Mold Testing Near Me in Silvis, IL

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is widely recognized as the leading home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, soon-to-be homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Defend your family and your investment by calling us when searching for mold inspection near me.

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

Mold is a kind of fungus that grows in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with abundant moisture. It can manifest in a variety of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, and poor airflow. It can be present on various items, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will typically inspect for signs of leaks and moisture in a house to find the source of mold growth.

While most types of mold are harmless, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for persons who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Pets are sometimes affected by the fungus, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of special concern in Silvis, IL and an important component of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s ok if you worry for the safety of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if it’s possible to evaluate an individual for contact with mold? We are not able to supply that as a part of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not always pose an outsized risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly bad for many common building materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and feed on cellulose-based materials and deteriorate them over time. Examples of cellulose or plant-based materials 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 acquiring a house or if you currently reside inside a house with apparent signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can disseminate fiercely, becoming more expensive to eliminate and causing extensive damage to a home over time. A skilled mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A satisfactory mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the information needed to make smart decisions about their investment and give existing homeowners information into what needs to be done to prevent further spread of the fungus and remove it altogether.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for exposure to the fungus, but this is beyond the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your healthcare provider through skin and blood screening. If you believe or discover that you or your family has been exposed to mold, speak to your doctor about the dangers and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

What Should I Expect When I Receive a Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a comprehensive examination of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the scope of the issue. The specific process for a professional mold inspection may vary depending on the property size, but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector acquires information from the current homeowner regarding any noticeable mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality issues. Earthy smells or health effects presented by occupants will also be checked.
• Visual Inspection: The following task of our mold inspection service includes a complete visual examination of the property, both inside and out, surveying for signs of mold growth, water leaks, and other moisture-related problems. We examine areas vulnerable to mold infestation, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or heating and cooling appliances.
• Moisture detection: Knowing moisture content in areas around the home is important in uncovering potential sources of mold spread. Hygrometers and other tools are used to analyze 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 equipment may be used to pinpoint areas where mold colonization may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be conducted to evaluate indoor air quality and identify the amount of spores in the air. Air filters and collection equipment are used to obtain air samples from diverse areas of the property. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
• Surface Sampling: The inspector may also take surface samples from portions of the home where the fungus is suspected. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for evaluation to identify the type of mold present.
• Documentation and Reporting: An in-depth report will be supplied to clients after the mold inspection is finished, including any areas of the home where mold was discovered, the type of mold present, and guidance for remediation.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is found, the inspector may give guidance for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation company. They will likely suggest steps to minimize moisture problems, improve airflow, and stop future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up assessment may be performed to assure you that the restoration efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold precaution measures, including proper airflow, humidity management, and care procedures.

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

You don't need to do a lot in preparing for a mold inspection aside from ensuring that your inspector can effortlessly reach parts of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to make arrangements for pets to be outside of the house during the inspection time to make sure that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Some things we recommend you not to do are:

• Do not clean or disrupt any spaces within the home where you suspect mold colonization.
• Do not operate any air purifiers or air filtration appliances during the testing period, as these can throw off the data of the test.
• If you're able, refrain from cooking, smoking, or using any chemical-releasing products for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. This precaution helps ensure that the inspection results are not affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is additionally advised you keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the inspection. This step guarantees that the environment within the house stays still and precisely represents the usual indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will improve the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Purchase, Sell, or Inhabit a Residence Confidently by Requesting Services From an Expert Mold Inspector Today

Mold can take hold rapidly within a residence and consume various construction materials and personal possessions. The fungus additionally poses a possible health hazard to at-risk individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near me in Silvis, IL, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a clear course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your assets and inhabitants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.