Mold testing is an unavoidable step when you have a mold problem in your home. Mold is not harmful to your health unless you are allergic to it. People who have asthma, hay fever, or other allergies should not have mold in their homes. Mold can grow on virtually any moist substance and can be found in most basements, bathrooms, and behind the drywall in the kitchen and the garage.
You can do three basic types of mold testing before you call a professional mold inspection service. The first type is visible mold testing. This type will usually be performed on an individual basis in your home by a non-destructive testing technician. This test will reveal if you have visible mold on any surface in your home, including basement walls, ceilings, windows, and floors. Visible mold or mildew, also sometimes called decay, is an invasive growth that grows in wet, damp areas. Mold is an essential part of our ecosystem and plays a vital role in nature; inside, mold grows naturally and should be discouraged, but it can be a natural part of the decaying environment in your home.
The second type of mold testing you can perform is for mold remediation. In this case, a company will send a team of professionals to perform a comprehensive mold inspection and mold remediation of your home. These experts will assess the extent of the mold damage and determine how it will best be addressed. This type of inspection is more thorough than a single visual inspection and will take longer. Mold remediation involves cleaning, peeling, and painting the affected areas to eliminate all mold spores.
The third type of mold testing you can do is for sampling. When a professional inspector performs a piece, they will collect mold samples from specific areas by using specific procedures and techniques. Selection is critical because the sample results will help the inspector make an accurate diagnosis and suggest the best solution for your home.
A final type of mold testing you can perform is for indoor air quality. Mold spores are microscopic and cannot usually be seen or smelled. Indoor air quality testers work by detecting the presence of mold spores in the air using special air sampling equipment and detectors. Indoor air quality testers will precisely identify an air quality problem in your home and recommend solutions.
Whether you're dealing with mildew or black mold, you can find relief by hiring a professional mold inspection service. The cost of mold inspections is well worth the peace of mind it can bring, not to mention the safety and peace of mind you'll feel when you know your home has been tested and found free of harmful mold. It's better to keep mold from forming in the first place than to live with the threat it represents. With proper mold testing, you can take back control of your health and enjoy your home in safety and peace of mind.