Mold Inspection in Lebanon, Maine For Confident Home Purchasing and Selling

Mold testing is advantageous for current homeowners and prospective buyers and sellers wanting to safeguard their investment and their family members. Take advantage of the top mold inspection service in the area and gain peace of mind knowing the things most important in life are protected by arranging a mold inspection with Pillar To Post™.

How Toxic Is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that disseminates through the air as spores, eventually landing on organic matter where they become observable as they grow. Mold usually appears as fuzzy splotches and can be almost any color, including white, green, yellow, and black. Certain types of black mold are more often considered a health risk and can cause allergic reactions in vulnerable people and animals. The biggest threat is the harm mold can wreak to your home. Not only is mold unsightly and produces a musty odor, but there are also many common materials used to build homes and possessions inside that it will colonize and consume. Over time, the fungus can disseminate throughout a home and damage many of the vital structural elements, including:

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

Mold testing is urgently suggested when acquiring a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with obvious 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 as time goes on. A trained mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the information required 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 eradicate it altogether.

Some clients ask 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 done by your healthcare provider through skin and blood tests. If you suspect or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing is needed.

What Is a Mold Inspection?

A trustworthy mold inspection service typically involves a complete evaluation of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the scope of the problem. The specific process for a professional mold inspection may differ depending on the house size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any perceptible mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality doubts. Musty odors or health effects presented by individuals will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will execute a visual inspection of the property, assessing for any apparent signs of mold infestation. They will investigate areas of the property that are known to be liable to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Advanced 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 promote mold growth.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be carried out to examine indoor air quality and identify the amount of airborne mold spores. Air filters and collection devices are employed to obtain air samples from various areas of the home. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also obtain surface samples from portions of the property where mold is presumed. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for evaluation to identify the type of mold present.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are recorded, including observations, measurements, sample locations, and laboratory results. A thorough report is generated, recapping the inspection data, mold species identified, and suggested steps for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is found, the inspector may give recommendations for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation company. They may suggest steps to alleviate moisture intrusions, improve airflow, and halt future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may conduct a secondary inspection to ensure that the mold problem has been thoroughly addressed. Final testing may be executed to verify that the indoor space meets acceptable mold spore levels and is protected for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution measures, including adequate airflow, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

Is There Anything I Need To Do To Prepare for a Mold Inspection?

You don't need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection apart from making sure that your inspector can readily reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to plan for pets to be outside of the home during the course of the inspection period to make sure that the results of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Some activities you should avoid partaking in to ensure the accuracy of mold testing include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any spaces inside the property where you suspect mold growth to be present.
• Do not use air pumps or air filters while the inspection is being performed, 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 a minimum of 24 hours before the test. This measure will help in avoiding the test results from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours before the test. This step ensures that the environment within the home stays motionless and accurately reflects the usual indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will improve the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Contact With Us By Phone or Schedule Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold can take hold quickly within a residence and consume various building materials and household belongings. The fungus also poses a possible health danger to vulnerable people and animals. When searching for mold inspection near me in Lebanon, Maine, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a well-defined course forward for cleanup. Protect your assets and occupants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.