Find Mold Testing Near Me in New Athens, IL

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is nationally recognized as the leading home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Defend your loved ones and your investment by contacting us when searching for mold inspection near me.

How Can Mold Impact My Home and Family?

The spores of mold are ever-present in the surrounding environment, only becoming visible when conditions are acceptable to it, and the fungus finds an ideal surface to colonize. The fungus typically opts for dark and damp locations. Among other benefits, your professional mold inspector will identify the source of the moisture – whether it’s from recent flooding or leaks – to help you develop a course of action for remediation. Mold can be nearly any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is famously associated with a particularly harmful species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to cause dangerous health effects in some individuals and animals.

Though this fungus is not dangerous for most people, it does result in serious cosmetic issues and a stale odor. Even worse, the fungus devours the surfaces that it colonizes, damaging materials and weakening the structural stability of a house over time. It feeds on cellulose-based items that are common in nearly every home, including:

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

Mold testing is urgently suggested before you buy a home or if you currently live inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and triggering extensive damage to a home over time. A skilled mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A satisfactory mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the insights needed to make better decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eliminate it completely.

Some people ask if a mold inspection service can test people for contact with the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your doctor through dermal and blood screening. If you believe or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing is warranted.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

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

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality concerns. Mildewy smells or health effects presented by individuals will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will perform a visual inspection of the property, evaluating for any detectable signs of mold infestation. They will examine areas of the home that are known to be susceptible to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Knowing moisture levels is vital in detecting likely sources of mold spread. Humidity sensors and other tools are used to measure the moisture levels inside building materials and locate areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Infrared equipment may be used to locate areas where mold infestation may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may require air samples to be taken from multiple areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for assessment to identify the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also take surface samples from spaces of the home where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for assessment to identify the type of mold detected.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector compiles an elaborate report recapping their conclusions. The report typically includes facts on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if identified), and advice for cleanup or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Based on the inspection findings, the inspector gives guidance to deal with the mold issues and stop further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A subsequent assessment may be executed to ensure that the restoration efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold prevention methods, including adequate air circulation, humidity management, and care procedures.

Is There Anything I Need To Know To Prepare for a Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do a lot in preparation for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can effortlessly reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to plan for pets to be outside of the home during the course of the inspection time to ensure that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

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

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any rooms of the home where you think mold growth to be present.
• Refrain from using air purifiers or air filters when the inspection is being performed, as these can degrade the accuracy of the results.
• If feasible, abstain from participating in tasks like cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the indoor environment for a minimum of 24 hours before the inspection. This precaution will help in avoiding the inspection results from being affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours before the inspection. This precaution ensures that the environment within the home remains motionless and correctly reflects the usual indoor air quality. By following these guidelines, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and examination.

Call or Schedule Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold can establish itself quickly within a residence and consume numerous building materials and household possessions. The fungus also presents a potential health hazard to at-risk individuals and animals. When searching for mold inspection near me in New Athens, IL, choose Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most precise findings and a clear course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and inhabitants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.