A Comprehensive Mold Inspection Before Considering Buying or Selling a Residence in Flossmoor, IL Will Prove Invaluable Confidence

Mold testing is advantageous for current homeowners and future buyers and sellers wanting to preserve their investment and their family members. Take advantage of the top mold inspection service in your area and achieve confidence knowing the things most important in life are protected by scheduling a mold inspection from Pillar To Post™.

Is Getting a Comprehensive Mold Inspection Worth the Cost?

Mold is a type of fungus that develops in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water leaks, or poor ventilation. It can be present on various items, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually search for signs of leaks and water in a home to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While some types of mold are benign, others have been known to cause health concerns, especially for persons who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Animals can also be affected by mold, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Flossmoor, IL and part of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to comprehend the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s ok if you're concerned for the safety of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if it’s possible to assess a person for contact with mold? We are not able to provide that as a portion of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically present an outsized risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly bad for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and devour cellulose-based materials and ruin them over time. Some cellulose or plant-based materials found inside of houses are:

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

Mold testing is urgently suggested before you acquire a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home over time. A trained mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise seen. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the insights required to make smarter decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your healthcare provider through skin and blood tests. If you suspect or discover that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

Contact us when looking for mold inspection near me in Flossmoor, IL for a dependable mold inspection and peace of mind. Our mold inspectors use the latest tools and have in-depth knowledge of home construction to evaluate the air and surfaces for mold spores. Our mold testing will deliver better insights into the current state of your home regarding mold infestation and the recommended actions you can take to remediate the problem. Our process includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ collects information about the home, any recognized mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to create a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: An extensive visual assessment of the property is performed, including around both the interior and exterior areas. The mold inspector seeks out noticeable signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture problems using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Measuring moisture levels is essential in recognizing likely sources of mold growth. Humidity sensors and other tools are used to assess the moisture levels of building materials and detect areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Thermal-imaging equipment may be used to locate areas where mold colonization may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often carried out to analyze indoor air quality and ascertain the amount of spores in the environment. Air filters and extraction tools are employed to gather air samples from diverse areas of the home. The samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for analysis.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not seen, the inspector could take surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires swabbing or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also dispatched to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are noted, including observations, measurements, sampling points, and lab findings. A complete report is prepared, recapping the inspection details, mold types identified, and recommended actions for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector supplies recommendations to resolve the mold issues and avoid further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After restoration efforts, the inspector may conduct a follow-up evaluation to ensure that the mold problem has been successfully addressed. Validation testing may be executed to confirm that the indoor environment meets safe mold spore levels and is safe for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold precaution methods, including appropriate airflow, moisture control, and care procedures.

What Do I Need To Do To Get Ready for the Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can effortlessly access parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to arrange for pets to be outside of the home throughout the testing time to ensure that the results of the test are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of activities you should refrain from doing to ensure the accuracy of mold testing include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any regions of the house where you observe mold growth to be present.
• Do not use air purifiers or air filters when the testing is being performed, as these can lower the accuracy of the data.
• If feasible, abstain from engaging in activities such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing products in the air for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This precaution will help in avoiding the test data from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also advised to keep all windows and doors closed for at least 12 hours prior to the test. This precaution guarantees that the air inside the home stays still and correctly represents the standard indoor air quality. By complying with these recommendations, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Purchase, Sell, or Inhabit a Residence Confidently by Scheduling Services From an Experienced Mold Inspector Now

Mold can take hold rapidly within a residence and consume various construction materials and household possessions. The fungus also poses a possible health hazard to at-risk individuals and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Flossmoor, IL, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a well-defined course forward for remediation. Protect your assets and inhabitants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.