Mold Inspection Service in Lincoln, ME

Mold testing is beneficial for current homeowners and future buyers and sellers desiring to safeguard their investment and their families. Take advantage of the top-rated mold inspection service in the area and gain confidence knowing the things most important in life are protected by arranging a mold inspection with Pillar To Post™.

How Will Mold Affect My House and Family?

Mold is a type of fungus that develops in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can appear in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water leaks, or poor ventilation. It can grow on various surfaces, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will typically inspect for evidence of leaks and moisture in a house to locate the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While many types of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for people who are vulnerable. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and rash. Pets may also be negatively impacted by the fungus, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Lincoln, ME and part of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to comprehend the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s understandable if you worry for the health of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it’s possible to evaluate a person for mold exposure? We cannot supply that as a part 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 typically pose a considerable risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and consume plant-based materials and destroy them over time. Common cellulose-based components used and stored inside of homes 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 house or if you currently live inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can disseminate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and triggering more damage to a home as time goes on. A trained mold inspector has the extensive knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise detectable. A sufficient mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information required to make smarter decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and remove it altogether.

Some clients ask 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 performed by your doctor through skin and blood screening. If you suspect or know that you or your family has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing is warranted.

How Is an Expert Mold Inspection Carried Out?

A professional mold inspection service will deliver a detailed evaluation of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the severity of the infestation. The specific procedures for a dependable mold inspection may differ depending on the property size, but generally includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ obtains data about the property, any noted mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to create a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: Your inspector will execute a visual inspection of the property, checking for any apparent signs of mold colonization. They will inspect areas of the property that are known to be susceptible to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Knowing moisture levels is critical in detecting potential sources of mold growth. Hygrometers and other tools are used to measure the moisture levels inside building materials and detect areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Infrared tools may be used to find areas where mold colonization may be occurring.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may call for air samples to be taken from different areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be transferred to a laboratory for analysis to confirm the type and concentration of mold spores found in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not seen, the inspector could collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This involves swabbing or tape-lifting areas of surfaces, which is also transferred to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including things visually seen, measurements, sampling areas, and lab findings. A complete report is compiled, summarizing the inspection data, mold types identified, and suggested steps for cleanup, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector gives suggestions to resolve the mold problem and halt further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A post-remediation evaluation may be executed to assure you that the cleanup efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention methods, including appropriate airflow, humidity management, and care procedures.

Are There Any Actions I Can Take To Help My Mold Inspection Expert Do His Work and Get Accurate Test Results?

You can implement a few easy steps to support your mold inspector in performing a thorough and complete home inspection. Activities not to do include cooking, smoking, using chemical cleaners, or using air purifiers to avoid altering air readings that your mold inspector will take.

You should ensure clear access to areas that your mold inspector will need to access by removing clutter and obstructions that may hinder the examination. Additionally, supply pertinent information about any previous water incidents or plumbing issues in the house. It's also helpful to document locations of interest with photographs or notes to support in potential cleanup efforts.

Talk with your local Pillar To Post™ prior to your mold inspection service date to obtain additional information on the way to ensure a precise inspection.

Contact Pillar To Post™ in Lincoln, ME Soon

Mold can take hold rapidly within a residence and consume various construction materials and personal possessions. The fungus additionally presents a possible health risk to at-risk people and pets. When searching for mold inspection near me in Lincoln, ME, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise results and a clear path forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and occupants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.