The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Altona, Illinois

Mold testing is beneficial for current homeowners and prospective buyers and sellers desiring to protect their investment and their family members. Take advantage of the top mold inspection service in your area and achieve peace of mind knowing the things most important in life are protected by scheduling a mold inspection from Pillar To Post™.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a kind of fungus that grows in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with higher levels of moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water damage, and poor ventilation. It can be present on cellulose-based items, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even furniture. A mold inspector will typically inspect for evidence of leaks and water in a home to identify the source of mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are innocuous, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for people who are vulnerable. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Pets are sometimes affected by the fungus, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of specific concern in Altona, Illinois and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s ok if you're concerned about the health of yourself or your family and ask questions relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if they are able to assess an individual for mold exposure? We cannot offer that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not always present a significant risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and break down plant-based materials and ruin them over time. Some cellulose-based materials used and stored inside of buildings include:

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

Mold testing is strongly recommended before you purchase a home or if you currently live inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and triggering extensive damage to a home over time. A trained mold inspector has the extensive knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores not otherwise detectable. A satisfactory mold inspection service will offer prospective homebuyers with the insights needed to make informed decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and eradicate it completely.

Some people ask if a mold inspection service can test people for contact with the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be conducted by your doctor through dermal and blood tests. If you think or know that you or your family has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing is needed.

How Is a Competent Mold Inspection Carried Out?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a comprehensive evaluation 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 vary depending on the property size, but generally includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector acquires information from the current homeowner regarding any observable mold growth, water leaks, or indoor air quality issues. Mildewy odors or health effects experienced by individuals will also be examined.
• Visual Inspection: A detailed visual assessment of the property is conducted, including throughout both the interior and exterior areas. The mold inspector scans for noticeable signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture issues using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to spot areas of potential moisture intrusion.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector could use moisture detection tools, like a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to identify areas of the home that have high levels of moisture to help detect areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling is often performed to evaluate indoor air quality and establish the presence of airborne mold spores. Air filters and collection devices are utilized to capture air samples from diverse areas of the home. The samples are then submitted to a lab for analysis.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also obtain surface samples from areas of the home where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be submitted to a lab for analysis to establish the type of mold detected.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector compiles a comprehensive report recapping their findings. The report typically includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if recognized), and recommendations for cleanup or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector supplies recommendations to resolve the mold issues and prevent further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may conduct a post-remediation evaluation to ensure that the mold issue has been successfully addressed. Validation testing may be executed to assure you that the indoor environment meets permissible mold spore levels and is healthy for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold precaution methods, including appropriate ventilation, moisture control, and care procedures.

Is There Any Actions I Can Take To Help My Mold Inspector Perform His Job and Obtain Accurate Test Results?

You can implement a few simple steps to support your mold inspector in performing a comprehensive and complete home inspection. Actions to avoid include cooking, smoking, cleaning with chemicals, or using air purifiers to prevent interfering with air measurements that your mold inspector will obtain.

You should guarantee unobstructed access to spaces that your mold inspector is going to need to access by clearing obstacles and obstructions that might hinder the inspection. Moreover, provide relevant details about any past water damage or plumbing problems in the house. It's also beneficial to record areas of concern with photographs or notes to support in prospective cleanup measures.

Communicate with your local Pillar To Post™ before your mold inspection service appointment to receive further details on how to assist in a precise inspection.

Make Plans For a Mold Inspection Now

Mold can take hold quickly within a residence and consume many building materials and household belongings. The fungus additionally poses a potential health risk to vulnerable individuals and animals. When looking for mold inspection near me in Altona, Illinois, opt for Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a well-defined course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your assets and occupants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.