The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Eliot, Maine

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely recognized as the leading home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, soon-to-be homebuyers, and real estate agents. Defend your family and your investment by calling us when searching for mold inspection near me.

How Will Mold Impact My Home and Family?

Mold is a variety of fungus that thrives in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with excess moisture. It can present in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water damage, or poor ventilation. It can be present on organic-based items, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will usually inspect for signs of leaks and water in a house to locate the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for people who are vulnerable. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Pets are sometimes affected by the fungus, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of special concern in Eliot, Maine and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s ok if you worry about the health of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if they are able to evaluate an individual for mold exposure? We are not able to offer that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not always present a considerable risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly bad for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and break down plant-based materials and destroy in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose or plant-based materials found inside of buildings include:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable when buying a house or if you currently live inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home as time goes on. A skilled mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise detectable. A satisfactory mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the information 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 eliminate it entirely.

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 performed by your doctor through skin 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 hazards and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

You’ll See the Advantages From the Expertise and Comprehensive Actions of Our Mold Inspectors

Contact us when searching for mold inspection near me in Eliot, Maine for a comprehensive mold inspection and peace of mind. Our mold inspectors are trained in the latest technology and have extensive knowledge of home construction to assess the air and surfaces for the presence of mold. Our mold testing will deliver the best insights into the present state of your home regarding mold infestation and the recommended actions you can take to address the problem. Our process includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information from the current homeowner regarding any apparent mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality concerns. Mildewy odors or health symptoms experienced by occupants will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: Your inspector will undertake a visual inspection of the property, evaluating for any visible signs of mold infestation. They will check areas of the home that are known to be inclined to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Specialized devices like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be employed to detect hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could facilitate mold growth.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be conducted to assess indoor air quality and identify the presence of floating mold spores. Air filters and collection tools are utilized to obtain air samples from various areas of the property. These samples are then forwarded to a laboratory for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not seen, your mold inspector could recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This involves wiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also forwarded to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including things visually seen, measurements, sampling points, and laboratory results. A thorough report is compiled, outlining the inspection information, mold varieties identified, and suggested steps for restoration, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector offers suggestions to tackle the mold issues and halt further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may perform a post-remediation assessment to ensure that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed. Validation testing may be executed to verify that the indoor area meets acceptable mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution measures, including appropriate air circulation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Help Ensure an Effective Mold Inspection On the Day My Inspector Arrives?

You don't need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection apart from ensuring that your inspector can readily reach areas of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the house during the course of the testing period to ensure that the outcomes of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of activities you should refrain from partaking in to ensure the accuracy of the inspection include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any areas of the home where you think mold growth to be growing.
• Abstain from using air purifiers or air filters when the testing is being conducted, as these can impact the accuracy of the results.
• If feasible, refrain from engaging in activities such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing substances in the air for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. This measure will assist in avoiding the inspection results from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for at least 12 hours prior to the inspection. This step ensures that the environment inside the house remains still and precisely represents the usual indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will boost the accuracy of your mold inspection service and examination.

Protect Your Home Investment by Contacting Us for Comprehensive Mold Inspection Services Today

Mold can take hold quickly within a home and consume numerous construction materials and household possessions. The fungus also poses a potential health hazard to vulnerable individuals and animals. When searching for mold inspection near me in Eliot, Maine, select Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a well-defined path forward for cleanup. Protect your investment and inhabitants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 now.