Mold Testing • What Homeowners Should Know About Mold

Mold testing and inspections are important for homeowners. Let us help you stay informed during this process. Learn more about mold in your home by reading the blog post below.
Mold Inspection

Is mold testing important? What is Mold? How can mold affect my health? Mold is a fungus that grows on damp surfaces, such as the walls and floors of your home. Left unchecked, it can grow in colonies and produce allergens and irritants. It’s important to test for mold before buying or selling a home so you can remediate the issue prior to closing escrow.

Mold is a growing concern in the home-buying public. One of its many negative impacts can be structural damage to your house, but it also carries certain health risks for you and your family as well that need proper attention.

There are several little things to look out for when purchasing any new property, such as location and wiring condition among other factors like housing conditions themselves (as seen here). Among these considerations, though one that has been growing increasingly popular with contemporary buyers alike is mold–the type found not only on surfaces around the individual properties being sold or bought but within them too… Structurally damaging types exist which could lead not just to problematic walls; they carry serious implications concerning both personal safety at risk from toxic substances released by molds.

Mold is a terrifying and frustrating problem for many homeowners. It can show up, seemingly out of nowhere, in dark nooks that most people wouldn’t think to check–like the attic or basement (or even beneath your fridge!). But by the time you see mold growing on surfaces like walls, ceilings, furniture…the damage has long been done!

Mold goes undetected until it starts showing signs of growth elsewhere within our homes: usually around areas with moisture as well as other organic materials such as dust bunnies. By this point, though it’s far too late because once an area becomes contaminated with mold spores there’s no stopping them from spreading everywhere else they’re allowed to grow.

Mold can grow in many different areas of your home, but the most commonplace for mold to form is anywhere that moisture has been improperly vented. If a flood occurred and wasn’t completely or properly cleaned up after. Leaky plumbing and basement crawlspaces are other likely candidates too! Mold might be hard to get rid of because all it needs to continue growth is organic material such as wood, along with some water- oh no!

One thing we know about molds: they’re everywhere (and especially if you let them). One important way that people often provide an opportunity for these pesky guys is by not venting moist air out from their homes efficiently enough – this causes stagnant water pools

Mold is a difficult thing to get rid of, as it only needs organic material such as wood and moisture. One way that mold can be prevented from growing in your home is by making sure there are no leaks or moist areas where water might collect. Another important consideration would be the complete cleaning and drying processes after any flooding occurs in order for a house not to become infested with mold again!

If you suspect there’s mold in your home, the first thing to do is get tested for it. There are two types of testing – air quality testing and surface sampling. This is important for all homeowners but especially for homeowners with asthma or allergies.

If you are worried about mold taking over your home or the new house that you’re buying, we are here to help. You can contact us via our contact page, or you can call us (540) 480-0010 so we can help you get ahead of those types of problems with your home before they become larger ones down the road.

Mold Testing & Water Intrusion Evaluations

We provide extensive Mold and Water Intrusion evaluations to help homeowners determine the presence of mold and conditions that are conducive to fungal growth. Our Certified Indoor Air Consultant utilizes a multi-step system to examine the visible and accessible portions of your home. Additionally, we will take air and surface samples of suspected areas to be tested by a 3rd party lab. Our inspection and lab results will be used to generate a high-quality report to help assess your homes condition and provide recommendations to reduce conditions that promote future mold growth. 

The Inspection:

Your Certified Inspector will thoroughly examine several components of your home looking for signs of water intrusion or potential water entry points as well as signs of fungal growth in the following areas.

  • EXTERIOR: wall cladding, flashing, windows, foundation walls, grading, vegetation, etc.
  • ROOF: Roofing material/condition, gutters/downspouts, vent stacks, chimneys, other roof protrusions, roof flashings, etc.
  • Attic: Roof framing, decking, protrusions, exhaust points, ventilation, signs of condensation, and water entry.
  • Homes Interior: Plumbing fixtures and pipes, countertops, humidity levels, window sills, signs of moisture staining, thermal imaging, etc.
  • Crawlspace/Basement: Framing, ground moisture/vapor barrier, ventilation, plumbing, signs of condensation and water entry.
  • HVAC System: HVAC Air Handler, ductwork, supply registers, condensate drain and related items.

Sampling Measures:

Your Mold Testing and Water Intrusion Evaluation will include two air samples (one indoor and one outdoor) as well as one surface sample. Additional air and surface samples can be added for an additional $60/Sample.

  • Air Quality Testing: We deploy a specialized calibrated air pump that collects a sample of air by pulling it through a small filter. The filter is then analyzed by a 3rd party lab and provides a written lab result report. 
  • Surface Sampling: We utilize surface swabs and tape testing methods to extract a sample from a surface. These tests will also be analyzed by a lab to verify if the sample is mold or other forms of fungal growth. These results are also provided by a lab report. 

Your Report:

You will receive a written report of your property that contains information and recommendations to improve the conditions found that are conducive to mold growth within 24 hours of completing your inspection.

Typically, we receive lab results back within three to four days of the inspection. Once received, we will update your written report to reflect their analysis and attach their Lab Report to your online customer portal. We will either email and/or call to ensure you are fully updated and answer any additional questions you may have. 

SCHEDULE TODAY!

Schedule your mold and water intrusion inspection with Mountainside Home Inspections, LLC today to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of mold!

For additional resources and information about mold and remediation visit Pure Maintenance of the Blue Ridge website and follow their FaceBook Page!

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One Response

  1. Thanks for the reminder that the HVAC systems in a home should also be thoroughly inspected when it comes to mold testing. I’d like to get that kind of service in my home because I’m planning to turn my attic into a small study. Storing books in there will make it even more important to protect the area from molds.

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