The Premier Mold Inspection Service in Surry, Maine

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is widely recognized as the leading home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Safeguard your loved ones and your possessions by coming to us when looking for mold inspection near me.

Should I Be Worried About Mold?

Mold is a variety of fungus that thrives in warm and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with abundant moisture. It can manifest in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and thrives in spaces with high humidity, water infiltration, or poor airflow. It can be present on organic-based materials, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even paper. A mold inspector will usually search for evidence of leaks and water in a home to find the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While many kinds of mold are benign, others have been known to cause health concerns, especially for individuals who are immuno-compromised. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and rash. Animals may also be negatively impacted by mold, experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, vomiting, and digestive issues. Black mold is of particular concern in Surry, Maine and part of a professional mold inspection will be to identify the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It’s understandable if you worry about the health of yourself or your loved ones and make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if they're able to test an individual for mold exposure? We are not able to supply that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically pose an outsized risk to the well-being of most people, it’s particularly bad for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores infest and consume cellulose-based materials and deteriorate them over time. Some cellulose-based materials used and stored inside of buildings include:

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

Mold testing is highly advisable before you acquire a home or if you currently live inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The danger is that the fungus can spread 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 assess surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores not otherwise seen. An adequate mold inspection service will supply prospective homebuyers with the insights 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 eliminate it altogether.

Some clients inquire if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for contact with the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be done by your doctor through skin and blood screening. 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.

What Is Done During a Mold Inspection?

A dependable mold inspection service is your ideal resource to identify the severity of mold infestation and create a remediation plan going forward. Mold testing from Pillar To Post™ comes with the benefit of the best technology and techniques in the industry for added peace of mind. Some aspects in how your mold inspector carries out testing may vary with each home, but will usually involve the following:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector obtains information from the current homeowner regarding any apparent mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality doubts. Mildewy odors or health effects experienced by individuals will also be evaluated.
• Visual Inspection: The inspector will perform a visual inspection of the property, examining for any observable signs of mold growth. They will check areas of the house that are known to be prone to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Moisture detection: Knowing moisture levels is vital in identifying likely sources of mold growth. Humidity sensors and other specialized equipment are used to evaluate the moisture content of building materials and identify areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed areas. Heat-sensing devices may be used to find areas where mold growth may be happening.
• Air Sampling: Mold testing may necessitate air samples to be taken from different areas of the home using customized equipment. The air samples will be transferred to a laboratory for analysis to identify the type and concentration of mold spores found in the air.
• Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not seen, your mold inspector may take surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This involves swabbing or tape-lifting portions of surfaces, which is also transferred to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: The mold inspector creates a detailed report summarizing their results. The report typically includes details on areas of mold growth, moisture sources, types of mold present (if identified), and suggestions for mitigation or further actions.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Depending on the inspection findings, the inspector offers recommendations to address the mold issues and prevent further growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A subsequent assessment may be carried out to verify that the remediation efforts were productive and that the mold issue has been properly addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention methods, including proper airflow, moisture control, and maintenance practices.

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

The biggest way you can assist your mold inspector prior to their visit is to clear all obstacles that might hinder their ability to perform the inspection. This includes securing pets away from their path and removing clutter, furniture, or additional objects that make it challenging for them to access various regions of the house.

Get in Touch With Us By Phone or Book Mold Inspection Services Through Our Website

Mold can take hold rapidly within a home and consume numerous construction materials and personal belongings. The fungus additionally presents a possible health risk to vulnerable people and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Surry, Maine, select Pillar To Post™ to ensure the most accurate findings and a well-defined path forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and inhabitants by booking a service date for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.