Water damage can completely upend a person's life when it strikes in a home. There are different types of water damage, and the amount of damage varies from case to case. If one type of water damage can be particularly confounding, it would certainly be mold damage.
When mold strikes a home, getting rid of it can be arduous. The problem is that mold can go undetected in a home for so long that being sure you even have mold in your home can be tricky. When you suspect mold in your home but are unsure how to find it or gauge the severity, you do not need to waste time. You must call a mold damage remediation expert for a home inspection.
What is a Mold Inspection?
As the name implies, a mold inspection is where a water damage remediation expert who specializes in mold searches your property for signs of mold growth. When talking about mold growth you need to understand that you are not talking about a small bit of mold that accumulates from taking hot showers and can be easily wiped away. Mold growth in this scenario refers to a full-blown mold infestation, but it always starts with small and inconvenient spots or issues, like odors from your sink drain, a small patch in grout or on a nearby ceiling.
It's common for people to cause their issues, even when you have an exhaust fan in the bathroom.
If you are curious about what might be considered an infestation, the EPA recommends that a professional treat any area with mold exceeding ten square feet.
A mold inspection is the first step in the water damage remediation process. The inspection is to verify the presence of mold. The testing process will begin when you have gone through the inspection process. If the mold found proves harmful, the remediation process will begin, in which the mold is removed.
What is a Qualified Mold Inspector?
You may think you can check for mold on your own, but doing that would be a major mistake. A qualified mold inspector has the training and certification to identify and prevent mold growth on a property. A qualified mold inspector knows which signs they need to be on the lookout for beyond the obvious visual presence of mold.
It must be understood that the Environmental Protection Agency does not have a certification process for mold inspectors or remediation services. This means you should not take any service that claims to be “EPA certified” at face value. Always look into their credentials, reviews, and their experience.
Just because there is no EPA certification does not mean there is no certification. In Florida, for example, mold assessors and remediators must have a license. Check the laws in your state for what type of certification a mold remediation expert must have before having one inspect your property.
Why Do I Need a Mold Inspection?
You may think that mold in and of itself is not a big deal. However, this is a major misconception. In small patches, mold is easy enough to correct. However, in large quantities, mold can cause serious problems. Here are some major reasons you should have a mold inspection.
Prevent Property Damage
Mod is most commonly thought of as a cleanliness problem. People think of mold as nasty and unsightly, but they may not necessarily think of it further. The truth is that mold can cause serious property damage, particularly to the structure of your home. Mold can soften and weaken your home's foundation, particularly wood, drywall, and other organic materials.
Bigger Problems
The thing about mold damage is that it is usually the symptom of a bigger problem. Where there is extensive mold growth, you will typically find the source of the problem. For example, if there is a lot of mold growth on your ceiling, it is a typical sign of a leaky roof. There is always a mold cause; a mold inspection can help determine the problem and how to deal it.
The Proper Know-How For Insurance
One of the most important reasons to call in a professional water damage inspection is because it ensures that the job is done properly. You could always attempt to get approval with a DIY mold test, but it will not carry the same weight as an expert's opinion.
Maintain Your Property Value
If you plan to sell your home eventually, you must ensure that mold damage is handled thoroughly and professionally. The presence of mold in your home could drastically affect its value, meaning that you will most certainly not get top dollar for it.
Personalized Tips
When you have an expert inspect your home for mold, they get to know your home. When they get to know your home, they can tell you what you can do to prevent mold growth. The tips they can give you are specific to your home's layout and structure.
Top of the Line Equipment
One of the biggest perks of bringing in a professional is that they will have professional-grade equipment, such as thermal imaging equipment. This equipment can take the mold hunt to the next level and ensure you find and eradicate all the mold in your home.
Should I Get a Mold Inspection Before Buying a Property?
If you are buying a home or property, you should inspect it for mold. Even if the property you are buying is a new construction work, getting an expert to conduct a thorough inspection will prevent problems from coming up later.
Is All Mold Dangerous?
Surprisingly, not all mold in your home is dangerous. There are molds such as ceratosystis and ophiostoma that can grow on lumber. These two molds will discolor the wood they are on, but they are no threat to your health or your home's structural integrity. However, you still need an expert to run tests to confirm whether it is harmless or dangerous.
What Does a Mold Inspector Look For?
A mold inspector will first try to find the obvious visual indicators of mold, such as splotchiness and discoloration. With their equipment, they can take things further. Thermal imaging equipment can help them to detect moisture in places where there should be none.
They could also use moisture meters with a thermometer to locate places in your home where moisture and heat are found together. This is because such places are high-risk locations for mold growth. The average homeowner must learn the fundamentals of water detection technology.
Hot Spot Areas
Some areas in your home qualify as “usual suspect” areas. Your mold inspector will be able to check these areas and tell you whether or not they have become compromised by mold. The areas they are most likely to check are as follows:
- Roof – Loose or damaged tiles can be the first major indicator that your roof leaks. A leak allows the moisture necessary for mold growth to enter your home.
- Attic – If there is a leak in your roof, the first place the water will go to is the attic, which means mold is likely to grow there first.
- Exterior walls – the exterior of your home is the most frequently exposed to the elements. It is to be expected at times that mold would grow, even if it is only on the wall's surface.
- Rooms with plumbing – Where there are pipes, there is a chance for a leak, and where there is a leak, there is a chance that there is mold.
- Air Conditioning and HVAC systems – Your home's air conditioning system is a place where there is ample opportunity for condensation to occur, and where there is condensation, there is a possibility it can start colonizing.
Mold Inspection vs Mold Testing
You may wonder why you should even inspect your home for mold when it can be tested. The simple truth is that the testing process is not to determine whether or not there is mold on your property. The testing process is to determine whether or not remediation will be necessary. If you do not have a test done by a professional, there is no way an insurance provider will pay for the remediation process.
