Mold Assessment and Testing
Be confident the air you breathe is healthy. Our inspectors can
perform affordable air quality and mold testing with quick results.
Some mold problems are obvious — you can see it. If you can see
mold, or if there is a musty odor in your home, you probably have a
mold problem. Others are not so obvious. Mold growth may be found
underneath wallpaper, baseboards, behind walls, and maybe
evidenced by discolored plaster or drywall. If you don’t have any
observable mold but are experiencing health-related symptoms, mold
could be growing in areas you can’t see, such as in heating ducts. In
this case, the best way to determine if you have mold spores is to have mold testing performed. Testing is the only way to determine if you have a mold problem and what type it is.
To ensure your family’s safety and a healthy living environment, Great Lakes Home Inspection offers mold assessment and testing to our clients. If there is visible mold, our inspectors can conduct a tape or swab sample or an air test to identify what molds are present.
Mold requires three things: moisture, a conducive surface, and air. We have little control over the air and surfaces in a house, but we can control moisture. Mold is naturally occurring in the environment and there are mold spores all around us. Mold is one of nature’s most effective recycling tools. It breaks down organic material like dead trees, food waste, etc. That is why it can be so destructive in your house. In addition, some people are allergic to various types of mold.
When should a mold test be performed?
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When you can actually see mold-like growth or staining
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When you smell odors that cannot be explained
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When there are prolonged leaks from plumbing
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Past moisture damage or flooding that was disclosed by the seller
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When someone who will be living in the home has allergies or other health-related issues
If a physical mold-like substance is observable, testing is only recommended to determine the type of mold. However, if present, the mold-damaged material needs to be remediated – either cleaned or replaced depending on the material in question.
Air samples are used when odors are present or simply to determine the concentration of mold spores in the air. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
Complete mold assessment and testing – Call for Pricing
A complete mold assessment involves far more than simply taking samples. Our inspector will assess the entire property and search for areas that may be contributing to potential mold growth. The physical assessment is a critical step in determining if the property has a mold problem.
This complete mold assessment includes 3 samples (tape, swab, or air), and if additional samples are needed those will be at an additional cost for each sample taken. Additional samples may be recommended in larger homes and properties.
Stand Alone Air quality testing – Call for Pricing
Air quality testing can be performed upon request when no assessment of the property is needed. Air quality testing is often used for clearance testing or PRV (post-remediation verification). The stand-alone air quality testing includes the first two air samples. If additional samples are needed those will be at an additional cost for each sample taken.
Air quality testing with Home Inspection – Call for Pricing
Air quality testing can be performed upon request with the home inspection at a reduced rate. The air quality testing includes the first two air samples in the price. If additional samples are needed those will be at an additional cost for each sample taken.
