The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Ashland, MA

Mold presents a risk to individuals and pets and eats away at building materials. Mold testing from a verified mold inspection service is strongly recommended before buying a home in Ashland, MA. Retaining a mold inspection before selling your home can also provide clarity and accelerate the closing process.

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely acknowledged as the leading home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate agents. Safeguard your loved ones and your investment by coming to us when seeking mold inspection near me.

Should I Be Scared About Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with excess moisture. It can present in a range 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 organic-based surfaces, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will typically inspect for signs of leaks and moisture in a home to identify the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are harmless, others can cause health issues, especially for persons who are immuno-compromised. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, chest pain, and skin irritation. Animals are sometimes negatively impacted by the fungus, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of specific concern in Ashland, MA and part of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to comprehend the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s understandable if you worry for the well-being 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 they are able to assess a person for mold exposure? We are not able to provide that as a part of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed 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 detrimental for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and break down plant-based materials and deteriorate in a relatively short period. Some cellulose or plant-based materials found inside of homes are:

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

Expert mold testing is helpful for homeowners, prospective purchasers, and sellers because of the insights it generates about the risk mold poses to the soundness of a home. A mold inspector with Pillar To Post™ can verify the presence of mold, establish the type, and provide guidance for its extraction. For present homeowners or prospective buyers and sellers, professional mold inspection will help to ensure a safe and healthy living environment and can minimize further costly remediation efforts in the future. Mold testing is strongly advised as an essential resource in preserving a safe and healthy living environment.

What Should I Expect When I Receive a Mold Inspection?

A dependable mold inspection service is your optimal resource to assess the extent of mold infestation and devise a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing from Pillar To Post™ comes with the advantage of the top technology and methods in the business for added confidence. The manner in which your mold inspector carries out testing may vary from house to house, but will typically involve the following:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any perceptible mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality doubts. Mildewy smells or health effects presented by occupants will also be assessed.
  • Visual Inspection: The inspector will undertake a visual inspection of the property, inspecting for any detectable signs of mold infestation. They will investigate areas of the property that are known to be susceptible to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Moisture detection: Knowing moisture content in areas around the property is vital in detecting likely sources of mold spread. Hygrometers and other specialized equipment are used to evaluate the moisture content inside building materials and locate areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Infrared tools may be used to identify areas where mold infestation may be happening.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling will be conducted to examine indoor air quality and determine the presence of spores in the air. Air pumps and collection devices are utilized to acquire air samples from various areas of the home. The samples will be transferred to a laboratory for assessment.
  • Surface Sampling: The inspector may also obtain surface samples from portions of the property where the fungus is presumed. These samples will be transferred to a laboratory for assessment to determine the type of mold present.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Findings are captured, including things visually seen, measurements, sampling points, and test outcomes. A detailed report is prepared, recapping the inspection data, mold varieties identified, and proposed remedies for remediation, if necessary.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may offer guidance for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a professional mold remediation company. They may suggest steps to reduce moisture intrusions, improve airflow, and avoid future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A subsequent inspection may be executed to assure you that the remediation efforts were successful and that the mold issue has been adequately addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold prevention methods, including proper airflow, moisture control, and care procedures.

What Do I Have To Do To Prepare for the Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do a lot in preparation for a mold inspection apart from making sure that your inspector can effortlessly access areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also advised to arrange for pets to be outside of the home during the course of the inspection period to guarantee that the results of the inspection are not influenced by pet dander or other allergens.

A few things you should refrain from doing for the reliability of mold testing include:

  • Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any spaces of the property where you observe mold growth to be present.
  • Abstain from using air purifiers or air filtration appliances when the inspection is being performed, as these can lower the accuracy of the results.
  • If feasible, refrain from engaging in activities like cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing products in the air for at least 24 hours before the inspection. This measure will assist in preventing the inspection results from being affected by other airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended to keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours before the inspection. This step guarantees that the air within the home remains motionless and correctly reflects the typical indoor air quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you will improve the precision of your mold inspection service and examination.

Call or Book Mold Inspection Services On The Web

Mold can take hold quickly within a home and consume numerous building materials and household possessions. The fungus additionally poses a possible health hazard to at-risk people and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Ashland, MA, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise results 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 now.