Don’t throw money away on a useless inspection. Learn the steps of a proper mold inspection so you can choose the right inspector for you.
1. A full visual inspection of your property.
A mold inspection is MUCH more than running a few air samples. We conduct a full visual inspection of the property to identify possible mold sources and moisture issues that can contribute to future mold growth. We carry a full arsenal of inspection tools including high powered LED flashlights, moisture meters, infrared cameras and hygrometers to measure humidity throughout your home.
2. We take air quality samples on EVERY floor of your home.
One interior air sample is never enough to adequately analyze all possible mold growth areas of your home. Furthermore, if we find an area of concern, the additional samples let us know if the contamination is localized or widespread throughout your home. We don’t guess, we measure.
3. We use accurate sampling techniques.
Taking air samples the right way is critical to obtaining trustworthy results. Proper preparation can result in a TEN TIMES higher spore count. Unless your inspector understands this, your mold counts may give you a false sense of security when you actually have elevated mold conditions.
4. The right mold testing lab makes a difference
Some of the ‘top’ labs in the country report inaccurate spore counts. There are categories of mold that almost always show a spore count, and these labs will mark a zero for every sample in a home. If you send us a report from one of these labs, we have to retake all of the samples to give you accurate advice.
5. Rush processing at no extra charge
Many of our clients struggle with health concerns or are involved in a time-sensitive real estate transaction. Don’t wait 7-10 days for results. And don’t pay an expedited fee PER sample to get your report sooner. Most of our reports are complete within 48 hours.
6. Action Plan
We will give you a detailed written report to fix the moisture problems that allow mold to grow, and a plan to reset any elevated conditions to normal. This valuable information will give you the power to prevent future mold growth and keep your home healthy. If you need help, just contact us.
7. Lifetime follow up included
You, your doctor, or veterinarian can contact us any time in the future to discuss your case for no additional fee. Call us about anything, any time. We like talking about mold all day long 😃
The initial step in determining a potential mold problem is the visual inspection. Throughout this stage, we will be seeking three points: evidence of moisture leaks or , direct proof of mold growth, and locations with a potential for mold and mildew invasion. A visual assessment will certainly cover the interior living space, crawl, basement and also attic area or cellar. The outside of the dwelling will likewise be checked out for evidence of water harm or ecological or architectural factors that could result in moisture invasion into the house.
Surface area sampling is used to determine if a suspicious substance is mold, rather than dirt or soot.
This strategy is also valuable in eliminating mold and mildew in areas where there is discoloration or staining that looks like mold and mildew like conditions. For this sampling method a clear tape or swab sample will gather suspicious substances that could be mold. Product accumulated on the tape or swab will be evaluated by an independent laboratory.
Air sampling is one of the most effective approach for establishing whether mold spores exist in a specific area. Our guideline incorporates the Air-o-Cell cassette. Air quality is examined by sampling 15 cubic liters of air per minute and pulling the airborne fragments over a glass substrate. This procedure takes 1-5 minutes depending on various conditions in the home or office. This sample is then sent out to an independent lab where the spores are determined and counted. An exterior “control” example is additionally required to identify a baseline “typical” mold count to establish the volume of molds in the natural surroundings as well as compare to the interior sample.
An independent lab will do the mold testing for these samples and will send us the results, which we will immediately pass on to you. The information we present to you from the mold test will consist of such factors as types of mold, the amount of mold present, description of mold attributes and concerns, comparison of mold found to “normal” ambient levels of mold found in Cary IL and what we expect to see in a normal home mold test. We do far more beyond tell you “you have mold.” We will establish is if there are levels greater than a natural home environment. We will also assist you determine what is creating the underlying moisture issue in the home that is allowing the mold to grow.
Once we make you aware of the outcome of the mold testing, you will be able to decide exactly what to do concerning the mold and mildew issue. We can recommend different actions you could take varying from a basic cleaning of the location with a recommended mold cleaning product for minor mold removal, to professional mold remediation for serious mold contamination.
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