Mold Testing in Oak Park, MI For Peace of Mind During Home Buying and Selling

Mold testing is beneficial for current homeowners and future buyers and sellers desiring to protect their investment and their family members. Take advantage of the most trusted mold inspection service in your area and achieve confidence knowing the things most important in life are protected by scheduling a mold inspection with Pillar To Post™.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a variety of fungus that grows in warm and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with excess moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water infiltration, or poor airflow. It can be present on various materials, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will typically search for signs of leaks and water in a house to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While some types of mold are harmless, others can cause health concerns, especially for individuals who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Pets are sometimes negatively impacted by mold, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of special concern in Oak Park, MI and part of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s understandable if you worry 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 evaluate a person for mold exposure? We are not able to 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 significant risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and feed on cellulose-based materials and destroy in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose or plant-based materials found inside of homes 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 uncover the source of dampness contributing to a growth inside of your current home or the one you’re considering buying. A typical request posed to mold inspectors from Pillar To Post™ is if we are able to test a human or pet for mold poisoning. That cannot be established by our mold inspection service but can be provided by your doctor with blood and skin screening. A skilled mold inspection will offer you more power in your home-selling negotiations or offer you more knowledge into the quality of your investment and the safety of occupants when purchasing a house.

What Methods Are Used To Perform a High-Quality Mold Inspection?

A trustworthy mold inspection service will deliver a complete evaluation of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the scope of the infestation. The specific procedures for a dependable mold inspection may change depending on the property size, but usually includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector acquires information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality problems. Musty smells or health effects presented by occupants will also be assessed.
• Visual Inspection: The following step of our mold inspection service includes a complete visual examination of the property, both inside and out, inspecting for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related concerns. We check areas susceptible to mold growth, including subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or HVAC appliances.
• Moisture detection: Specialized devices 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 promote the spread of mold.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may involve air samples to be extracted from different areas of the home using specialized equipment. The air samples will be forwarded to a laboratory for evaluation to establish the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also acquire surface samples from portions of the property where mold is suspected. These samples will be forwarded to a laboratory for evaluation to establish the type of mold detected.
• Documentation and Reporting: Your mold inspector creates an elaborate report outlining their findings. The report usually includes data on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold species present (if confirmed), and recommendations for cleanup or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may supply suggestions for mold remediation, which may involve hiring an expert mold remediation service. They may suggest measures to alleviate moisture problems, improve ventilation, and prevent future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After remediation efforts, the inspector may carry out a post-remediation evaluation to ensure that the mold problem has been adequately addressed. Verification testing may be carried out to validate that the indoor environment meets safe mold spore levels and is healthy for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold prevention measures, including proper ventilation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

What Do I Need To Do To Prepare for the Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do a lot in preparation for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can effortlessly reach parts of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the house during the testing period to guarantee that the results of the test are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

A few things we ask you not to do are:

• Do not clean or disrupt any rooms of the property where you suspect mold growth.
• Do not utilize any air purifiers or air filtration devices during the testing day, as these may affect the results of the test.
• If you're able, avoid cooking, smoking, or utilizing any products that release chemicals into the air for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the test. This step ensures that the test results are not influenced by other airborne contaminants.

It is also advised to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. This measure ensures that the air within the house remains motionless and accurately reflects the typical indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Make Arrangements For a Mold Inspection Now

Mold has the potential to quickly spread inside a residence and pose a risk to the health of occupants and the structural integrity of the building itself. An accurate and comprehensive professional mold inspection offers essential insights on preventing its growth and eliminating the fungus for good. Potential homebuyers will obtain the necessary details to make knowledgeable decisions, while property owners can utilize the report obtained from a mold inspector to safeguard their investment or expedite the closing process. When searching for the most reliable mold inspection service near me in Oak Park, MI, choose the most trusted name by property owners, buyers, and real estate professionals and call Pillar To Post™ today.