Mold testing answers use various tools to detect and identify mold growth. They also conduct air and surface sampling – including comparing indoor samples with outdoor ones – for comparison purposes.
Finding out why there is moisture present is of primary importance during any mold inspection; without solving this issue, any efforts at cleaning up mold would be futile.
Purpose of Inspection
Home mold inspection Charleston use moisture-mapping devices and other tools to identify areas with elevated moisture that may not be readily apparent. They may also conduct air sampling – using a pump that captures air within a house in order to detect mold spores – as part of the inspection.
Mold inspectors use tape to scrape off mold from surfaces, then test for type and level of contamination. They might also take samples of lumber for testing (to identify whether black staining on two by fours is caused by ceratosystis or Ophiostoma molds).
When an inspector notices visible mold growth, it is essential that testing be conducted to assess how extensive and diverse the problem is and to identify types of mold present. This information is essential for devising a remediation strategy and understanding a positive test result does not indicate no molds exist in your house or that they are toxic. Learn more about mold effects.
Purpose of Testing
As part of their mold inspection services, professional home inspectors collect air samples and surface samples during mold inspections for laboratory analysis in order to identify types and levels of mold spores present in each sample.
Mold growth does not occur by chance; rather it’s often the result of water damage. Mold spores attract to damp surfaces and quickly multiply to become an infestation threat. A thorough visual inspection usually reveals its source.
Based on the location of the problem, mold inspection may require special equipment like a thermal imaging camera, borescope (used to inspect plumbing pipes and structural components without damaging them), moisture meter or cut through drywall/panelling to reach inaccessible areas – in such instances additional costs will incur. Doors and windows must remain closed during an inspection in order to maximize accumulation of spores for easy detection; additionally it would be wise to delay any cleaning activities such as vacuuming/dusting until two days prior.
Results of Testing
Mold inspectors collect air and surface samples that will then be sent to a lab for analysis to ascertain the type and concentration of mold spores present in each sampled area, helping determine whether there is an immediate need to remediate your home.
Air and surface testing will provide all the data necessary for creating a plan of remediation, including finding and fixing any sources of moisture that are contributing to mold growth.
Importantly, it should be remembered that mold particles often co-exist in all indoor environments where people reside, making test results unreliable measures of actual mold spore numbers in the air and surfaces. Individual effects may differ based on how much enters their bodies as well as susceptibilities to specific chemicals found within mold mixtures.
Recommendations
Professional mold inspectors conduct visual mold inspections by inspecting properties visually for hidden mold growth in hard to access places, like behind walls. Moisture meters may also be used to detect damp spots that might be contributing to mold development and plumbing leaks should also be investigated as they often lead to the growth of mold growth.
After inspecting your property, they will recommend a course of action to address the source of mold growth – be it fixing leaky roofs or replacing water damaged ceiling tiles. Without taking these steps, mold will continue to flourish and could return at a much greater level in no time.
Conclusion
An inspector will typically suggest taking an air sample, known as a spore test, in the property in order to ascertain the level of indoor spore count versus outdoor sample taken outside – this allows them to compare whether indoor spore levels exceed expectations.