As a homeowner, you know the value of a well-kept, safe, and healthy house. Mold, however, can be a big nuisance. More than a hygienic and aesthetic issue, it can adversely affect your health, too.
So, what is a mold inspection, and why should you care? We share everything you need to know about mold inspections and how they help your home.
What Is A Mold Inspection?
Mold inspection is a process performed by experts to check the house for signs of mold and moisture. Mold usually grows in hidden spots, like behind walls or under floors, and sometimes remains unnoticeable until it is far too late. Mold inspections will determine which areas are at risk, the amount of mold present, and what that means in terms of the problem.
Professionals use specialized tools and techniques to conduct a mold inspection, looking for the presence of mold growth, moisture levels, and environmental conditions in your home. By taking this proactive approach, you know you will have a smaller, manageable, and less expensive mold problem in the future.
Why Should You Get A Mold Inspection?
If you are wondering why you need to invest in a mold inspection, then here are some solid reasons:
Protect Your Health
Mold is not to be taken lightly for the sake of your health. It generates allergens and irritants that may lead to respiratory, skin, and other health issues. Mold exposure can also be more dangerous for people with asthma or allergies.
Prevent Property Damage
Mold isn’t only a health hazard; it also causes structural damage to your home. It can weaken things like wood, drywall, and insulation. If it is not kept under control, it can rot and deteriorate things, which is a major expense.
Catch Issues Early
You may not realize that the mold is present until the damage is already done. Early detection of the problem means you save money on repairs, and your home will be safe.
Insurance Claims
Sometimes, your home insurance covers mold damage, but you may need proof. If your home has been impacted by mold, a mold inspection can help with the claim-filing process.
When Should You Schedule A Mold Inspection?
So, if you are wondering when the proper time to arrange a mold inspection is, here is your answer. Whenever you find any or some of these signs, you need to act fast as follows:
Visible Mold Growth
If you see mold growth in your home, it is time to seek a professional mold inspection. Mold can be diverse in color, from black to green to brown, so do not ignore it.
Water Damage
Water leaks and flooding are the most common causes of mold growth. If your home has had water damage from a roof leak, broken pipes, or flooding, you will need to schedule a mold inspection.
Musty Odors
If you smell a musty smell, that’s usually a sign that mold is present somewhere. The mold may be growing in difficult-to-see or reach areas, like behind walls and under the floor. Better to schedule an inspection to confirm.
Health Issues
Mold may be to blame if someone in your home has unexplained allergies, such as coughing, sneezing, headaches, or respiratory problems. An inspection can determine the source.
What To Expect During A Mold Inspection
Curious about the inspection process? Here’s a breakdown of how a mold inspection occurs.
Step 1: Visual Inspection
First, the inspector will check your home for any apparent marks of mold. They will check under bathrooms, basements, attics, and crawl spaces and flag any signs of moisture or water damage.
Step 2: Moisture Assessment
Mold likes to grow in damp and humid areas. The inspector uses moisture meters, electric voltmeters, and other tools to measure the moisture in different parts of your home. If the reading reflects high moisture, you can pretty much tell that mold is a problem.
Step 3: Air Quality Testing
The inspector may perform air quality tests if needed. These tests help identify invisible mold spores in the air and may help locate mold in hidden places.
Step 4: Surface Sampling
Surface samples may be taken from walls, floors, or other areas and tested by the inspector for mold. The samples are then sent to a lab to be analyzed to determine what kind and level of mold is present.
Step 5: Mold Report
Once the inspection is over, you will receive a report showing what was found, what to do about it, and what to expect. This report might include mold removal, moisture control, and repairs to prevent future mold growth.
How Much Does A Mold Inspection Cost?
The price of a mold inspection depends on how big your home is and how thorough your inspection has to be. The cost of a mold inspection is usually around $300 to $800 for a small to medium-sized house. The cost could go higher for larger homes, and if other testing or samples are needed.
It might seem like an extra cost, but consider it an investment for your home. If left unchecked, mold damage will cost thousands of dollars to fix. Therefore, a mold inspection would prove cheaper in the long run.
Conclusion: Keep Your Home Healthy With A Mold Inspection
A mold inspection is worth making because it guarantees your home remains hygienic, safe, and in good shape. It is the first step in shielding your family from mold-related health problems and eliminating costly property repairs.
By proceeding with these steps, you will be certain that your home is a healthy living space. It is important to hire a professional mold inspection service to keep your family safe from mold and your home clean.
Don’t let mold become a major problem. Call 1st Rate Inspections today to protect your home from mold and get peace of mind. Our experts will assure you that your home is safe and mold-free. Mold looks and feels terrible, and you do not want it to mess with your health. Our phone line is open. Don’t leave anything to chance; book your inspection now.
