A Professional Mold Evaluation When Buying or Listing a Home in Altoona, AL Will Provide Enhanced Confidence

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is nationally acknowledged as the leading home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, soon-to-be homebuyers, and real estate agents. Protect your family and your possessions by contacting us when looking for mold inspection near me.

Should I Worry About Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with excess moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water infiltration, and poor airflow. It can grow on organic-based materials, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually look for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to find the source of mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for individuals who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Pets may also be affected by mold, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Altoona, AL and an important component of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to comprehend the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s ok if you're concerned about the health of yourself or your family and ask questions relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if they are able to test an individual for mold exposure? We are not able to supply that as a part of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically pose a large risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and break down plant-based materials and destroy them over time. Examples of cellulose or plant-based materials used and stored inside of homes include:

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

Mold testing is urgently suggested before you acquire a home or if you presently dwell inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and triggering more damage to a home as time goes on. A professional mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise detectable. A sufficient mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information they need to make better decisions about their investment and give current homeowners information into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and remove it completely.

Some people ask if a mold inspection service can test people for contact with the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your doctor through dermal and blood screening. If you think or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing is necessary.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

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

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ obtains information about the property, any identified mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to devise a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will execute a visual inspection of the property, assessing for any noticeable signs of mold colonization. They will examine areas of the property that are known to be inclined to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector could use moisture detection tools, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to identify areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help recognize areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often performed to examine indoor air quality and establish the amount of airborne mold spores. Air filters and extraction tools are utilized to obtain air samples from various areas of the property. These samples will be sent to a lab for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not immediately apparent, the inspector could take surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This requires swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also sent to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: A detailed report will be provided to clients after the mold inspection is complete, including any areas of the home where mold was found, the species of mold present, and recommendations for mitigation.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is identified, the inspector may provide recommendations for mold restoration, which may involve hiring an expert mold remediation service. They will likely suggest steps to reduce moisture intrusions, improve airflow, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may carry out a secondary evaluation to ensure that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed. Final testing may be conducted to validate that the indoor space meets safe mold spore levels and is protected for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold prevention measures, including proper airflow, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

What Do I Need To Do To Get Ready for a Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can easily reach parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to plan for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the testing period to guarantee that the outcomes of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

Some activities we recommend you do not do include:

• Do not clean or disturb any rooms inside the property where you suspect mold to be present.
• Do not use any air purifiers or air filters during the testing date, as these will throw off the results of the test.
• If possible, avoid cooking, smoking, or using any chemical-releasing products for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. This measure helps ensure that the inspection data is not affected by foreign airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the inspection. This measure guarantees that the air inside the home remains still and correctly represents the standard indoor air quality. By complying with these recommendations, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Get a Hold of Pillar To Post™ in Altoona, AL Immediately

Mold can quickly spread within a home and pose a risk to the well-being of inhabitants as well as the structural stability of the building itself. An accurate and detailed professional mold inspection provides essential information on halting its spread and eradicating the fungus permanently. Prospective buyers can receive essential details to make informed decisions, while property owners can utilize the report obtained from a mold inspector to protect their property or expedite the sale. When looking for the most trusted mold inspection service near me in Altoona, AL, choose the most recommended name by property owners, prospective buyers, and real estate professionals and contact Pillar To Post™ today.