The Most Trusted Mold Inspection Service in Linwood, Kansas

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely recognized as the premier home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate agents. Safeguard your family and your investment by picking us when seeking mold inspection near me.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a variety of fungus that develops in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with abundant moisture. It can appear in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water damage, and poor ventilation. It can grow on cellulose-based items, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually look for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While some kinds of mold are benign, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for people who are vulnerable. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Animals can also be affected by mold, with common symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of particular concern in Linwood, Kansas and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s ok if you worry for the safety of yourself or your family and make inquiries 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 provide that as a part of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically present an outsized 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 feed on plant-based materials and ruin them over time. Examples of cellulose-based components found inside of homes are:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended before you acquire a home or if you currently live inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can disseminate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and resulting in extensive damage to a home as time goes on. A professional mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the information they need to make smarter decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and remove it altogether.

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 performed by your doctor through skin and blood tests. If you think or know that you or your family has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing is needed.

What Happens When I Receive a Mold Assessment?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a detailed evaluation of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the extent of the infestation. The specific procedures for a dependable mold inspection may vary depending on the property size, but generally includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector obtains information from the current homeowner regarding any apparent mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality doubts. Stale smells or health symptoms experienced by individuals will also be evaluated.
• Visual Inspection: An extensive visual inspection of the home is carried out, including throughout both the interior and outside areas. The mold inspector seeks out noticeable signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture problems using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to identify areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Measuring moisture levels is critical in discovering potential sources of mold growth. Hygrometers and other tools are used to measure the moisture content inside building materials and detect areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Thermal-imaging tools may be used to find areas where mold growth may be occurring.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often conducted to examine indoor air quality and ascertain the presence of spores in the environment. Air filters and extraction tools are employed to collect air samples from various areas of the property. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not seen, your mold inspector could take surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This involves swabbing or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are documented, including observations, measurements, sample locations, and lab findings. A comprehensive report is compiled, recapping the inspection data, mold varieties identified, and suggested steps for cleanup, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may provide guidance for mold cleanup, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation company. They will likely suggest steps to mitigate moisture intrusions, improve air circulation, and avoid future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A post-remediation evaluation may be conducted to confirm that the cleanup efforts were productive 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, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Do I Get Ready for the Mold Test?

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

Examples of things we suggest you do not do are:

• Do not clean or disturb any places inside the house where you suspect mold to be present.
• Do not use any air purifiers or air filtration appliances during the testing day, as these may alter the results of the test.
• If possible, avoid cooking, smoking, or using any chemical-releasing products for at least 24 hours before the inspection. This precaution helps ensure that the inspection results are not influenced by additional airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours before the inspection. This step guarantees that the environment within the home stays still and accurately represents the typical indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and examination.

Call Pillar To Post™ in Linwood, Kansas Now

Mold is a rapidly growing fungus that feeds on many construction materials and personal belongings. Allowing mold colonization to escalate can result in substantial damages that will require a lot of effort and financial resources to repair. Mold additionally poses a potential concern to at-risk individuals and pets. A thorough mold inspection is the most reliable tool for identifying the root cause of the problem and formulating a strategy for remediation. If you're seeking a mold inspection near me in Linwood, Kansas, Pillar To Post™ is the most dependable for our advanced technology and extensive experience. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to acquire the information necessary for informed decision-making and safeguarding your investment and loved ones.