Mold Inspection Service in Winona Lake, IN

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

How Dangerous Is Mold?

Mold is a variety of fungus that develops in warm and moist 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 flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water damage, and poor airflow. It can grow on various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will typically inspect for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to locate the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While many types of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for individuals who are immuno-compromised. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Pets may also be negatively impacted by mold, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of particular concern in Winona Lake, IN and an important component of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to grasp 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 make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it’s possible to test a person for contact with mold? We cannot provide that as a part 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 significant risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly detrimental for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and devour plant-based materials and destroy in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose-based materials found inside of homes are:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable before you buy a home or if you presently live inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can propagate widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and causing more damage to a home as time goes on. A professional mold inspector has the extensive knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores not otherwise detectable. A satisfactory mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the information they need to make informed decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and eliminate it altogether.

Some clients inquire 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 done by your healthcare provider through skin and blood screening. If you think or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

How Is a Competent Mold Inspection Carried Out?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a complete evaluation of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the extent of the problem. The specific procedures for a dependable mold inspection may change depending on the house size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ collects data about the home, any known mold issues, and your worries during the initial consultation to formulate a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: An extensive visual inspection of the property is carried out, including throughout both the interior and exterior areas. The mold inspector seeks out visible signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture issues using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to discern areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector might use moisture detection equipment, such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to pinpoint areas of the home that have high levels of moisture to help recognize areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often conducted to examine indoor air quality and determine the presence of spores in the air. Air filters and extraction tools are employed to obtain air samples from diverse areas of the house. The samples are then sent to a lab for evaluation.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is suspected but not seen, the inspector may collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This involves wiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also sent to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including things visually observed, measurements, sampling areas, and lab findings. A comprehensive report is created, summarizing the inspection information, mold types identified, and advised measures for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Based on the inspection results, the inspector provides advice to deal with the mold issues and avoid further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may conduct a secondary assessment to ensure that the mold issue has been effectively addressed. Final testing may be carried out to assure you that the indoor space meets permissible mold spore levels and is safe for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold precaution measures, including adequate air circulation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

Are There Any Steps I Should Take To Help the Mold Inspector Perform His Task and Obtain Better Test Results?

You do not need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection besides making sure that your inspector can easily reach areas 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 testing time to guarantee that the results of the inspection are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

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

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any regions inside the home where you observe mold growth to be growing.
• Refrain from using air pumps or air filters when the testing is being conducted, as these can degrade the accuracy of the data.
• If possible, abstain from engaging in activities such as cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the indoor environment for a minimum of 24 hours before the inspection. This measure will help in preventing the inspection data from being impacted by other airborne contaminants.

It is also advised to keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours before the inspection. This measure guarantees that the environment within the home stays motionless and correctly represents the typical indoor air quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you will improve the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Get a Hold of Pillar To Post™ in Winona Lake, IN Immediately

Mold can quickly grow inside a residence and pose a risk to the well-being of occupants and the structural integrity of the property itself. A thorough and detailed professional mold inspection provides essential information on halting its growth and eliminating the fungus for good. Prospective buyers will receive the necessary details to make informed decisions, while property owners can use the report obtained from a mold inspector to protect their property or expedite the sale. When searching for the most trusted mold inspection service near me in Winona Lake, IN, opt for the most trusted name by property owners, prospective buyers, and real estate professionals and call Pillar To Post™ today.