Mold Testing in Akron, Alabama For Peace of Mind During Home Purchasing and Selling

Your expert mold inspector will provide you with an accurate and detailed report that will give you a route forward for remediation and making informed choices about your investment. Gain enhanced insights into the condition of a house and protect its occupants with complete mold testing from your neighbors at Pillar To Post™.

Should I Be Scared About Mold?

Mold is a fungus that spreads through the air as spores, eventually settling on natural materials where they become apparent as they grow. Mold usually appears as furry splotches and can be virtually any color, including white, green, yellow, and black. Some varieties of black mold are more often considered a health hazard and can cause allergic reactions in some people and pets. The biggest threat is the damage mold can do on your structure. Not only is the fungus ugly and produces a musty odor, but there are also many common materials used to build homes and possessions inside that it will colonize and eat. Over time, the fungus can spread throughout the structure and damage many of the important structural elements, including:

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

Mold testing can detect the species and reveal the source of dampness contributing to an infestation inside of your current home or the one you’re planning on buying. A typical question posed to mold inspectors at Pillar To Post™ is if it’s possible to test a person for mold poisoning. Unfortunately, this cannot be ascertained by our mold inspection service but can be provided by a healthcare provider with blood and skin analysis. A competent mold inspection will offer you more leverage in your home-selling negotiations or provide you more insight into the quality of your investment and the well-being of occupants when purchasing a house.

What Happens During a Mold Assessment?

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

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any perceptible mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality issues. Stale smells or health symptoms experienced by individuals will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: Your inspector will execute a visual inspection of the property, inspecting for any apparent signs of mold growth. They will scrutinize areas of the home that are known to be liable to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Measuring moisture content in areas around the home is crucial in detecting likely sources of mold spread. Moisture meters and other specialized equipment are used to assess the moisture content inside building materials and detect areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Heat-sensing devices may be used to pinpoint areas where mold growth may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may necessitate air samples to be acquired from different areas of the home using specialized equipment. The air samples will be submitted to a laboratory for analysis to establish the type and concentration of mold spores present in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also take surface samples from areas of the home where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be submitted to a laboratory for analysis to establish the type of mold present.
• Documentation and Reporting: Your mold inspector creates an elaborate report outlining their discoveries. The report typically includes details on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold varieties present (if identified), and recommendations for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is detected, the inspector may offer guidance for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a qualified mold remediation company. They will likely suggest measures to minimize moisture intrusions, improve ventilation, and avoid future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may conduct a secondary evaluation to ensure that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed. Final testing may be executed to confirm that the indoor environment meets safe mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold prevention measures, including proper ventilation, humidity management, and care procedures.

How Can I Facilitate an Efficient Mold Inspection Prior to When the Inspector Arrives?

You don't need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection besides making sure that your inspector can easily reach parts of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to plan for pets to be outdoors of the house during the course of the testing time to ensure that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

Some things you should avoid doing to ensure the reliability of the inspection include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any portions inside the home where you observe mold growth to be present.
• Do not use air purifiers or air filters while the testing is being performed, as these can degrade the accuracy of the data.
• If possible, refrain from engaging in tasks like cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing products in the air for at least 24 hours before the inspection. This measure will help in preventing the inspection data from being affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours before the inspection. This precaution ensures that the environment inside the house remains still and precisely reflects the usual indoor air quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Gain More Peace of Mind With Your Home Investment by Contacting Us for Expert Mold Inspection Services Now

Mold can take hold rapidly within a residence and consume various building materials and personal possessions. The fungus additionally presents a possible health risk to at-risk individuals and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Akron, Alabama, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise results and a clear course forward for cleanup. Protect your assets and inhabitants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.