly does a mold inspection consist of?
First, you need to identify your goals of the inspection.
Are you looking to:
- Check out one specific area of the home?
- Have the entire home inspected?
- Have the air quality checked?
- Have the ducts checked?
These types of questions will all determine exactly what will be done and how much the cost will be. For this section, we will assume that you suspect you may have mold somewhere in the home but you arent sure and just want to have the home tested.
Here is just a basic step by step of what your inspection will consist of:
