Mold Testing in Seward, IL For Peace of Mind During Home Buying and Listing

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is widely recognized as the premier home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate agents. Protect your loved ones and your possessions by calling us when looking for mold inspection near me.

How Toxic Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with abundant moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water leaks, and poor ventilation. It can grow on various surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually inspect for signs of leaks and water in a home to locate the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While many kinds of mold are benign, others can cause health concerns, especially for persons who are immuno-compromised. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Pets are sometimes affected by mold, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of specific concern in Seward, IL and an important component of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s understandable if you're concerned for the well-being of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it’s possible to test an individual for mold exposure? We cannot provide that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not always present a large risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly detrimental for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and feed on cellulose-based materials and ruin in a relatively short period. Common cellulose or plant-based components found inside of buildings are:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable when purchasing a home or if you presently live inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and triggering extensive damage to a home as time goes on. A trained 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 needed to make better decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and remove it entirely.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for contact with the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your healthcare provider through skin and blood screening. If you suspect or know that you or your family has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing is needed.

You’ll Find a Lot of Value From the Expertise and Comprehensive Process of Our Mold Inspecttion Services

A professional mold inspection service is your ideal resource to understand the scope of mold infestation and create a remediation plan moving forward. Mold testing from Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the finest technology and methods in the business for added confidence. The manner in which your mold inspector carries out testing may change with each home, but will usually involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any apparent mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality problems. Stale odors or health symptoms experienced by individuals will also be assessed.
• Visual Inspection: The next task of our mold inspection service involves a meticulous visual assessment of the home, both inside and out, surveying for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related problems. We investigate areas inclined to mold infestation, such as basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or HVAC equipment.
• Moisture detection: Specialized equipment like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be utilized to detect hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could facilitate the spread of mold.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may require air samples to be taken from multiple areas of the home using advanced equipment. The air samples will be transferred to a lab for analysis to identify the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not seen, the inspector could take surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This involves swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also transferred to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: A detailed report will be given to clients after the mold inspection is concluded, including any areas of the home where mold was detected, the variety of mold present, and advice for cleanup.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Based on the inspection results, the inspector offers advice to deal with the mold problem and stop further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up inspection may be carried out to verify that the cleanup efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold precaution methods, including appropriate air circulation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Enable a Smooth Mold Inspection Prior to When the Inspector Arrives?

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 recommended to make arrangements for pets to be outside of the home during the inspection period to make sure that the outcomes of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

A few things you should refrain from doing to ensure the reliability of the inspection include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any areas of the house where you suspect mold growth to be present.
• Abstain from using air purifiers or air filters when the inspection 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 a minimum of 24 hours prior to the inspection. This measure will help in preventing the inspection data from being impacted by other airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the inspection. This precaution ensures that the air within the home stays motionless and accurately reflects the standard indoor air quality. By adhering to these recommendations, you will improve the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Make Arrangements For a Mold Inspection Today

Mold can take hold rapidly within a home and degrade various construction materials and personal belongings. The fungus also presents a potential health risk to at-risk individuals and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Seward, IL, opt for Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most precise results and a well-defined course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and occupants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.