Mold Inspection Service in Erie, Michigan

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are nationally acknowledged as the premier home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate agents. Defend your loved ones and your investment by picking us when seeking mold inspection near me.

Why Is Mold So Worrisome to the Safety of Humans and Pets and the Structural Integrity of a House?

Mold is a type of fungus that develops in warm and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with abundant moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water damage, or poor ventilation. It can grow on various materials, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually look for evidence of leaks and water in a house to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most types of mold are innocuous, others can cause medical problems, especially for persons who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems have been known to experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Pets may also be affected by mold, with common symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of particular concern in Erie, Michigan and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s understandable if you're concerned about the safety of yourself or your loved ones and make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if it’s possible to test a person for contact with mold? We are not able to offer that as a portion of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically pose an outsized risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and consume plant-based materials and destroy them over time. Examples of cellulose or plant-based materials found inside of houses are:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended when acquiring a house or if you currently reside inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and triggering extensive damage to a home over time. A skilled mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A satisfactory mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the insights needed to make better decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eradicate it entirely.

Some people inquire 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 conducted by your doctor through skin and blood tests. If you believe or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing is warranted.

You’ll Recognize the Value From the Knowledge and All-Encompassing Procedures of Our Mold Inspectors

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a detailed evaluation of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the scope of the infestation. The specific procedures for a professional mold inspection may vary depending on the house size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ accumulates information about the property, any recognized mold issues, and your concerns during the initial consultation to develop a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will perform a visual inspection of the property, evaluating for any noticeable signs of mold colonization. They will examine areas of the property that are known to be liable to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Specialized tools like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be used to detect hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could facilitate mold growth.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may call for air samples to be taken from multiple areas of the home using specific equipment. The air samples will be forwarded to a laboratory for analysis to confirm the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is suspected but not seen, the inspector could collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This requires swiping or tape-lifting areas of surfaces, which is also forwarded to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector generates an elaborate report recapping their findings. The report normally includes details on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold species present (if confirmed), and advice for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is detected, the inspector may provide suggestions for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation company. They will likely suggest measures to reduce moisture intrusions, improve ventilation, and avoid future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may execute a subsequent inspection to ensure that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed. Final testing may be executed to assure you that the indoor space meets safe mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold precaution measures, including adequate ventilation, humidity management, and care procedures.

How Should I Get Ready for a Mold Test?

You do not need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection besides ensuring that your inspector can readily access areas of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to make arrangements for pets to be outdoors of the house during the testing time to guarantee that the results of the test are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

Some things you should avoid doing for the accuracy of the inspection include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any rooms within the property where you observe mold growth to be present.
• Abstain from using air purifiers or air filters when the testing is being conducted, as these can lower the accuracy of the results.
• If possible, refrain from engaging in activities such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing products in the indoor environment for at least 24 hours before the test. This precaution will assist in avoiding the test results from being impacted by other airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours before the test. This measure guarantees that the environment inside the house remains still and correctly reflects the standard indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will boost the precision of your mold inspection service and examination.

Book a Mold Inspection Today

Mold is a rapidly growing fungus that consumes many building materials and household possessions. permitting mold growth to escalate can cause significant damages that may necessitate considerable financial resources to fix. Mold also represents a potential health hazard to vulnerable individuals and animals. A thorough mold inspection is your best resource for identifying the underlying cause of the problem and developing a plan for remediation. If you're seeking a mold inspection near me in Erie, Michigan, Pillar To Post™ stands out for our advanced technology and extensive expertise. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to obtain the information necessary for informed decision-making and safeguarding your assets and loved ones.