What is the Meaning of Mold Inspection
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments. When it is found in the home, it can cause a variety of health problems and damage the structure of the house. It is important to have a mold inspection done when there is an issue. Getting an inspection done is especially important when considering purchasing a property. Finding a problem before you purchase can put you in a better negotiating position with the seller and help protect your family’s health.
The most common type of inspection is a visual inspection of the property. This involves looking for visible mold growth, and assessing the property for moisture issues. This is usually performed by a trained inspector and can also include taking air samples. Air samples can be sent to a lab to determine the concentration of mold spores within the home. The lab can also provide an estimate of the types of mold spores present.
There are many different types of mold spores, and some are more dangerous than others. Toxic molds, such as Stachybotrys and Memnoniella, grow on water-damaged cellulose materials and can release mycotoxins into the air. These toxins are then inhaled by people and can lead to various health issues.
A professional inspector will be able to tell you if there is a problem and if there are any signs of toxic molds in the home. They can then recommend a course of action. If they are not able to find the source of the mold, they may need to take a bulk sample from the affected area. This is a little more invasive and can require cutting into drywall or removing panels. However, this is necessary if it is suspected that the mold is affecting structural components of the property.
Mold Inspection – What is the Meaning of Mold Inspection?
It is important to understand that a normal mixture of mold particles normally exists in all occupied indoor environments. Even when testing is done, it can be difficult to distinguish between a normal presence of mold and actual mold growth and accumulation. Additionally, many tests only identify a portion of the types of living (viable) molds in a given environment. This means that there are often a large number of unidentified and potentially harmful molds that are not detected by these tests.
Regardless of what type of inspection is performed, it is important to consult a specialist when dealing with mold. This is because mold remediation is a very specialized field and should only be undertaken by a qualified individual.
It is a common misconception that mold testing will prevent the need for a home inspection. While this is true in some cases, a home buyer should not be tempted to skip a professional inspection if they think there might be a problem with mold. Having the home inspected by a professional will ensure that any issues are identified before they become more serious and expensive to repair. Additionally, it is much easier to fix a mold issue in the beginning than after it has had time to spread.
A mold inspection can help protect the health and safety of building occupants, prevent property damage and reduce the need for expensive repairs. Mold inspections can be conducted at any time, but are particularly recommended before a sale of a home or building. They are also a good idea when a person is experiencing symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and fatigue that might be related to exposure to toxic mold. A mold inspection can also identify potential sources of mold in the future and assist with implementing preventative measures to control moisture.