Mold, also known as mildew, is an aerobic fungus which grows on damp, wet conditions. Mold is an essential component of our ecosystem and plays a vital role in our daily natural environment by breaking-down dead organic matter including fallen trees and leaves; mold is also responsible for decomposing organic material during periods of rain. If mold invades your home, it can destroy carpets, drywall, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, ceiling panels, and many other items. Mildew is the most common type of mold found in residential homes. It is less likely to spread than black mold, which is black mold, but it can still cause health problems in those who are exposed to it.
Your mold inspection should start at the air conditioning unit. Mold grows best when the air conditioning system is not functioning properly or is leaking. There are several common causes for air conditioning units to function improperly or to develop leaks. If the air conditioner seems to be working much harder than normal, or the coolers are constantly getting hot, there may be a problem with the cooling units and should be inspected immediately.
A mold inspection requires sample collection from a large area, usually between the floor and ceiling in the main living areas of your home. Sampling can be done by using a special mold testing kit that contains special mold detection reagent and mold spores. When choosing mold remediation professionals, make sure they perform the mold testing as well. Professional mold inspectors and mold testing labs usually provide samples in a kit so you can collect the samples yourself.
After the mold inspection, another step is the mold assessment. The mold assessment provides a written description of the mold problem based on the sample collected. If mold is found, this information is documented in writing and a mold remediation contractor is contacted to assist in cleaning up the problem. In many cases mold removal and cleanup costs are removed from the final mold inspection cost when the mold issue is resolved. This cost is often included in the homeowners insurance policy.
The mold inspection report is the final report from the mold assessment. It is generally a very detailed report listing all aspects of the mold growth, including a description of the mold growing conditions, a description of the remediation process, and photographs of the mold growth. You will also receive recommendations for specific mold remediation steps. It is important to follow up with mold specialists to address any issues that were not addressed during the mold inspection.
Once the mold inspection has been completed, the next step is to obtain a mold remediator. When choosing a mold remediator, it is important to find one that is certified by the mold inspection team. A mold inspector does not have the expertise to correctly identify mold and determine its severity. Having a mold remediation professional on hand will ensure that your project is handled properly and that your insurance company will pay for the mold remediation work. The professional mold remediation company will contact a mold specialist upon receipt of the report to assess the extent of the damage. They will discuss the best course of action to address the mold problem.
Mold experts use two types of mold inspection techniques – visual inspection and moisture mapping. Visual inspection relies on the ability to visually see the mold growth on an x-ray screen. Moisture mapping requires using special air sampling equipment to detect moisture and detect mold spores. The two techniques often work together successfully but are not 100% accurate.
In conclusion, a mold inspection is essential to identifying mold growth in your home. It is important to hire a mold inspection professional with extensive experience and knowledge. These mold inspectors are specialized and trained to detect mold problem. When you contract with a mold inspection professional, they will conduct a thorough mold inspection and provide mold testing and mold remediation recommendations. Their goal is to resolve the mold problem and prevent potential future mold problems.