Mold Inspection Service in Old Town, Maine

Your skilled mold inspector will provide you with an accurate and detailed report that will give you a path forward for remediation and making educated decisions about your investment. Gain enhanced insights into the well-being of a house and protect its occupants with comprehensive mold testing from your neighbors at Pillar To Post™.

Should I Worry About Mold?

Mold is a kind of fungus that develops in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with excess moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, or poor ventilation. It can be present on various items, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will typically look for evidence of leaks and moisture in a home to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are innocuous, others can cause medical problems, especially for individuals who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Animals can also be affected by mold, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of specific concern in Old Town, Maine and part of a professional 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 about the health of yourself or your family and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if it’s possible to test a person 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 dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically present an outsized risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly detrimental for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and consume cellulose-based materials and ruin in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose-based components found inside of houses are:

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

Mold testing can detect the variety present and reveal the source of moisture contributing to a growth inside of the home you own or the one you’re considering buying. A common request posed to mold inspectors with Pillar To Post™ is if it’s possible to test a human or pet for mold poisoning. Unfortunately, this cannot be ascertained by our mold inspection service but can be performed by your doctor with blood and skin analysis. A competent mold inspection will offer you more advantage in your home-selling negotiations or give you more insight into the quality of your investment and the well-being of occupants when buying a home.

What Techniques Are Utilized To Conduct a Professional Mold Inspection?

A dependable mold inspection service is your ideal resource to detect the scope of mold infestation and develop a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the advantage of the finest technology and techniques in the business for added assurance. The way your mold inspector performs testing may vary with each home, but will generally involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector accumulates information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality issues. Mildewy odors or health symptoms presented by occupants will also be scrutinized.
• Visual Inspection: Your inspector will carry out a visual inspection of the property, examining for any detectable signs of mold colonization. They will investigate areas of the house that are known to be susceptible to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Measuring moisture content in areas around the house is important in uncovering likely sources of mold growth. Moisture meters and other tools are used to measure the moisture levels of building materials and identify areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Heat-sensing equipment may be used to pinpoint areas where mold colonization may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may necessitate air samples to be collected from multiple areas of the home using specific equipment. The air samples will be sent to a lab for analysis to ascertain the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also make surface samples from portions of the house where mold is presumed. These samples will be sent to a lab for analysis to ascertain the type of mold detected.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are documented, including observations, measurements, sampling points, and analysis findings. A detailed report is generated, outlining the inspection data, mold varieties identified, and proposed remedies for restoration, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector supplies recommendations to deal with the mold issues and prevent further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may conduct a post-remediation inspection to ensure that the mold problem has been successfully addressed. Validation testing may be carried out to confirm 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 air circulation, moisture control, and care procedures.

How Can I Assist in an Effective Mold Inspection Before the Inspector Arrives?

You don't need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection apart from ensuring that your inspector can readily access parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the testing period to make sure that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of things we recommend you do not do are:

• Do not clean or disrupt any regions of the house where you suspect mold to be present.
• Do not operate any air purifiers or air filtration appliances during the testing time, as these will throw off the results of the test.
• If you're able, refrain from cooking, smoking, or using any chemical-releasing products for a minimum of 24 hours before the inspection. This step ensures that the inspection results are not affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is additionally advised you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours before the inspection. This precaution ensures that the air within the home stays still and accurately represents the typical indoor air quality. By adhering to these recommendations, you will enhance the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Purchase, Sell, or Inhabit a Residence Confidently by Requesting Services From an Expert Mold Inspector Now

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a residence and degrade various construction materials and personal belongings. The fungus additionally presents a potential health risk to vulnerable individuals and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Old Town, Maine, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a clear course forward for cleanup. Protect your investment and occupants by booking a service date for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 now.