A Professional Mold Evaluation Before Considering Buying or Listing a House in Woburn, MA Will Provide Extra Confidence

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is widely acknowledged as the leading home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Protect your loved ones and your possessions by picking us when seeking mold inspection near me.

Is Mold A Threat?

Mold is a variety of fungus that thrives in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with excess moisture. It can appear in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water leaks, and poor airflow. It can be present on cellulose-based items, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will typically inspect for evidence of leaks and moisture in a home to locate the source of mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are benign, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for persons who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Pets can also be negatively impacted by the fungus, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of particular concern in Woburn, MA and part of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s ok if you're concerned for the well-being of yourself or your loved ones and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it’s possible to test a person for mold exposure? We are not able to provide that as a portion of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically present an outsized risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and feed on plant-based materials and ruin in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose or plant-based components 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 reside inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more costly to eliminate and triggering extensive damage to a home as time goes on. A trained mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores not otherwise detectable. A satisfactory mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the insights needed to make informed decisions about their investment and give current homeowners information into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eradicate it completely.

Some people inquire if a mold inspection service can test people for contact with the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your doctor through dermal and blood tests. 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 needs to be done.

What Processes Are Employed To Carry Out a Professional Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a comprehensive assessment of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the severity of the problem. The specific process for a dependable mold inspection may change depending on the property size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ gathers data about the property, any recognized mold issues, and your concerns during the initial consultation to devise a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: An extensive visual assessment of the property is executed, including around both the inside and exterior areas. The mold inspector examines for noticeable signs of mold growth, water damage, and other moisture problems using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Measuring moisture levels is critical in discovering likely sources of mold growth. Humidity sensors and other specialized equipment are used to measure the moisture levels of building materials and locate areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Heat-sensing devices may be used to locate areas where mold colonization may be occurring.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often carried out to determine indoor air quality and identify the presence of airborne mold spores. Air filters and extraction equipment are employed to obtain air samples from various areas of the home. These samples are then submitted to a lab for analysis.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not seen, the inspector may collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This requires wiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then submitted to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector compiles a comprehensive report summarizing their discoveries. The report usually includes facts on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if confirmed), and suggestions for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is identified, the inspector may give guidance for mold restoration, which may involve hiring an expert mold remediation company. They will likely suggest steps to reduce moisture intrusions, improve ventilation, and halt future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may execute a post-remediation inspection to ensure that the mold issue has been effectively addressed. Verification testing may be performed to confirm that the indoor space meets permissible mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold prevention measures, including appropriate ventilation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

How Should I Get Ready for the Mold Test?

You can follow a few straightforward rules to support your mold inspector in carrying out a thorough and complete home inspection. Activities to refrain from include cooking, smoking, using chemical cleaners, or employing air filtration systems to prevent altering air measurements that your mold inspector will take.

You should make sure of clear access to spaces that your mold inspector will need to access by clearing clutter and hindrances that may hinder the inspection. Additionally, provide relevant information about any previous water incidents or plumbing issues within the house. It's also helpful to document locations of interest with photographs or notes to support in potential cleanup efforts.

Communicate with your nearby Pillar To Post™ prior to your mold inspection service visit to get more information on the best way to ensure an accurate inspection.

Call or Make Arrangements For Mold Inspection Services On The Web

Mold can establish itself quickly within a residence and consume various construction materials and household possessions. The fungus also poses a potential health risk to at-risk people and pets. When searching for mold inspection near me in Woburn, MA, opt for Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a clear path forward for cleanup. Protect your assets and occupants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.