Mold takes time to develop without being seen, and most homeowners don’t notice mold growth until it’s too late. As a vigilant property owner, you must understand the importance of regular mold checks and on-site inspections. Mold Inspection and Testing are usually done once a year, but we recommend checking for mold at least twice a year, especially if you live in a different climate.
This article provides some pointers on the importance of Mold Inspection and Testing.
Mold Growth Inspection
When you check for mold, you can always check for water damage further, as water damage is the number one cause of mold growth. The following are the most common signs of fungal growth:
- You’re Sick, and You’ll Never Get Better: Even if you’re exposed to mold spores daily, continued exposure, especially indoors, can cause serious health problems. An allergic reaction to mold can include a stuffy nose, a persistent cough, and watery eyes.
- Blister Walls: Mold growth can cause blisters on painted walls. The areas most likely to blister are areas with more moisture. If mold is suspected, check the bathroom or basement walls and areas near windows.
- Mold Smell: This strange and unpleasant odor is a full spread of mold growth. Strong odor, extreme is the development of mold. Always be on the lookout for moldy and musty odors, especially around damp areas of the house.
- Rust: Rust is another sign indicating excessive humidity in your home. What are other consequences of excessive indoor humidity? Yes, you guessed it; it creates ideal conditions for mold growth.
Property owners must be aware that they may not notice the presence of signs of mold in the early stages of mold growth. The contamination begins when mold spores enter the building and grow in hotter, humid areas. As soon as you see signs of a potential problem, contact the regulatory agency to determine if the exposure has caused a health problem or if urgent action is needed as a precaution.
Mold Testing
The following are some of the standard mold testing techniques used by most Water Mitigation Companies as part of the recovery process.
- Rapid Sampling with General Mold Test: This test is based on a multiple chamber inspection and should be performed to identify potential problems. General Mold Inspection and Testing also provide information about indoor air quality that may require particular action by the affected homeowner. This process will not produce tangible results; However, the results provide a deeper understanding of whether additional testing should be performed depending on the objectives of your investigation.
- Dry Air Sampling: Dry air sampling is another Mold Inspection and Testing technique that can provide important information about pollution in general and lead to better removal solutions. It consists of sampling, including test devices, protective equipment and environmental settings according to the specifications of the test center. Also, test results in specific areas can provide a deep awareness of indoor air pollution.
- HVAC testing: Heat Ventilation Analysis or HVA testing are standard mold tests that can be performed and provide additional information about indoor air pollution. HVA was carried out to identify the location of building damage, thus facilitating remediation work at various stages of fungal growth. This includes collecting detailed data on indoor humidity, industrial ventilation systems, ducts, pedestrian areas, and other essential factors.
- Fogger Test: This test can tell you how much moisture is in the area your consultant has checked to see if this is due to mold or some other source. The fogging test consists of placing an empty container on the room’s surface to be tested and using a special vacuum to detect mold spores. Even if you’re vigilant, you can’t always prevent mold from forming, and when the unthinkable happens, you should seek the help of a Mold Inspection and Testing specialist; however, if you have neglected the severity of your fungal attack or failed to have your fungus checked regularly more severe problems might lie ahead.
Conclusion
Mold growth can create situations where you may need to clean up damaged and unrepairable items in your home, and this is where you need the help of a Water Mitigation Company. Inspection and testing of molds is an essential step in the recovery process. Without a proper mold check, you can face a big problem, and you need a professional team to help you solve this problem. A Mold Inspection and Testing are done to determine the extent of the damage caused by the mold and what type of repair is needed to remove it from your home.