A Reliable Mold Evaluation Before Considering Buying or Listing a House Near La Crescenta, CA Will Prove Invaluable Confidence

Mold testing is beneficial for current homeowners and future buyers and sellers wanting to safeguard their investment and their families. Take advantage of the most trusted mold inspection service in the area and attain peace of mind knowing the things most important in life are protected by arranging a mold inspection with Pillar To Post™.

Should I Be Scared About Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found inside houses with abundant moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water leaks, and poor airflow. It can be present on various materials, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually inspect for evidence of leaks and moisture in a home to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for people who are immuno-compromised. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Pets may also be affected by the fungus, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of special concern in La Crescenta, CA and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s ok if you worry for the safety of yourself or your loved ones and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if they're able to test a person for mold exposure? We cannot offer that as a part of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not always pose a large risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and devour cellulose-based materials and ruin them over time. Some cellulose or plant-based components found inside of buildings include:

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

Mold testing is urgently suggested when acquiring a home or if you presently dwell inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can propagate widely, becoming more costly to eliminate and triggering more damage to a home over time. A skilled mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise seen. A satisfactory mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the information they need to make smarter decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can test people for contact with the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your doctor through dermal and blood screening. If you think or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

You’ll Appreciate the Value From the Knowledge and Comprehensive Nature of Our Mold Inspectors

A vetted mold inspection service typically involves a comprehensive assessment of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the severity of the issue. The specific process for a dependable mold inspection may vary depending on the house size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ acquires data about the property, any noted mold issues, and your concerns during the initial consultation to formulate a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The next task of our mold inspection service includes a complete visual examination of the property, both inside and out, inspecting for signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture-related concerns. We check areas vulnerable to mold infestation, such as subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and spaces with plumbing or heating and cooling systems.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector could use moisture detection equipment, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to identify areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help detect areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may call for air samples to be extracted from different areas of the home using specific equipment. The air samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for evaluation to identify the type and concentration of mold spores present in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not seen, the inspector may acquire surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This involves wiping or tape-lifting areas of surfaces, which are then dispatched to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including things visually observed, measurements, sample locations, and laboratory results. A thorough report is compiled, summarizing the inspection data, mold species identified, and suggested steps for restoration, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Based on the inspection findings, the inspector offers recommendations to resolve the mold issues and prevent further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up assessment may be executed to assure you that the restoration efforts were successful and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention measures, including proper air circulation, humidity management, and care procedures.

What Do I Have To Do To Prepare for the Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can easily reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to plan for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the testing period to guarantee that the results of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of activities you should refrain from partaking in for the reliability of the inspection include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any areas inside the property where you observe mold growth to be growing.
• Do not use air purifiers or air filtration devices when the testing is being performed, as these can lower the accuracy of the results.
• If feasible, refrain from engaging in tasks like cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the air for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This measure will assist in preventing the test results from being affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also advised to keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the test. This step guarantees that the environment within the home remains still and precisely reflects the typical indoor air quality. By adhering to these recommendations, you will boost the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Call Pillar To Post™ in La Crescenta, CA Immediately

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a residence and degrade many building materials and personal belongings. The fungus also poses a possible health danger to at-risk people and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in La Crescenta, CA, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a well-defined course forward for remediation. Protect your investment and occupants by booking a service date for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 now.