The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Palos Park, IL

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely acknowledged as the leading home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, soon-to-be homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Safeguard your loved ones and your possessions by choosing us when looking for mold inspection near me.

Should I Worry About Mold?

Mold is a kind of fungus that grows in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water damage, and poor ventilation. It can grow on organic-based materials, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually look for evidence of leaks and moisture in a home to find the source of mold growth.

While most types of mold are benign, others can cause medical problems, especially for persons who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and rash. Animals are sometimes negatively impacted by the fungus, with common symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of particular concern in Palos Park, IL and part of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s understandable if you're concerned for the well-being of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it’s possible to assess a person for contact with mold? We are not able to offer that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically pose a considerable risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and break down plant-based materials and destroy them over time. Common cellulose-based components used and stored inside of buildings include:

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

Mold testing can discern the species and reveal the source of humidity contributing to an outbreak inside of the home you own or the one you’re thinking about buying. A common question posed to mold inspectors with Pillar To Post™ is if it’s possible to test a human or pet for mold exposure. Unfortunately, this cannot be established by our mold inspection service but can be provided by your doctor with blood and skin analysis. A skilled mold inspection will offer you more advantage in your home-selling negotiations or give you more knowledge into the quality of your investment and the security of occupants when purchasing a home.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a complete assessment of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the scope of the problem. The particular procedures for a dependable mold inspection may vary depending on the property size, but usually includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector obtains information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality issues. Earthy odors or health effects presented by individuals will also be examined.
• Visual Inspection: The following task of our mold inspection service includes a meticulous visual examination of the home, both inside and out, scanning for signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture-related problems. We inspect areas vulnerable to mold growth, including basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and spaces with plumbing or HVAC equipment.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector may use moisture detection tools, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to spot areas of the home that have high levels of moisture to help detect areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may involve air samples to be gathered from several areas of the home using advanced equipment. The air samples will be dispatched to a lab for evaluation to confirm the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also take surface samples from portions of the house where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be dispatched to a lab for evaluation to confirm the type of mold detected.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector generates an elaborate report recapping their discoveries. The report normally includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold varieties present (if confirmed), and recommendations for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is identified, the inspector may supply recommendations for mold restoration, which may involve hiring an expert mold remediation service. They may suggest measures to minimize moisture problems, improve ventilation, and halt future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may carry out a subsequent examination to ensure that the mold problem has been effectively addressed. Final testing may be conducted to assure you that the indoor environment meets tolerable mold spore levels and is safe for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold precaution measures, including adequate ventilation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Help Ensure a Smooth Mold Inspection Before the Inspector Arrives?

You do not need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection besides ensuring that your inspector can readily reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to arrange for pets to be outside of the home during the course of the testing period to guarantee that the outcomes of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Some things we recommend you not to do include:

• Do not clean or disrupt any portions within the house where you suspect mold growth.
• Do not utilize any air purifiers or air filtration equipment during the testing date, as these will throw off the results of the test.
• If feasible, avoid cooking, smoking, or using any products that release chemicals into the air for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This step ensures that the test results are not influenced by foreign airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. This step guarantees that the environment inside the home stays motionless and precisely represents the standard indoor air quality. By adhering to these recommendations, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Get in Touch With Us By Phone or Schedule Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a home and degrade numerous building materials and household possessions. The fungus also poses a potential health hazard to vulnerable individuals and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Palos Park, IL, select Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate findings and a well-defined path forward for cleanup. Protect your investment and occupants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.