Mold Testing Near New Gloucester, Maine For Peace of Mind During Home Buying and Selling

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely esteemed as the premier home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, soon-to-be homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Protect your family and your investment by contacting us when seeking mold inspection near me.

Why Is Mold So Damaging to the Well-Being of People and Animals and the Structural Integrity of a Residence?

Mold is a variety of fungus that thrives in warm and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with abundant moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water leaks, and poor airflow. It can be present on various surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will typically search for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to identify the source of mold growth.

While some types of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause health concerns, especially for individuals who are immuno-compromised. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Animals are sometimes negatively impacted by the fungus, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of particular concern in New Gloucester, Maine and an important component 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 about the health of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it’s possible to assess a person for contact with mold? 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 examinations.

While mold may not always present an outsized risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly bad for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and consume plant-based materials and deteriorate them over time. Common cellulose-based materials used and stored inside of buildings include:

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

Mold testing is urgently suggested when buying a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can disseminate widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and resulting in more damage to a home over time. A skilled mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the information required to make smart 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 clients inquire if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for contact with the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your healthcare provider through skin and blood screening. If you think or know that you or your family has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

How Is a Professional Mold Inspection Carried Out?

An expert mold inspection service typically involves a comprehensive examination of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the scope of the problem. The particular process for a dependable mold inspection may differ depending on the property size, but usually includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector collects information from the current homeowner regarding any observable mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality worries. Earthy odors or health symptoms presented by individuals will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the property, evaluating for any visible signs of mold infestation. They will investigate areas of the house that are known to be vulnerable to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Knowing moisture levels is critical in identifying likely sources of mold spread. Humidity sensors and other specialized equipment are used to evaluate the moisture content inside building materials and locate areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Heat-sensing tools may be used to detect areas where mold infestation may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be performed to evaluate indoor air quality and ascertain the amount of floating mold spores. Air pumps and collection equipment are utilized to gather air samples from various areas of the home. These samples are then submitted to a laboratory for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also obtain surface samples from spaces of the house where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be submitted to a laboratory for assessment to ascertain the type of mold present.
• Documentation and Reporting: A thorough report will be furnished to clients after the mold inspection is finished, including any areas of the home where mold was found, the species of mold present, and suggestions for cleanup.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is detected, the inspector may provide suggestions for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a specialist mold remediation company. They will likely suggest steps to reduce moisture intrusions, improve ventilation, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may execute a post-remediation evaluation to ensure that the mold issue has been effectively addressed. Verification testing may be conducted to verify that the indoor space meets acceptable mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution measures, including proper ventilation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Enable a Smooth Mold Inspection Prior to When the Inspector Arrives?

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can readily access areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to make arrangements for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the inspection period to ensure that the outcomes of the test are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

A few things we implore you not to do include:

• Do not clean or disrupt any spaces of the house where you suspect mold to be present.
• Do not utilize any air purifiers or air filtration devices during the testing date, as these will impact the results of the test.
• If you're able, refrain from cooking, smoking, or utilizing any products that release chemicals into the air for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This measure ensures that the test results are not affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also advised you keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. This measure ensures that the environment inside the home remains still and correctly represents the typical indoor air quality. By complying with these recommendations, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and testing.

Contact With Us By Phone or Make an Appointment For Mold Inspection Services Online

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a residence and consume various construction materials and personal belongings. The fungus also presents a potential health risk to at-risk individuals and animals. When looking for mold inspection near me in New Gloucester, Maine, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise findings and a well-defined path forward for remediation. Protect your investment and inhabitants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.