Mold Testing Near Me in East Saint Louis, IL

Mold poses a hazard to people and pets and damages building components and possessions. Mold testing from a certified mold inspection service is highly advised before buying a home in East Saint Louis, IL. Obtaining a mold inspection while selling your home can also provide openness and hasten the closing process.

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is widely recognized as the premier home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate agents. Safeguard your loved ones and your possessions by contacting us when seeking mold inspection near me.

Should I Be Worried About Mold?

Mold is a variety of fungus that grows in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with abundant moisture. It can present in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water leaks, and poor ventilation. It can grow on organic-based materials, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will typically inspect for signs of leaks and water in a home to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While many types of mold are harmless, others have been known to cause health issues, especially for people who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and rash. Pets can also be negatively impacted by the fungus, with common symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of particular concern in East Saint Louis, IL and part of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to grasp the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s understandable if you worry for the safety of yourself or your loved ones and ask questions relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it’s possible to assess an individual for mold exposure? We are not able to provide that as a portion of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically pose an outsized risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and devour plant-based materials and deteriorate them over time. Examples of cellulose or plant-based components found inside of houses are:

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

Mold testing can detect the species and expose the source of dampness contributing to an outbreak inside of the home you own or the one you’re thinking about purchasing. A common question posed to mold inspectors at Pillar To Post™ is if it’s possible to test a person for mold exposure. Unfortunately, this cannot be determined by our mold inspection service but can be performed by a healthcare provider with blood and skin analysis. A proficient mold inspection will offer you more advantage in your home-selling negotiations or provide you more insight into the quality of your investment and the security of occupants when purchasing a home.

How Is an Expert Mold Inspection Carried Out?

Pick us when looking for mold inspection near me in East Saint Louis, IL for a comprehensive mold inspection and assurance. Our mold inspectors utilize the most advanced tools and have detailed knowledge of home construction to assess the air and surfaces for mold spores. Our mold testing will deliver better insights into the present state of your home regarding mold infestation and the next steps you can take to address the problem. Our process includes:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ obtains information about the home, any recognized mold issues, and your worries during the initial consultation to develop a plan for mold testing.
  • Visual Inspection: The next task of our mold inspection service includes a meticulous visual assessment of the home, both inside and out, seeking for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related issues. We investigate areas inclined to mold infestation, such as basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and spaces with plumbing or HVAC systems.
  • Moisture detection: Measuring moisture levels is crucial in discovering potential sources of mold growth. Humidity sensors and other tools are used to assess the moisture content of building materials and pinpoint areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Infrared devices may be used to pinpoint areas where mold colonization may be happening.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling will be carried out to evaluate indoor air quality and identify the presence of floating mold spores. Air filters and collection equipment are employed to gather air samples from various areas of the property. The samples are then transferred to a lab for evaluation.
  • Surface Sampling: The inspector may also make surface samples from areas of the property where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be transferred to a lab for evaluation to identify the type of mold existing.
  • Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector prepares a comprehensive report recapping their discoveries. The report typically includes facts on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if confirmed), and suggestions for cleanup or further actions.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector provides guidance to tackle the mold issues and stop further growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A subsequent assessment may be carried out to verify that the restoration efforts were successful and that the mold issue has been correctly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold precaution measures, including proper air circulation, humidity management, and care procedures.

How Can I Facilitate an Efficient Mold Inspection On the Day the Inspector Arrives?

You do not need to do a lot in preparation for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can easily reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to make arrangements for pets to be outside of the home throughout the inspection time to guarantee that the outcomes of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

Examples of activities you should avoid doing to ensure the reliability of mold testing include:

  • Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any areas inside the property where you suspect mold growth to be present.
  • Do not use air pumps or air filtration devices while the inspection is being performed, as these can impact the accuracy of the results.
  • If possible, abstain from participating in activities such as cooking, smoking, or using chemical-releasing products in the air for a minimum of 24 hours before the inspection. This measure will help in preventing the inspection results from being affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours before the inspection. This precaution ensures that the air within the home remains motionless and correctly represents the standard indoor air quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you will boost the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Call or Book Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold can take hold rapidly within a home and degrade numerous construction materials and household possessions. The fungus also poses a potential health hazard to vulnerable individuals and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in East Saint Louis, IL, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate findings and a well-defined course forward for cleanup. Protect your assets and inhabitants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.