Mold Testing Near Me in Godfrey, Illinois

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is nationally esteemed as the leading home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate agents. Protect your loved ones and your investment by choosing us when searching for mold inspection near me.

How Toxic Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm and damp environments, and is commonly found inside houses with excess moisture. It can manifest in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in areas that have high humidity, water leaks, or poor ventilation. It can be present on cellulose-based materials, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will usually inspect for evidence of leaks and moisture in a home to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are harmless, others can cause medical problems, especially for persons who are vulnerable. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may suffer symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, chest pain, and rash. Animals may also be negatively impacted by the fungus, with common symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of particular concern in Godfrey, Illinois 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 ok if you're concerned about the safety 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're able to test a person for mold exposure? We cannot 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 dermal, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not always pose an outsized risk to the health 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 ruin in a relatively short period. Examples of cellulose-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 variety present and expose the source of humidity contributing to an outbreak inside of the home you own or the one you’re considering purchasing. A common question posed to mold inspectors at Pillar To Post™ is if we are able to test a human or pet for mold poisoning. This cannot be determined by our mold inspection service but can be performed by your doctor with blood and skin analysis. A skilled mold inspection will offer you more leverage in your home-selling negotiations or give you more knowledge into the quality of your investment and the security of occupants when buying a home.

How Is an Expert Mold Inspection Performed?

A vetted mold inspection service is your optimal resource to identify the extent of mold infestation and devise a remediation plan moving forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the finest technology and techniques in the industry for added confidence. The manner in which your mold inspector carries out testing may differ with each home, but will generally involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ accumulates data about the property, any established mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to create a plan for mold testing.
• Visual Inspection: The next step of our mold inspection service involves a detailed visual assessment of the property, both inside and out, searching for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related concerns. We inspect areas prone to mold growth, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or HVAC systems.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector might use moisture detection equipment, such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to identify areas of the home that have abnormal levels of moisture to help recognize areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may involve air samples to be extracted from different areas of the home using specific equipment. The air samples will be forwarded to a lab for assessment to confirm the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not seen, the inspector could recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires swiping or tape-lifting areas of surfaces, which is also forwarded to a lab for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including things visually observed, measurements, sampling points, and analysis findings. A detailed report is created, outlining the inspection information, mold types identified, and proposed remedies for restoration, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection results, the inspector gives suggestions to resolve the mold problem and prevent further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may carry out a follow-up inspection to ensure that the mold issue has been successfully addressed. Validation testing may be carried out to confirm that the indoor environment meets acceptable mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention measures, including appropriate airflow, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

How Can I Assist in a Smooth Mold Inspection On the Day My Inspector Arrives?

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection aside from guaranteeing that your inspector can easily reach parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the home during the course of the testing period to guarantee that the outcomes of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

Some activities we suggest you not to do are:

• Do not clean or disturb any areas of the property where you suspect mold colonization.
• Do not utilize any air purifiers or air filters during the testing date, as these may throw off the results of the test.
• If you're able, avoid cooking, smoking, or using any products that release chemicals into the air for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the inspection. This step ensures that the inspection results are not affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the inspection. This measure guarantees that the air inside the home stays motionless and accurately represents the standard indoor air quality. By complying with these recommendations, you will boost the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Get in Touch With Us By Phone or Book Mold Inspection Services Online

Mold is a rapidly growing fungus that consumes many construction materials and personal belongings. Allowing mold colonization to get out of hand can result in substantial damages that may necessitate a lot of effort and financial resources to repair. Mold also represents a possible concern to at-risk individuals and pets. A thorough mold inspection is the most reliable tool for identifying the root cause of the problem and developing a plan for remediation. If you're seeking a mold inspection near me in Godfrey, Illinois, Pillar To Post™ is the most dependable due to our advanced technology and vast experience. Schedule a date for our mold inspection services today to obtain the information necessary for informed decision-making and safeguarding your investment and loved ones.