Mold is a ubiquitous, opportunistic, and often deadly fungus. It is found in moist environments, including homes, schools, offices, hospitals, and other buildings. Mold can grow rapidly in spaces with high moisture levels and low air circulation.
Mold can also grow on food. If mold growth is thick and black, it’s likely that it’s growing on food and you should throw it out.
The spores of mold are able to travel through the air easily. Mold can produce allergic reactions in people who are susceptible to them. Mold can also cause structural damage to buildings.
Mold is difficult to remove from surfaces and can take a long time to completely disappear. But with specific equipment and procedures, it can be possible to get rid of it completely, from every corner of the house!
However, this may be difficult once the mold has spread too much and caused irreversible damage to the property. At times, severe cases of mold can even cause buildings to collapse!
To prevent this from happening and to save money in the long run, it’s essential to get mold testing and inspection done on time.
What is Mold Inspection?
Mold inspection is the process of identifying conditions that could lead to mold growth in a building and determining the extent of any mold contamination. A qualified inspector will look for any water damage, leaks, or humidity problems that could create a conducive environment for mold. The inspector will also test for the presence of mold spores in the air and on surfaces. If mold is found, the inspector will recommend steps to remove the contamination and prevent it from reoccurring. Mold remediation should only be carried out by a professional who has been trained in safe methods for dealing with mold.The Cost of Mold Testing
Inspection and testing for mold is not a cheap process, but it’s an important one in order to identify any potential problems in your home. The cost of hiring a professional to conduct a mold inspection can vary depending on the size of your home, the extent of the inspection, and the type of testing that is required. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $600 for a comprehensive mold inspection. If you need to have your home tested for black mold, that will typically add an additional cost of around $200.The Benefits Of Mold Testing
Mold inspection has several benefits.- Mold inspection can help protect your health- Mold, in excessive amounts, can cause serious health problems, such as asthma and allergies if left untreated. A mold inspection in the early stages of mold buildup can guarantee that you and your family remain protected.
- A mold inspection can help protect your property– Mold can damage walls, ceilings and furniture if left untreated for too long. An early inspection would mean that immediate corrective action can be taken to prevent the mold from damaging more furniture and items.
- A mold inspection can help you save money- Mold removal is expensive, so identifying and removing mold early can save you money in the long run. It will also mean that any restoration costs that you shall incur down the road will be saved.
- A mold inspection gives you peace of mind- Without the expert advice of a mold inspector, you will always be faced with an annoying “what if” lingering in your head.
- A mold inspection helps identify other problems- A mold inspector usually checks for leaks and water damage, and runs a thorough check on the structural integrity of your building.
How To Test For Mold?
- The first step in the mold inspection process is to perform a visual inspection of the property to determine where the mold is coming from. This can be done by looking for any water damage or moisture issues.
- Once the source of the mold has been identified, the inspector will begin to take samples of the mold to test. This is done in order to get a better idea of what kind of mold is present and how dangerous it may be.
- After the samples have been taken, the inspector will start to assess the extent of the mold growth. This includes looking at how much damage has been done to the property and what needs to be done in order to clean it up.
- Once all of this information has been collected, the inspector will create a report detailing their findings. The report will include recommendations for remediation if necessary.