A Comprehensive Mold Evaluation Before Considering Purchasing or Listing a Home in Osceola, AR Will Provide Enhanced Peace of Mind

Mold presents a hazard to humans and pets and devours building components and possessions. Mold testing from a professional mold inspection service is strongly recommended when buying a home in Osceola, AR. Obtaining a mold inspection when selling a home can also provide clarity and hasten the closing process.

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is nationally acknowledged as the premier home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate agents. Protect your loved ones and your investment by coming to us when seeking mold inspection near me.

Is Receiving a Professional Mold Evaluation Worth the Price?

The spores of mold are everywhere in the air, only becoming noticeable when conditions are right, and the fungus finds an ideal surface to colonize. The fungus typically selects shadowy and humid environments. Among other things, your expert mold inspector will pinpoint the source of the moisture – whether it’s from recently occurring flooding or leaks – to help you develop a course of action for remediation. Mold can be almost any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is famously associated with a particularly toxic species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to cause dangerous reactions in some individuals and pets.

Although this fungus is not dangerous for the majority of people, it does lead to serious aesthetic issues and a musty odor. Even more concerning, the fungus eats the surfaces that it colonizes, damaging materials and weakening the structural stability of a house over time. It feeds on cellulose-based items that are frequent in almost every home, including:

  • Drywall
  • Wood
  • Carpet
  • Insulation
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Wallpaper
  • Fabrics
  • Upholstery
  • Some Painted surfaces
  • Paper
  • Cardboard
  • And More

Mold testing can identify the species and uncover the source of moisture contributing to an infestation inside of the home you own or the one you’re planning on buying. A common question posed to mold inspectors with Pillar To Post™ is if it’s possible to test a human or pet for mold exposure. That cannot be tested by our mold inspection service but can be conducted by a healthcare provider with blood and skin screening. A skilled mold inspection will offer you more leverage in your home-selling negotiations or give you more insight into the quality of your investment and the safety of occupants when buying a home.

What Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

A trustworthy mold inspection service typically involves a thorough examination of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the extent of the infestation. The particular procedures for a professional mold inspection may change depending on the house size, but generally includes:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality problems. Earthy smells or health symptoms experienced by individuals will also be checked.
  • Visual Inspection: The following task of our mold inspection service involves a detailed visual assessment of the property, both inside and out, seeking for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related problems. We investigate areas prone to mold growth, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and spaces with plumbing or heating and cooling units.
  • Moisture detection: Specialized equipment like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be employed to detect hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could promote the spread of mold.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling is often conducted to evaluate indoor air quality and confirm the amount of floating mold spores. Air pumps and collection equipment are employed to gather air samples from diverse areas of the property. The samples will be transferred to a lab for analysis.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold growth is suspected but not seen, the inspector could acquire surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This requires wiping or tape-lifting portions of surfaces, which is also transferred to a lab for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Your mold inspector prepares a detailed report recapping their discoveries. The report usually includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, mold varieties present (if detected), and recommendations for cleanup or further actions.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is detected, the inspector may give advice for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a qualified mold remediation company. They may suggest steps to alleviate moisture problems, improve airflow, and prevent future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up evaluation may be performed to verify that the restoration efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution methods, including proper airflow, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Enable a Smooth Mold Inspection Prior to When the Inspector Arrives?

You do not need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection besides making sure that your inspector can effortlessly reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to make arrangements for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the inspection period to guarantee that the outcomes of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of activities you should refrain from doing to ensure the accuracy of mold testing include:

  • Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any rooms within the home where you think mold growth to be growing.
  • Do not use air pumps or air filtration equipment when the inspection is being performed, as these can lower the accuracy of the data.
  • If possible, refrain from participating in activities like cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing products in the air for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This precaution will help in avoiding the test data from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for at least 12 hours prior to the test. This precaution guarantees that the environment within the home stays still and correctly represents the typical indoor air quality. By complying with these guidelines, you will boost the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Call or Schedule Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold is a fast-growing fungus that devours numerous building materials and personal belongings. Allowing mold colonization to get out of hand can result in significant damages that will require considerable financial resources to repair. The fungus also represents a possible concern to at-risk individuals and pets. A competent mold inspection is your best resource for detecting the underlying cause of the issue and developing a plan for cleanup. If you're searching for a mold inspection near me in Osceola, AR, Pillar To Post™ stands out due to our advanced technology and extensive expertise. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to obtain the information necessary for making better decisions and safeguarding your assets and loved ones.