Mold Inspection Service in Spruce Head, ME

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is nationally recognized as the premier home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Protect your family and your investment by picking us when looking for mold inspection near me.

Is Finding a Professional Mold Inspection Worth the Price?

Mold is a fungus that spreads through the air as spores, eventually depositing themselves on natural matter where they become apparent as they grow. The fungus usually appears as fuzzy splotches and can be nearly any color, including white, green, yellow, and black. Some kinds of black mold pose a significant health risk and are known to cause allergic reactions in vulnerable people and pets. The major threat is the detriment mold can do on a house. Not only is the fungus ugly and produces a foul odor, but there are also many common materials used to construct homes and possessions inside that it will colonize and eat. Over time, the fungus can spread throughout the house and weaken many of the vital structural components, including:

• 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 presently live inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can spread fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and causing more damage to a home over time. A trained mold inspector has the appropriate knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise seen. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the information required to make informed 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 completely.

Some people 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 done by your healthcare provider through skin and blood tests. If you think 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 a Competent Mold Inspection Carried Out?

A trustworthy mold inspection service typically involves a detailed examination of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the severity of the problem. The specific procedures for a dependable mold inspection may change depending on the house size, but generally includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector obtains information from the current homeowner regarding any perceptible mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality issues. Musty smells or health effects presented by individuals will also be examined.
• Visual Inspection: The next task of our mold inspection service involves a comprehensive visual examination of the property, both inside and out, seeking for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related problems. We inspect areas prone to mold infestation, including subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or heating and cooling units.
• 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 the spread of mold.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be performed to determine indoor air quality and establish the amount of airborne mold spores. Air pumps and collection equipment are used to collect air samples from various areas of the home. The samples are then forwarded to a lab for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also make surface samples from areas of the house where mold is suspected. These samples will be forwarded to a lab for assessment to establish the type of mold existing.
• Documentation and Reporting: Your mold inspector creates a thorough report recapping their discoveries. The report usually includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if identified), and advice for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may offer guidance for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a qualified mold remediation service. They will likely suggest steps to reduce moisture intrusions, improve ventilation, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A subsequent assessment may be carried out to assure you that the remediation efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been correctly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold precaution measures, including appropriate ventilation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

How Should I Prepare for the Mold Test?

You do not need to do a lot in preparation for a mold inspection apart from making sure that your inspector can effortlessly reach areas of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to make arrangements for pets to be outdoors of the house throughout the testing period to ensure that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Some activities you should refrain from partaking in to ensure the reliability of mold testing include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any areas inside the house where you suspect mold growth to be present.
• Abstain from using air purifiers or air filtration appliances while the testing is being performed, as these can impact the accuracy of the results.
• If possible, refrain from engaging in activities like cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the indoor environment for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. This precaution will help in preventing the inspection results from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also advised you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the inspection. This step ensures that the environment inside the house stays still and precisely represents the standard indoor air quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you will boost the precision of your mold inspection service and examination.

Purchase, Sell, or Inhabit a Home Confidently by Requesting Services From an Expert Mold Inspector Today

Mold can establish itself quickly within a residence and degrade numerous building materials and household possessions. The fungus also presents a potential health risk to at-risk people and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Spruce Head, ME, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a clear path forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and inhabitants by booking a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.