Mold testing is a process used to determine the presence of mold in a home. It is more useful in situations when you cannot locate visible mold but you experience some of its side effects such as sneezing, coughing or wheezing. While these symptoms may also be caused by dust and other airborne particles, they can be persistent in a home infested with molds. A professional mold test is one of the surest ways of detecting the presence of mold and the place it is located in your home. This article looks at different ways professionals test for mold and reasons to consider professional mold testing for your home.
- Visual Inspection
All rooms in the house need to be checked thoroughly for any visible signs of mold. A professional mold inspector should be able to notice any musty odors in a room infested with molds. They always pay attention to areas with water sources such as pipes, sinks, tubs, and shower. It is important to provide information about any spots that have encountered a history of water damage from leaks or flooding. If the inspection does not reveal any visible mold, then the mold experts conduct several tests using special equipment to determine the location of hidden mold.
- Mold Sampling
The primary aim of testing is to find hidden mold that could not be identified during the inspection. Once mold has been detected, samples are taken to the lab for further testing to determine the type of mold in your home and its level of toxicity. Air sampling is the most common form of assessing the level of molds in a room. The amount of mold spores inside the premises is compared to the air outside to give a positive confirmation of the existence of hidden mold. They also sample the number of mold spores found on indoor surfaces. Bulk sampling involves removing contaminated materials outside the house to identify and determine mold concentration in the sample.
- Identification and Analysis
Once samples have been taken to the lab, mold experts can conduct a further examination to identify the mold species. While it is possible to collect mold on your own and send it to the lab, the test results may vary depending on the method used during sampling. Professionals always have a good idea of dealing with mold, which allows them to give accurate results on the level of mold toxicity in your home. The tests help to confirm the presence of mycotoxins in the sample before recommending the best alternatives for mold remediation.
- Reporting
Once the tests in the lab are complete, a mold professional can advise you on the best alternative based on the extent of a mold infestation in your home. They provide a written report of the inspector’s findings including the spore levels, color digital photos and final recommendations of how to handle the mold situation in your home. These reports are very important as they help a mold remediation company remove the mold using the most accurate and effective methods. It also ensures compliance with the legal laws and regulations in your region regarding mold remediation.
- Clearance and Post-Remediation Testing
Post remediation testing is done after mold has been eliminated from your home. It is usually done through visual inspection and assessment of moisture levels of the construction materials that were part of the mold remediation. Clearance testing determines the success of remediation efforts inside the containment areas. It gives the assurance that the remediated areas are safe for occupants to enter. However, clearance testing does not guarantee the existence or non-existence of mold in the house. The results are only indicative of the presence or absence of mold in sampled areas at the time the testing was performed.
Reasons to Consider Professional Mold Testing
Professional mold remediation is all about offering credible results that not only fix mold problems but also prevent them from happening. Hiring a professional and reliable company provides a proper mold assessment and provides solutions on how to get rid of mold. Proper mold testing and remediation prevents future problems.
Mold spores can be dangerous when they become airborne and can be inhaled accidentally during DIY mold remediation. A seasoned mold professional can identify the affected areas and properly advise you on the remediation actions to get rid of mold. They are equipped with the right skills and equipment to identify non-visible mold, which in turn helps in effective remediation of mold.