A Reliable Mold Inspection When Buying or Listing a Residence in Southgate, MI Will Provide Boosted Confidence

Mold testing is advantageous for current homeowners and future buyers and sellers desiring to safeguard their investment and their families. Take advantage of the premier mold inspection service in your area and achieve confidence knowing the things most important in life are taken care of by booking a mold inspection from Pillar To Post™.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a variety of fungus that grows in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water damage, and poor ventilation. It can be present on various materials, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will usually inspect for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to find the source of mold growth.

While most types of mold are harmless, others can cause medical problems, especially for individuals who are immuno-compromised. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Pets can also be negatively impacted by mold, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of specific concern in Southgate, MI and part of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s ok if you're concerned for the well-being of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if they're able to test a person for contact with mold? We cannot supply that as a part of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically present a significant risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly detrimental for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and feed on plant-based materials and destroy in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose-based materials found inside of buildings include:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended before you purchase a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can spread fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home over time. A skilled mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information required 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 remove it completely.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can test people for contact with the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your doctor through skin and blood tests. If you think or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing is necessary.

How Is an Expert Mold Inspection Carried Out?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a thorough evaluation of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the extent of the problem. The particular procedures for a dependable mold inspection may change depending on the house size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ acquires data about the property, any identified mold issues, and your worries during the initial consultation to design a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: An extensive visual inspection of the house is executed, including around both the inside and outside areas. The mold inspector looks for noticeable signs of mold growth, water damage, and other moisture problems using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to spot areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Advanced 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 promote the spread of mold.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may require air samples to be collected from multiple areas of the home using specific equipment. The air samples will be submitted to a lab for assessment to ascertain the type and concentration of mold spores present in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not seen, your mold inspector may recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This requires swiping or tape-lifting portions of surfaces, which are then submitted to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including things visually observed, measurements, sample locations, and laboratory results. A complete report is compiled, recapping the inspection data, mold varieties identified, and recommended actions for remediation, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector provides guidance to tackle the mold issues and prevent further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up evaluation may be executed to assure you that the remediation efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution measures, including appropriate air circulation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

Is There Any Actions I Should Take To Help the Mold Inspector Carry Out His Job and Obtain Better Test Results?

You don't need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can effortlessly reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to make arrangements for pets to be outdoors of the home during the testing time to make sure that the results of the inspection are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

A few activities you should refrain from doing to ensure the reliability of mold testing include:

• Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any spaces within the house where you suspect mold growth to be present.
• Do not use air pumps or air filters while the testing is being conducted, as these can lower the accuracy of the data.
• If possible, abstain from engaging in activities such as cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing substances in the air for a minimum of 24 hours before the inspection. This measure will help in preventing the inspection data from being affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours before the inspection. This step ensures that the environment within the home stays motionless and precisely represents the standard indoor air quality. By complying with these recommendations, you will boost the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Get a Hold of Pillar To Post™ in Southgate, MI Immediately

Mold is a quickly spreading fungus that consumes various building materials and household possessions. Allowing mold colonization to get out of hand can result in significant damages that may necessitate a lot of effort and financial resources to fix. The fungus also represents a potential concern to at-risk individuals and pets. A thorough mold inspection is your best resource for detecting the underlying cause of the issue and developing a plan for remediation. If you're searching for a mold inspection near me in Southgate, MI, Pillar To Post™ stands out due to our advanced technology and vast experience. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to obtain the information necessary for making better decisions and safeguarding your investment and loved ones.