Mold Testing Near Me in Lake Placid, FL

Mold poses a risk to humans and animals and eats away at building materials. Mold testing from a certified mold inspection service is extremely recommended before buying a house in Lake Placid, FL. Retaining a mold inspection while selling your house can also provide clarity and accelerate the closing process.

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is widely acknowledged as the leading home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Safeguard your loved ones and your possessions by coming to us when seeking mold inspection near me.

Why Is This Fungus So Concerning to the Well-Being of Humans and Pets and the Structural Stability of a Residence?

Mold is a variety of fungus that grows in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with abundant moisture. It can appear in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water leaks, and poor airflow. It can grow on various materials, such as walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will typically inspect for evidence of leaks and moisture in a house to find the source of mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for persons who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, and rash. Pets can also be negatively impacted by mold, with common symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of particular concern in Lake Placid, FL and part of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to comprehend the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s understandable if you're concerned for the well-being of yourself or your loved ones and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they are able to evaluate an individual for contact with mold? We are not able to offer that as a portion of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically present an outsized risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and feed on cellulose-based materials and destroy in a relatively short period. Some cellulose or plant-based components used and stored inside of houses are:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended when purchasing a house or if you currently reside inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The risk is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and causing more damage to a home as time goes on. A trained mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores not otherwise detectable. An adequate mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the information required to make better decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and eradicate it completely.

Some people inquire if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your doctor through skin and blood tests. If you suspect or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

You’ll Find a Lot of Value From the Knowledge and All-Encompassing Nature of Our Mold Inspectors

Turn to us when searching for mold inspection near me in Lake Placid, FL for a trustworthy mold inspection and peace of mind. Our mold inspectors are trained in the latest technology and have detailed knowledge of home construction to examine the air and surfaces for the presence of mold. Our mold testing will give you deeper insights into the present state of your home regarding mold infestation and the next steps you can take to remediate the problem. Our process includes:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ acquires information about the home, any noted mold issues, and your worries during the initial consultation to create a plan for mold testing.
  • Visual Inspection: The inspector will undertake a visual inspection of the property, evaluating for any detectable signs of mold growth. They will check areas of the property that are known to be vulnerable to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Moisture detection: Evaluating moisture content in areas around the property is critical in detecting potential sources of mold growth. Moisture sensors and other tools are used to assess the moisture levels of building materials and identify areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Thermal-imaging tools may be used to identify areas where mold growth may be occurring.
  • Air Sampling: Mold testing may demand air samples to be gathered from several areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be submitted to a lab for analysis to determine the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not immediately apparent, the inspector may collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This involves swiping or tape-lifting portions of surfaces, which are then submitted to a lab for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Findings are documented, including things visually seen, measurements, sampling sites, and lab findings. A thorough report is created, summarizing the inspection details, mold types identified, and suggested steps for restoration, if necessary.
  • 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 intrusions, improve air circulation, and avoid future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up evaluation may be carried out to confirm that the restoration efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been correctly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention methods, including adequate air circulation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Facilitate a Smooth Mold Inspection Prior to When My Inspector Arrives?

You don't need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can easily access parts of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the house during the course of the testing time to ensure that the outcomes of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of activities we advise you not to do are:

  • Do not clean or disturb any spaces of the property where you suspect mold growth.
  • Do not operate any air purifiers or air filters during the testing period, as these may affect the data of the test.
  • If you're able, avoid cooking, smoking, or using any products that release chemicals into the air for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This measure helps ensure that the test data is not influenced by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also advised you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the test. This step guarantees that the air within the house stays motionless and accurately reflects the usual indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and testing.

Buy, Sell, or Move Into a Home With More Confidence by Booking Services From an Experienced Mold Inspector Now

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a home and degrade many construction materials and personal belongings. The fungus also presents a potential health danger to at-risk people and animals. When searching for mold inspection near me in Lake Placid, FL, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise findings and a well-defined path forward for remediation. Protect your assets and inhabitants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.