Find Mold Testing Near Me in Allston, MA

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are nationally acknowledged as the premier home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Safeguard your loved ones and your investment by calling us when searching for mold inspection near me.

Why Is This Fungus So Dangerous to the Health of Humans and Animals and the Structural Stability of a Home?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water damage, and poor ventilation. It can grow on various items, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will typically inspect for signs of leaks and water in a home to identify the source of mold growth.

While some kinds of mold are harmless, others can cause health issues, especially for people who are immuno-compromised. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and rash. Animals are sometimes negatively impacted by mold, with common symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of special concern in Allston, MA and part of a professional 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 make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they're able to assess an individual for mold exposure? We cannot supply that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically pose a large risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly detrimental for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and break down cellulose-based materials and ruin in a relatively short period. Common cellulose-based materials used and stored 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 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 triggering more damage to a home as time goes on. A skilled mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A satisfactory mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the insights required to make better decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eradicate it altogether.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for contact with the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your doctor through dermal 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 is warranted.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

A dependable mold inspection service is your ideal resource to identify the scope of mold infestation and create a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing by Pillar To Post™ comes with the advantage of the top technology and techniques in the industry for added peace of mind. The way your mold inspector performs testing may vary from house to house, but will usually involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector acquires information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality doubts. Mildewy smells or health symptoms experienced by occupants will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: The following task of our mold inspection service involves a complete visual assessment of the property, both inside and out, searching for signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture-related issues. We investigate areas inclined to mold infestation, such as basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or heating and cooling systems.
• Moisture detection: Advanced tools like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be employed to identify hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could promote mold growth.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may necessitate air samples to be collected from different areas of the home using specific equipment. The air samples will be sent to a laboratory for evaluation to confirm the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also obtain surface samples from portions of the house where mold is presumed. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for evaluation to confirm the type of mold detected.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are recorded, including things visually observed, measurements, sample locations, and laboratory results. A thorough report is compiled, summarizing the inspection details, mold varieties identified, and recommended actions for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector supplies recommendations to resolve the mold issues and prevent further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up inspection may be executed to confirm that the remediation efforts were successful and that the mold issue has been adequately addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention methods, including adequate air circulation, humidity management, and care procedures.

Is There Anything I Need To Do In Preparation for a Mold Inspection?

You don't need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection besides making sure that your inspector can effortlessly access parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to arrange for pets to be outside of the home during the inspection time to ensure that the results of the inspection are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

Some activities you should refrain from partaking in to ensure the accuracy of mold testing include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any areas of the house where you observe mold growth to be growing.
• Do not use air pumps or air filtration devices when the inspection is being conducted, as these can impact the accuracy of the data.
• If feasible, refrain from participating in activities like cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing products in the air for a minimum of 24 hours before the inspection. This measure will help in preventing the inspection data from being affected 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 step ensures that the environment within the home remains motionless and precisely represents the usual indoor air quality. By adhering to these recommendations, you will improve the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Protect Your Home Investment by Calling Us for Dependable Mold Inspection Services Right Away

Mold can take hold rapidly within a home and consume various construction materials and household possessions. The fungus also poses a possible health risk to vulnerable individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near me in Allston, MA, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a well-defined course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your assets and occupants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.