Updated on August 30, 2022
Why Mold Inspection Is So Important for Building Materials

If you’re thinking of starting a home improvement project, it’s a good idea to takeĀ mold inspection course before you start. Mold can make your home unhealthy and hazardous to your health if not discovered and removed promptly. A trained professional is the most effective way to learn about mold, its effects and spot its presence. Fortunately, there are many to choose from in your area.
You can get tested for mold on your own at your local doctor’s office or on your own. Many people feel more comfortable getting their tests done at home rather than going to a professional. But mold inspection professionals know exactly what to look for and can test for you or have you tested by one of their certified labs. There are three types of mold inspection testing: indoor air quality, environmental testing, and point of care testing. Let’s look at each of these options.
Indoor air quality testing involves checking for irritants, such as mold, that can be breathed in. For example, mold that has accumulated on carpet or upholstery and is causing health problems. You might receive a mold assessment that indicates whether or not the mold is coming from a leaking roof, floor, or plumbing leak. If the mold is found to be coming from another source, a mold assessment will be necessary. These mold assessment kits can be purchased at your local hardware store.
An indoor air quality sampling kit includes an air sampling device, a collection container filled with tap water, instructions, and a verification sheet for you to complete at home. Most kits include a mold assessment with detailed instructions for remediation protocol. Once the mold assessment is completed, the kit will be returned to the lab for a mold remediation protocol.
If you receive an indoor air sampling kit, it usually has instructions for performing a water damage mold inspection. This is one service that should be performed by your trusted home inspector. Mold growth in damp areas can be very hazardous. It can cause respiratory problems, create contaminated soil, and create structural damage to your home. Water damage mold inspection is usually a multi-step process. The first step is the collection of samples.
Samples can be collected by using special mold killing vacuums, in an enclosed vehicle that has been provided by your trusted lab. After collection, the samples are sent to a lab, where the technicians will take a close look at them. At this step, the testers will see mold growth, and determine if the samples are positive for mold. Sometimes the home inspector won’t perform the water damage mold inspection until the lab performs the follow-up testing.
If there are visible mold spores on surfaces, or the testing has detected moderate amounts of mold, it is time to get the services of a mold remediation expert. Most professionals offer a mold remediation guarantee. This means that if the mold inspection results are positive for mold, and you decide to do nothing about it, the company will complete the mold remediation procedure. This doesn’t usually cost much money, and it is usually covered by your home insurance company. Your insurance company may require additional testing, or it may cover the cost of hiring a mold remediation expert.
You can help prevent mold growth by making sure that your building materials are kept dry. Inspectors also recommend frequent inspections to keep spore counts under control, and to check for leaks and excess moisture. If there are visible signs of mold growth, the inspectors will advise you on the best way to address the issue.