Mold Inspection in Your AreaSD For Peace of Mind During Home Purchasing and Selling

Your knowledgeable mold inspector will provide you with an accurate and elaborate report that will give you a way forward for remediation and making knowledgeable choices about your investment. Gain enhanced insights into the condition of a house and protect its occupants with complete mold testing from your nearby Pillar To Post™.

How Can Mold Impact My House and Family?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with excess moisture. It can appear in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, and poor airflow. It can be present on various items, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually search for evidence of leaks and water in a house to identify the source of mold growth.

While most types of mold are harmless, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for people who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Pets can also be affected by mold, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of special concern in your areaSouth Dakota and an important component of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s understandable if you worry for the safety of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if it’s possible to assess an individual for mold exposure? We are not able to offer that as a portion of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not always present a considerable risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly bad for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and feed on plant-based materials and destroy them over time. Examples of cellulose or plant-based materials found inside of houses include:

• Drywall
• Wood
• Carpet
• Insulation
• Ceiling tiles
• Wallpaper
• Fabrics
• Upholstery
• Some Painted surfaces
• Paper
• Cardboard
• And More

Professional mold testing is helpful for homeowners, buyers, and sellers because of the insights it generates about the hazard mold poses to the structural integrity of a home. A mold inspector with Pillar To Post™ will verify the presence of mold, establish the type, and offer guidance for its remediation. For present homeowners or future buyers and sellers, professional mold inspection will help to ensure a safe and healthy living environment and can avert further costly remediation efforts later on. Mold testing is greatly encouraged as an important tool in preserving a safe and healthy living environment.

What Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

A vetted mold inspection service is your ideal resource to identify the extent of mold infestation and create a remediation plan moving forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the top technology and techniques in the business for added confidence. Some aspects in how your mold inspector conducts testing may differ from house to house, but will usually involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ collects data about the home, any known mold issues, and your worries during the initial consultation to devise a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The next task of our mold inspection service includes a detailed visual examination of the home, both inside and out, inspecting for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related problems. We investigate areas prone to mold growth, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or HVAC units.
• Moisture detection: Measuring moisture content in areas around the home is critical in recognizing potential sources of mold spread. Moisture sensors and other tools are used to assess the moisture levels inside building materials and pinpoint areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Thermal-imaging tools may be used to pinpoint areas where mold infestation may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often performed to evaluate indoor air quality and confirm the amount of airborne mold spores. Air filters and collection equipment are used to obtain air samples from diverse areas of the home. These samples are then submitted to a laboratory for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not visible, the inspector may collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then submitted to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: An in-depth report will be provided to clients after the mold inspection is done, including any areas of the home where mold was discovered, the type of mold present, and guidance for mitigation.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is detected, the inspector may provide guidance for mold remediation, which may involve hiring an expert mold remediation company. They may suggest measures to mitigate moisture problems, improve air circulation, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After restoration efforts, the inspector may execute a follow-up assessment to ensure that the mold issue has been effectively addressed. Validation testing may be executed to validate that the indoor space meets permissible mold spore levels and is protected for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold precaution measures, including proper air circulation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

Are There Any Steps I Can Take To Help My Mold Inspector Perform His Task and Obtain Accurate Test Results?

You don't need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection apart from ensuring that your inspector can readily access parts of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to make arrangements for pets to be outdoors of the house during the course of the inspection period to make sure that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

A few activities you should refrain from partaking in to ensure the reliability of mold testing include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any regions inside the home where you think mold growth to be present.
• Do not use air purifiers or air filtration units when the inspection is being conducted, as these can impact the accuracy of the data.
• If feasible, refrain from engaging in activities such as cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing products in the indoor environment for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. This measure will assist in preventing the inspection data from being impacted by other airborne contaminants.

It is also advised to keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the inspection. This precaution ensures that the environment inside the house remains still and correctly represents the typical indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will improve the accuracy of your mold inspection service and examination.

Get in Touch With Us By Phone or Book Mold Inspection Services Online

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a residence and consume many construction materials and household belongings. The fungus also presents a possible health danger to vulnerable individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near me in your areaSouth Dakota, opt for Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate results and a clear path forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and inhabitants by booking a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.