Find Mold Testing Near Me in Dorchester, MA

Mold testing is advantageous for current homeowners and prospective buyers and sellers seeking to safeguard their investment and their families. Take advantage of the top-rated mold inspection service in the area and attain peace of mind knowing the things most important in life are taken care of by arranging a mold inspection with Pillar To Post™.

How Is This Fungus So Threatening to the Well-Being of People and Animals and the Structural Integrity of a Home?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with higher levels of moisture. It can present in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water infiltration, or poor ventilation. It can grow on cellulose-based items, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually search for signs of leaks and water in a house to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While many kinds of mold are harmless, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for individuals who are immuno-compromised. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Animals are sometimes affected by the fungus, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Dorchester, MA and an important component of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s understandable if you worry for the well-being of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they're able to assess a person for mold exposure? We are not able to supply that as a portion of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically pose a significant risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly bad for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and feed on cellulose-based materials and deteriorate them over time. Common cellulose or plant-based components 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 can discern the variety present and reveal the source of moisture contributing to a growth inside of the home you own or the one you’re thinking about purchasing. A typical question posed to mold inspectors at Pillar To Post™ is if we are able to test a person for mold poisoning. That cannot be determined by our mold inspection service but can be carried out by a healthcare provider with blood and skin screening. A skilled mold inspection will offer you more leverage in your home-selling negotiations or offer you more knowledge into the quality of your investment and the security of occupants when buying a house.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service typically involves a complete evaluation of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the extent of the issue. The specific process for a professional mold inspection may vary depending on the property size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality concerns. Musty smells or health symptoms presented by individuals will also be evaluated.
• Visual Inspection: Your inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the property, evaluating for any observable signs of mold infestation. They will investigate areas of the house that are known to be inclined to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Assessing moisture levels is essential in discovering potential sources of mold spread. Moisture meters and other tools are used to determine the moisture levels of building materials and detect areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Thermal-imaging technology may be used to pinpoint areas where mold infestation may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may call for air samples to be acquired from several areas of the home using special equipment. The air samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the type and concentration of mold spores existing in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not obvious, your mold inspector could take surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This involves swiping or tape-lifting areas of surfaces, which is also sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are recorded, including things visually seen, measurements, sampling points, and lab findings. A comprehensive report is generated, recapping the inspection information, mold varieties identified, and proposed remedies for restoration, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Based on the inspection findings, the inspector provides guidance to deal with the mold problem and halt further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up evaluation may be executed to ensure that the restoration efforts were successful and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold prevention measures, including appropriate ventilation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

Are There Any Actions I Can Take To Help My Mold Inspection Technician Do His Job and Get Accurate Test Results?

You don't need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection besides making sure that your inspector can easily access areas of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to make arrangements for pets to be outdoors of the house throughout the testing time to guarantee that the outcomes of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of things you should avoid doing for the reliability of mold testing include:

• Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any spaces inside the house where you suspect mold growth to be growing.
• Abstain from using air pumps or air filters while the testing is being conducted, as these can degrade the accuracy of the results.
• If possible, abstain from participating in activities such as cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the air for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the test. This precaution will help in preventing the test results from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. This precaution ensures that the environment inside the house remains motionless and accurately represents the standard indoor air quality. By complying with these guidelines, you will boost the precision of your mold inspection service and examination.

Make Informed Decisions About Your Home Investment by Calling Us for Comprehensive Mold Inspection Services Today

Mold is a fast-growing fungus that devours various construction materials and personal belongings. Allowing mold growth to get out of hand can cause significant damages that will require a lot of effort and financial resources to fix. Mold additionally poses a possible health hazard to at-risk individuals and pets. A thorough mold inspection is your best resource for detecting the underlying cause of the issue and developing a strategy for remediation. If you're seeking a mold inspection near me in Dorchester, MA, Pillar To Post™ stands out due to our advanced technology and extensive expertise. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to obtain the information required for making better decisions and safeguarding your assets and loved ones.