A Comprehensive Mold Evaluation When Purchasing or Selling a Home in Larkspur, Colorado Will Prove Invaluable Peace of Mind

If you’re looking for the most trusted mold inspection near me in Larkspur, Colorado, Pillar To Post™ is a pioneer in the home inspection industry with cutting-edge technology and experienced experts at our disposal. Mold is a potentially dangerous fungus that can cause health concerns in certain persons and pets and wreak havoc on your home’s structural integrity.

Mold testing is beneficial for current homeowners and potential buyers and sellers seeking to preserve their investment and their loved ones. Take advantage of the premier mold inspection service in the area and achieve confidence knowing the things most important in life are protected by arranging a mold inspection with Pillar To Post™.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a kind of fungus that grows in warm and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with excess moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, or poor ventilation. It can be present on various materials, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will usually inspect for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to identify the source of mold growth.

While some kinds of mold are benign, others can cause medical problems, especially for persons who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Pets may also be affected by the fungus, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of specific concern in Larkspur, Colorado and part of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s ok if you worry about the safety of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they're able to assess a person for mold exposure? We are not able to offer that as a part of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not always pose a significant risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly detrimental for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and feed on plant-based materials and deteriorate in a relatively short period. Common cellulose-based components found inside of buildings are:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended before you acquire a home or if you presently reside inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and resulting in more damage to a home as time goes on. A skilled mold inspector has the proper knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores not otherwise detectable. A sufficient mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the information needed to make informed decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and eliminate it altogether.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for contact with the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your healthcare provider through skin and blood screening. If you believe or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

A trustworthy mold inspection service is your ideal resource to identify the severity of mold infestation and develop a remediation plan moving forward. Mold testing by Pillar To Post™ comes with the advantage of the top technology and techniques in the industry for added peace of mind. Some aspects in how your mold inspector conducts testing may change from house to house, but will typically involve the following:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality problems. Mildewy smells or health effects experienced by occupants will also be assessed.
  • Visual Inspection: The inspector will perform a visual inspection of the property, assessing for any observable signs of mold growth. They will inspect areas of the home that are known to be vulnerable to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Moisture detection: Specialized devices like moisture meters, thermal cameras, or hygrometers may be utilized to identify hidden moisture within building materials, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, that could promote the spread of mold.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling will be conducted to analyze indoor air quality and determine the amount of spores in the environment. Air filters and collection equipment are utilized to collect air samples from diverse areas of the property. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for assessment.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not visible, your mold inspector could collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This requires swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: An in-depth report will be furnished to clients after the mold inspection is complete, including any areas of the home where mold was identified, the variety of mold present, and suggestions for mitigation.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is found, the inspector may supply suggestions for mold restoration, which may involve hiring an expert mold remediation company. They may suggest measures to mitigate moisture problems, improve air circulation, and halt future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After remediation efforts, the inspector may execute a secondary examination to ensure that the mold issue has been effectively addressed. Verification testing may be executed to assure you that the indoor space meets acceptable mold spore levels and is safe for occupants.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention methods, including proper air circulation, moisture control, and care procedures.

How Can I Assist in an Efficient Mold Inspection Before the Inspector Arrives?

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection aside from ensuring that your inspector can effortlessly access parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to plan for pets to be outside of the home during the testing time to make sure that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

A few things we implore you do not do are:

  • Do not clean or disturb any areas inside the home where you suspect mold colonization.
  • Do not operate any air purifiers or air filtration devices during the testing time, as these can affect the results of the test.
  • If you're able, refrain from cooking, smoking, or utilizing any products that release chemicals into the air for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. This precaution ensures that the inspection results are not affected by foreign airborne contaminants.

It is also advised to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the inspection. This measure guarantees that the environment inside the home remains motionless and accurately represents the usual indoor air quality. By complying with these recommendations, you will boost the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Arrange a Mold Inspection Today

Mold is a quickly spreading fungus that feeds on numerous construction materials and personal belongings. permitting mold growth to escalate can cause substantial damages that will require a lot of effort and financial resources to repair. The fungus also represents a possible health hazard to at-risk individuals and pets. A professional mold inspection is your best resource for identifying the underlying cause of the problem and formulating a strategy for cleanup. If you're searching for a mold inspection near me in Larkspur, Colorado, Pillar To Post™ stands out for our advanced technology and vast expertise. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to acquire the information required for making better decisions and safeguarding your assets and loved ones.