Mold presents a triple threat: health concerns, potential damage to building materials, and an unattractive appearance. When it comes to identifying mold, while visual cues can be indicative, a professional inspection with testing is necessary for confirmation.
Health Issues
It can cause health issues, especially for individuals with respiratory problems or weakened immune systems. Certain types of mold produce allergens, irritants, and even toxic substances called mycotoxins, which can exacerbate existing health conditions or cause new ones.
Ultimately, if you suspect mold in your living or working environment and are experiencing health issues, it’s important to seek care from a health professional and address the mold problem promptly to mitigate further risks.
Property Issues
In addition to health concerns, mold can also be destructive to building materials. It can weaken structures over time by breaking down organic materials like wood and drywall. This can lead to costly repairs and compromise the structural integrity of a building.
As a certified mold inspector, Brick House Inspections can assess the threat and damage that mold can do to your property and air quality.
Professional Inspection
Identifying mold isn’t always straightforward. While visible mold is a clear indicator of a problem, sometimes mold growth can be hidden within walls, ceilings, or HVAC systems. In such cases, it’s crucial to have a professional inspection and testing to confirm the presence of mold and determine the best course of action for remediation.
- Two outdoor air samples
- One indoor air sample
- One area of concern, Either Tape, Swab, or carpet. Additional areas of concern are subject to additional lab costs
- Visual inspection of your whole home including attic, basement, and crawl space
- Temperature and relative humidity in area of concern
- Inner wall air testing is available
- A written report with lab results
- A standard mold inspection is 3-5 days
- Expedited lab testing is available
- There are many types of molds. The air samples outside give a baseline of the amount of mold inside. Basically, there shouldn’t be different mold in the home than outside.
- Home repairs suggested in the report should be done by a professional.
- Remediation should be conducted by a professional who uses bio-growth removal products.
- The use of bleach or painting over apparent mold is not recommended and is ineffective.
After all necessary repairs and remediation have been completed, a follow-up inspection is recommended to be conducted in the areas of concern to ensure the repairs and remediation are effective.
Certification ID: IAC2-94578
IAC2 Certified, IAC2 Mold Certified, IAC2 Radon Certified