Why Mold Test?
There are many valid and valuable reasons to perform mold testing. Here are 10 reasons.
Frequent Questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions about mold with our expertise.
Tool Spotlight: BCAM® Infrared Camera
One of the latest tools mold technicians can use to detect tempature changes including moisture in places that cannot be seen easily is the BCAM® infrared camera. This kind of equipment and technology offers the mold inspector a non-invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the conditions of buildings - providing immediate high-resolution thermal imagery, revealing potential structural and moisture issues, energy efficiency and even pest discovery. The BCAM® infrared camera features an automatic color alarm alerts you to moisture-laden areas during use which can detect potential areas of mold growth give then conditions are right, as well as verify when structures are moisture-free during the drying process. With the BCAM the mold inspector can inspect places that can't be physically reached with moisture meters. The BCAM also is a useful tool when searching for conditions behind surfaces such as: enameled walls and wallpaper that don't readily water stain, track leaks to their source, monitor the drying process, and confirm when a structure is dry. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the content of interior air that could affect health and comfort of building occupants. The IAQ may be compromised by microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), chemicals(such as carbon monoxide,radon}, allergens, or any mass or energy stressor that can induce health effects. Often it is perceived that outdoor air is polluted, but indoor air is acceptable. Scientific studies illustrate the falsity of this perception, and, in fact, indoor air is often a greater health hazard than the corresponding outdoor setting.
When should you have a mold inspector test for mold in your home?
- should be done if purchasing any home, especially if home was vacant or "as-is".
- should be done after any flooding or water damage event.
- should be done whenever you find a leak that has been present for more than 24 hours.
- should be done if you smell or suspect mold but do not see any visible mold growth.
- should be done if unusual stains appear on furniture or building material.
- should be done if residents of your home experience a long-term medical condition without a known cause.
More about Our Process
Initial Mold Consultation
Clients disclose why they would like a mold inspection. Usually they have seen mold, smell a musty odor, the property has had prior water damage, feel a high humidity in the home or have become ill at home with no known reasoning or a combination of these.
Visual Mold Inspection
The visual inspection includes looking for visual mold, water stains, moisture intrusion, using specialized tools to locate areas that have conditions that could contribute to mold growth. Checking suspect areas with a surface moisture meter or thermal imaging camera to detect further moisture in wall cavities.
Mold Sampling
The visual inspection and consultation will indicate which rooms need to be air sampled along with an outdoor control sample. If a surface area has visual suspected mold then a swab or a tape lift sample can be taken,to confirm the type of mold. It is important to know both what is in the air as well as what you visually suspect to be mold.
Reporting
The mold inspection report is written upon receiving the lab analysis. The lab results are interpreted in the report and visual findings are recorded. Recommendations can be made free of charge by the mold inspector if any problem areas are found. The lab results are legal documents and have individual identification numbers on them.
Recommendations and Removal
Any recommendations will be given by a certified mold inspector or remediator. Mold removal can be more dangerous than having dormant mold in a home. Negative air pressure machines, hepa filters, gloves and masks should be used. Certain precautions should be taken when doing remediation.
Final Mold Air Sampling
Mold air samples of the same rooms should be done after all moldy surfaces are cleaned or removed. Final mold air sampling will show mold levels decreased to an acceptable level in these rooms. Lab results from final mold air sampling is the proof you need to be assured that the infesting mold has been removed properly and completely, and that air quality is back to an acceptable level.
Mold Certifications
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