When you become a homeowner, your scheduling and organizational skills are really tested for the first time. Suddenly, you find yourself in charge of an entire property where any number of things could go wrong at virtually any time. There are plumbing and electrical issues to consider. There is roofing, renovation, chimney sweeping, driveway asphalt, and the list goes on. It might seem daunting at first, but a lot of people actually enjoy the various tasks and challenge that go along with owning a home.
Mold infestation is another issue homeowners face. It may not be high up on your list when there’s no apparent problem — but when things take a turn for the worse, and you realize that mold has become a significant issue, there won’t be anything more important to do. By then, if you’re unlucky, things will have progressed beyond the point of casual remedies, and a full-scale full remediation will be necessary.
So how do you stay on top of potential problems and prevent mold from taking a strong foothold in your home? One important thing is to review the basic underlying causes of mold infestation. It’s true that older homes are more susceptible to mold problems, but no matter how old or new your home is, certain environmental conditions can stimulate and support mold growth. Humidity and stagnant air are two of the main things to be aware of. When there is excess moisture or humidity in certain areas of the home, combined with poor ventilation, mold has the conditions it needs to thrive.
Opting for a professional mold inspection is another way to know for sure whether you’re dealing with any kind of mold problem. A professional uses special tools, including thermal imaging, to get a clearer picture of the mold that might be lurking behind your walls or beneath your floorboards. Visual inspection combined with years of experience is also an important part of the process.
Testing is also important. A professional mold inspector can run several different kinds of tests, including lab tests to pinpoint the exact strain of mold you’re dealing with. Because professional mold inspectors (at least the reputable ones) have seen so many different mold-related situations, they’re able to use the tools at their disposal to create a very clear picture on whether you have a mold problem in your home — and how extensive it may be.
But let’s return to the main question of this blog post: When is it time for a professional mold inspection? That really depends on you as a homeowner. If you live in an older house and you suspect mold is an issue, an inspection is probably something you want done as soon as possible. Some homeowners take a proactive approach and bring in a professional mold inspector every year or two, just to make sure everything is on the up-and-up. This strategy may seem excessive, but it’s actually smart when you consider the health-related and property-related costs of a full-scale mold invasion.