A Dependable Mold Inspection Before Considering Acquiring or Listing a Residence in Secor, Illinois Will Provide Extra Confidence

Mold poses a danger to humans and animals and consumes building components and possessions. Mold testing from a vetted mold inspection service is highly recommended before buying a home in Secor, Illinois. Obtaining a mold inspection before selling your home can also provide openness and hasten the closing process.

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

How Dangerous Is Mold?

The spores of mold are ever-present in the air, only becoming noticeable when conditions are acceptable to it, and the fungus finds an ideal surface to colonize. The fungus typically prefers dark and humid locations. Among other things, your expert mold inspector will detect the source of the moisture – whether it’s from recent flooding or leaks – to help you develop a course of action for remediation. Mold can be nearly any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is typically associated with a particularly dangerous species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to trigger dangerous health effects in certain individuals and animals.

Although mold is not harmful for the majority of people, it does cause serious aesthetic issues and a musty odor. Even worse, the fungus consumes the surfaces that it colonizes, damaging materials and weakening the structural integrity of a building over time. It feeds on cellulose-based items that are common in just about every home, including:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable when buying a home or if you currently dwell inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can spread fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home over time. A professional mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to assess surfaces and air for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the information they need to make smart decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and remove it altogether.

Some people ask if a mold inspection service can test people for exposure to the fungus, but this is outside the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your healthcare provider through skin and blood screening. If you suspect or know that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, talk to your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Happens During a Mold Assessment?

Choose us when searching for mold inspection near me in Secor, Illinois for a trustworthy mold inspection and peace of mind. Our mold inspectors utilize the most advanced tools and have detailed knowledge of home construction to evaluate the air and surfaces for the presence of mold. Our mold testing will give you deeper insights into the current 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™ collects information about the property, any known mold issues, and your apprehensions during the initial consultation to develop a plan for mold testing.
  • Visual Inspection: Your inspector will carry out a visual inspection of the property, inspecting for any visible signs of mold growth. They will check areas of the home that are known to be inclined to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Moisture detection: Knowing moisture levels is critical in uncovering potential sources of mold spread. Hygrometers and other specialized equipment are used to measure the moisture content inside building materials and detect areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Infrared tools may be used to pinpoint areas where mold growth may be happening.
  • Air Sampling: Mold testing may necessitate air samples to be gathered from different areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be dispatched to a lab for evaluation to ascertain the type and concentration of mold spores detected in the air.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold growth is suspected 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 dispatched to a lab for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Your mold inspector compiles a thorough report recapping their results. The report typically includes details on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if confirmed), and suggestions for cleanup or further actions.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is detected, the inspector may provide recommendations for mold restoration, which may involve hiring an expert mold remediation company. They may suggest measures to minimize moisture problems, improve air circulation, and halt future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After mitigation efforts, the inspector may execute a subsequent assessment to ensure that the mold issue has been effectively addressed. Final testing may be conducted to confirm that the indoor space meets tolerable mold spore levels and is protected for occupants.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector informs the client about mold prevention methods, including adequate air circulation, moisture control, and care procedures.

Is There Anything I Need To Know To Prepare for a Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection apart from making sure that your inspector can easily access areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to plan for pets to be outside of the home during the inspection period to guarantee that the outcomes of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

A few things we recommend you not to do are:

  • Do not clean or disrupt any regions within the home where you suspect mold growth.
  • Do not operate any air purifiers or air filtration units during the testing date, as these can affect the results of the test.
  • If possible, refrain from cooking, smoking, or utilizing any products that release chemicals into the air for at least 24 hours before the test. This measure ensures that the test data is not influenced by additional airborne contaminants.

It is additionally advised to keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours before the test. This precaution ensures that the air inside the home remains still and accurately represents the usual indoor air quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you will enhance the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Call or Make Arrangements For Mold Inspection Services Online

Mold can establish itself quickly within a residence and consume many construction materials and household possessions. The fungus additionally presents a possible health risk to vulnerable people and animals. When searching for mold inspection near me in Secor, Illinois, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate findings and a clear path forward for remediation. Safeguard your assets and inhabitants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.