What to Expect When Having Your Home Inspected for Mold

If your home is experiencing the telltale signs of mold, like dark spots forming on the ceiling or walls, that means it’s time for a mold inspection. Obtaining a mold inspection at the first sign of a problem is recommended to avoid major repairs in the future. Then you can begin mold testing and remediation quickly, before the mold begins to cause big problems in your home. Read on to find out what to expect from the professional mold inspection process.

Signs that your home needs a mold inspection

Any sign of water intrusion or flooding means you should be looking into getting a mold inspection. If your home has been closed up for a while, this also creates favorable conditions for mold to grow. You should also get a mold inspection before buying a new home, as this is not typically included in a standard home inspection. Following any mold remediation, it’s a best practice to check any spots where mold was previously growing to ensure it’s been removed.

Signs that a home has mold include:

• Musty smells anywhere in the home
• Spots forming on the walls, ceiling and floors, especially in high humidity areas like the bathroom or basement
• Spots where there’s been a persistent leak

Standards for professional moisture reading

During a mold inspection, a professional mold inspector will first do a visual inspection of the home. This includes the interior and exterior of the home, looking for signs of both current and past mold growth. Past mold growth indicates that leaks could occur again in the future.

You might see a DIY kit for mold inspection at a home improvement store, but these are not always accurate. They also won’t test the air quality, which is crucial for understanding the nature of the problem. Only professional mold detectors are qualified to perform mold inspections.

Mold testing

If the inspector finds any signs of mold, they will likely recommend more comprehensive professional mold testing. This will determine which kind of mold is present in the air you’re breathing. Some forms of mold such as black mold can be harmful both to people and animals. Long-term exposure to mold often triggers allergic reactions and may worsen respiratory conditions like asthma.

Other forms of mold include aspergillus, a fairly common form found in air conditioning systems and on food, and Cladosporium, a black or green mold that often grows on the back of toilets. These forms of mold aren’t toxic, but may lead to allergic reactions.

Mold isn’t always visible to the naked eye, which is why mold testing also involves testing the air quality. This determines the volume of mold spores in the home and helps a professional mold inspector decide how serious the problem is and what to do about it.

When you need professional mold services, trust Active Mold Control LLC. We offer reliable inspections, tests, remediation and abatement services to all our residential and commercial customers. Give us a call today to learn more and request a free quote.

Categorised in: Mold Inspection

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