Find Mold Testing Near Me in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Mold eats many of the parts holding your home up and may trigger health issues for some vulnerable people and pets. If you’re looking for mold inspection near me in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, select Pillar To Post™, the authority in home inspection services. Our mold inspection service uses the newest technology and procedures to locate and identify the magnitude of mold in the home you presently own or are intending to buy.

Your expert mold inspector will provide you with a precise and elaborate report that will give you a way forward for remediation and making knowledgeable decisions about your investment. Gain enhanced insights into the condition of a house and defend its occupants with thorough mold testing from your nearby Pillar To Post™.

Should I Be Scared About Mold?

The spores of mold are widespread in the surrounding environment, only becoming visible when conditions are right, and the fungus finds a suitable surface to colonize. The fungus usually colonizes dark and damp spaces. Among other assistance, your knowledgeable mold inspector will detect the source of the moisture – whether it’s from recently occurring flooding or leaks – to help you develop a course of action for remediation. Mold can be virtually any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is famously associated with a particularly dangerous species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to trigger dangerous health effects in some individuals and pets.

Although mold is not harmful for most people, it does result in serious aesthetic issues and a stale odor. Even worse, the fungus eats the surfaces that it colonizes, compromising materials and degrading the structural stability of a house over time. It eats cellulose materials that are common in almost every house, including:

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

Mold testing can detect the variety present and uncover the source of moisture contributing to a growth inside of your current home or the one you’re thinking about buying. A common request posed to mold inspectors at Pillar To Post™ is if we are able to test a human or pet for mold exposure. That cannot be determined by our mold inspection service but can be conducted by a healthcare provider with blood and skin screening. A skilled mold inspection will offer you more advantage in your home-selling negotiations or offer you more insight into the quality of your investment and the safety of occupants when purchasing a house.

What Methods Are Employed To Perform a Professional Mold Inspection?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a thorough assessment of a property to identify the presence of mold and determine the extent of the issue. The particular procedures for a professional mold inspection may differ depending on the house size, but usually includes:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality concerns. Stale odors or health effects presented by occupants will also be checked.
  • Visual Inspection: The following step of our mold inspection service involves a detailed visual examination of the property, both inside and out, surveying for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related problems. We scrutinize areas vulnerable to mold growth, including basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and rooms with plumbing or heating and cooling equipment.
  • Moisture detection: Measuring moisture levels is critical in uncovering likely sources of mold growth. Hygrometers and other specialized equipment are used to determine the moisture levels inside building materials and pinpoint areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Infrared technology may be used to pinpoint areas where mold infestation may be occurring.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling is often carried out to examine indoor air quality and ascertain the amount of spores in the environment. Air filters and extraction equipment are employed to gather air samples from various areas of the house. These samples are then forwarded to a lab for assessment.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not readily apparent, your mold inspector could recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires wiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also forwarded to a lab for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Your mold inspector prepares a detailed report recapping their findings. The report typically includes details on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if recognized), and suggestions for cleanup or further actions.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is found, the inspector may give suggestions for mold restoration, which may involve hiring a qualified mold remediation company. They will likely suggest steps to mitigate moisture problems, improve airflow, and prevent future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up evaluation may be performed to assure you that the restoration efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector educates the client about mold prevention measures, including proper airflow, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

What Do I Need To Do To Get Ready for the Mold Inspection?

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

Examples of activities you should avoid doing for the accuracy of mold testing include:

  • Avoid cleaning with chemicals in any areas inside the home where you think mold growth to be present.
  • Do not use air purifiers or air filtration equipment when the testing is being performed, as these can lower the accuracy of the results.
  • If feasible, abstain from engaging in tasks such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing products in the air for a minimum of 24 hours before the test. This precaution will help in avoiding the test results from being impacted by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for a minimum of 12 hours before the test. This step guarantees that the air inside the house stays still and accurately represents the typical indoor air quality. By complying with these recommendations, you will boost the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Protect Your Home Investment by Calling Us for Thorough Mold Inspection Services Right Away

Mold can take hold quickly within a residence and degrade numerous building materials and household belongings. The fungus also presents a possible health danger to vulnerable individuals and pets. When searching for mold inspection near me in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, choose Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most precise results and a clear course forward for remediation. Protect your investment and occupants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 now.