Mold Inspection Service in O Fallon, Illinois

Your skilled mold inspector will provide you with an accurate and elaborate report that will give you a route forward for remediation and making informed decisions about your investment. Gain improved insights into the well-being of a house and protect its occupants with thorough mold testing from your local Pillar To Post™.

How Can Mold Impact My Residence and Family?

The spores of mold are ever-present in the air, only becoming visible when conditions are acceptable to it, and the fungus finds a suitable surface to colonize. The fungus most often colonizes shadowy and humid environments. Among other assistance, your expert mold inspector will detect the source of the moisture – whether it’s from recently occurring 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 typically associated with a particularly toxic species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to trigger dangerous reactions in some individuals and pets.

Although this fungus is not hazardous for most people, it does result in serious cosmetic issues and a stale odor. Even worse, the fungus eats the surfaces that it colonizes, ruining materials and degrading the structural stability of a building over time. It feeds on cellulose-based items that are ubiquitous in nearly every household, including:

• 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 live inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can disseminate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and resulting in extensive damage to a home over time. A professional mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. An adequate mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the insights required 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 eradicate it entirely.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for exposure to the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your doctor through skin and blood tests. If you suspect or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing is necessary.

How Is a Competent Mold Inspection Conducted?

An expert mold inspection service typically involves a comprehensive assessment of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the severity of the problem. The specific procedures for a dependable mold inspection may differ depending on the house size, but usually includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector collects information from the current homeowner regarding any perceptible mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality problems. Stale smells or health symptoms experienced by individuals will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: The next step of our mold inspection service includes a comprehensive visual assessment of the home, both inside and out, searching for signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture-related problems. We scrutinize areas vulnerable to mold infestation, including subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or HVAC appliances.
• Moisture detection: Advanced devices like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be utilized to uncover hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could promote the spread of mold.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be performed to evaluate indoor air quality and establish the amount of spores in the environment. Air pumps and extraction devices are employed to obtain air samples from diverse areas of the home. These samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for analysis.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not immediately apparent, the inspector may acquire surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This involves swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also dispatched to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector generates a detailed report recapping their discoveries. The report usually includes data on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if recognized), and suggestions for cleanup or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is detected, the inspector may offer recommendations for mold cleanup, which may involve hiring an expert mold remediation company. They may suggest measures to mitigate moisture intrusions, improve airflow, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up inspection may be carried out to assure you that the cleanup efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention methods, including proper airflow, humidity management, and care procedures.

How Can I Assist in an Effective Mold Inspection Before the Inspector Arrives?

You don't need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can effortlessly reach parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to arrange for pets to be outside of the home during the testing period to make sure that the results of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

A few things you should avoid partaking in to ensure the accuracy of the inspection include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any portions inside the house where you observe mold growth to be growing.
• Do not use air purifiers or air filtration appliances while the testing is being conducted, as these can impact the accuracy of the data.
• If possible, refrain from engaging in tasks like cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing products in the air for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the test. This measure will help in avoiding the test data from being affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also advised you keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. This step guarantees that the air within the home remains still and precisely represents the standard indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will boost the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Purchase, Sell, or Inhabit a Residence With Improved Confidence by Requesting Services From an Experienced Mold Inspector Right Away

Mold is a rapidly growing fungus that devours many construction materials and personal belongings. permitting mold growth to get out of hand can result in significant damages that may necessitate a lot of effort and financial resources to fix. The fungus also represents a potential concern to vulnerable individuals and pets. A competent mold inspection is your best resource for detecting the underlying cause of the issue and formulating a strategy for remediation. If you're searching for a mold inspection near me in O Fallon, Illinois, Pillar To Post™ stands out due to our cutting-edge technology and extensive expertise. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to acquire the knowledge required for informed decision-making and protecting your assets and loved ones.