The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Dundalk, Maryland

Your knowledgeable mold inspector will provide you with an accurate and comprehensive report that will give you a way forward for remediation and making informed decisions about your investment. Gain enhanced insights into the health of a house and safeguard its occupants with thorough mold testing from your local Pillar To Post™.

Should I Be Worried About Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found inside houses with abundant moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water damage, or poor ventilation. It can grow on cellulose-based materials, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will typically inspect for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to locate the source of mold growth.

While some types of mold are harmless, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for individuals who are immuno-compromised. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Pets are sometimes affected by the fungus, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of specific concern in Dundalk, Maryland and an important component of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s ok if you're concerned for the health 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 it’s possible to assess a person for contact with mold? 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 dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not always present an outsized risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly detrimental for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and consume plant-based materials and deteriorate in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose or plant-based components used and stored inside of houses are:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable before you acquire a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can disseminate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and causing more damage to a home over time. A skilled mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise seen. A satisfactory mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information they need to make smart decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and remove it completely.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for exposure to the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your doctor through dermal and blood tests. If you think or know that you or your family has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

A vetted mold inspection service is your best resource to assess the scope of mold infestation and develop a remediation plan moving forward. Mold testing from Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the best technology and methods in the business for added assurance. The manner in which your mold inspector conducts testing may vary from house to house, but will usually involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality concerns. Earthy odors or health symptoms presented by occupants will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: The next step of our mold inspection service involves a meticulous visual assessment of the home, both inside and out, searching for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related concerns. We check areas prone to mold infestation, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and areas with plumbing or heating and cooling appliances.
• Moisture detection: Measuring moisture content in areas around the house is essential in recognizing likely sources of mold growth. Hygrometers and other specialized equipment are used to determine the moisture levels inside building materials and locate areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Infrared devices may be used to detect areas where mold growth may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may involve air samples to be gathered from different areas of the home using specific equipment. The air samples will be transferred to a laboratory for evaluation to determine the type and concentration of mold spores found in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not obvious, the inspector may acquire surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This involves swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also transferred to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector prepares an elaborate report outlining their conclusions. The report usually includes details on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if detected), and advice for cleanup or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector provides recommendations to tackle the mold problem and avoid further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may perform a post-remediation examination to ensure that the mold problem has been adequately addressed. Verification testing may be carried out to confirm that the indoor environment meets tolerable mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution measures, including appropriate air circulation, moisture control, and care procedures.

How Should I Prepare for a Mold Test?

You can follow a few straightforward steps to support your mold inspector in carrying out a thorough and complete home inspection. Activities to refrain from include preparing food, smoking, cleaning with chemicals, or employing air filtration systems to prevent distorting air readings that your mold inspector will obtain.

You should guarantee unobstructed access to spaces that your mold inspector will have to access by clearing obstacles and obstructions that might hinder the inspection. Moreover, provide pertinent information about any prior water incidents or plumbing problems within the home. It's also helpful to record locations of worry with pictures or notes to support in possible remediation measures.

Communicate with your local Pillar To Post™ before your mold inspection service visit to obtain further information on how to facilitate an accurate inspection.

Call or Book Mold Inspection Services On The Web

Mold has the potential to quickly spread inside a home and be a danger to the well-being of inhabitants and the structural integrity of the building itself. An accurate and detailed professional mold inspection provides essential insights on preventing its growth and eradicating the fungus permanently. Potential buyers can receive the necessary information to make informed decisions, while homeowners can utilize the report obtained from a mold inspector to safeguard their property or expedite the closing process. When looking for the most reliable mold inspection service near me in Dundalk, Maryland, opt for the most recommended name by homeowners, prospective buyers, and real estate professionals and call Pillar To Post™ today.