Mold Testing Near Squirrel Island, ME For Confident Home Buying and Listing

If you’re looking for the most trusted mold inspection near me in Squirrel Island, ME, Pillar To Post™ is a leader in the home inspection industry with state-of-the-art technology and dedicated professionals at our service. Mold is a potentially harmful fungus that can cause health issues in certain people and pets and wreak havoc on your home’s structural integrity.

Mold testing is advantageous for current homeowners and potential buyers and sellers desiring to preserve their investment and their family members. Take advantage of the premier mold inspection service in the area and gain peace of mind knowing the things most important in life are taken care of by scheduling a mold inspection with Pillar To Post™.

Should I Worry About Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found in homes with higher levels of moisture. It can manifest in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water infiltration, or poor ventilation. It can grow on cellulose-based items, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will usually look for evidence of leaks and moisture in a home to identify the source of mold growth.

While most types of mold are innocuous, others can cause health issues, especially for people who are vulnerable. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, and rash. Pets are sometimes affected by the fungus, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of particular concern in Squirrel Island, ME and part of an expert mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s ok if you worry about the health of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if it’s possible to assess a person for mold exposure? We cannot supply that as a portion of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically present an outsized risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and eat plant-based materials and ruin them over time. Some cellulose or plant-based components 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 home or if you currently dwell inside a house with visible signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can propagate fiercely, becoming more costly to eliminate and causing more damage to a home as time goes on. A trained mold inspector has the right knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the insights required to make smarter decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to stop further spread of the fungus and remove it completely.

Some people 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 done by your doctor through dermal and blood tests. If you believe or discover that you or a family member has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the hazards and to know if any personal testing is needed.

You’ll Feel the Advantages From the Knowledge and Comprehensive Actions of Our Mold Inspecttion Services

A professional mold inspection service is your ideal resource to understand the severity of mold infestation and create a remediation plan moving forward. Mold testing with Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the top technology and techniques in the industry for added assurance. The way your mold inspector carries out testing may differ from house to house, but will generally involve the following:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ accumulates information about the home, any identified mold issues, and your worries during the initial consultation to create a plan for mold testing.
  • Visual Inspection: The inspector will execute a visual inspection of the property, evaluating for any apparent signs of mold growth. They will scrutinize areas of the property that are known to be prone to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Moisture detection: Assessing moisture content in areas around the property is vital in recognizing likely sources of mold growth. Hygrometers and other tools are used to assess 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 equipment may be used to pinpoint areas where mold growth may be occurring.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling is often conducted to evaluate indoor air quality and identify the amount of spores in the environment. Air filters and collection equipment are utilized to obtain air samples from various areas of the property. The samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Surface Sampling: The inspector may also obtain surface samples from areas of the property where the fungus is suspected. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis to identify the type of mold existing.
  • Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector creates an elaborate report recapping their discoveries. The report usually includes information on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if identified), and recommendations for mitigation or further actions.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may offer suggestions for mold remediation, which may involve hiring an expert mold remediation company. They may suggest measures to reduce moisture problems, improve ventilation, and stop future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A subsequent inspection may be executed to confirm that the remediation efforts were successful and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention measures, including appropriate ventilation, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

Is There Any Steps I Can Take To Help My Mold Inspection Technician Do His Job and Obtain Better Test Results?

You don't need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection besides making sure that your inspector can readily reach parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the home during the testing time to ensure that the results of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of things you should avoid doing for the accuracy of the inspection include:

  • Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any spaces inside the property where you suspect mold growth to be present.
  • Refrain from using air purifiers or air filtration appliances when the testing is being performed, as these can degrade the accuracy of the results.
  • If feasible, refrain from participating in tasks such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing substances in the indoor environment for at least 24 hours before the test. This measure will help in avoiding the test results from being affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended to keep all windows and doors closed for at least 12 hours before the test. This measure guarantees that the environment within the home remains motionless and accurately reflects the usual indoor air quality. By complying with these guidelines, you will enhance the precision of your mold inspection service and examination.

Schedule a Mold Inspection Right Away

Mold can establish itself quickly within a home and degrade many building materials and personal possessions. The fungus additionally poses a potential health danger to at-risk individuals and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Squirrel Island, ME, choose Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most precise findings and a clear course forward for remediation. Safeguard your assets and occupants by scheduling a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.