Mold Inspection and Testing

If you suspect that you have mold growth somewhere in your home and you would like to confirm the type of mold, the location of it, and extensiveness of it we’ll come do a full visual inspection to look for moisture intrusion and potential mold in the attic or the crawlspace and all throughout the home.

What is mold?

Mold is a useful and important part of nature, that breaks down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and trees. Mold spores are unseen to the naked eye and float through the air, where they will be transported to a new location to grow. This is how mold reproduces, releasing the spores and allowing them to go with the wind, both indoors and outdoors. While it is a helpful part of nature, recycling dead plant material, indoors it is not desirable and can be concerning for occupants’ health. Mold spores are quite prevalent in our everyday lives, and we will not be able to keep mold spores out of our homes. The good news is mold cannot grow without moisture, so the key to mold control is moisture control.

When mold is growing indoors it is because it has a consistent source of moisture. It might be from a plumbing leak, roof leak, shower humidity, or even elevated indoor humidity from house plants. There are different types of molds.. While they all require water to grow and produce allergens, some even produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins. You can have a reaction to inhaling or touching mold spores. Symptoms are commonly sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with asthma can have asthma attacks triggered by mold. If you are concerned about being adversely affected by the presence of mold, you should consult your doctor to identify your personal risks. Mold growing indoors should be avoided even with non-existent allergic reactions from occupants.

Mold destroys the substrates that it grows on. Its function in nature is to break down organic material and that’s what it will do in your home. Some organic material that it may attack would be lumber and other wooden components, wallpaper, and the paper on the back of drywall.

Getting rid of and preventing mold

Check for and fix any defects in the form of:

Plumbing leaks

Roof leaks

Window leaks

Exterior door leaks

Air sealing of the building

Outdoor drainage

Crawlspace moisture

Excess condensation

Excess humidity from humidifiers

Improperly vented dryer and heating and cooking appliances

Improperly ventilated shower

Refrigerador door seal

Surfaces in or around a/c allowing air leakage or condensation

How to Clean Mold and Who to Call for the Big Jobs

Many people may want to schedule a mold inspection as a means of eliminating possible external factors in their mysterious ailments. As stated above, you should always consult your doctor regarding your health, but it may be pertinent information to your doctor if you have elevated levels of molds in your home. In many cases mold can be identified by homeowners enough to take the proper steps to clean it and prevent its return, as all types of molds should be cleaned and prevented from growing indoors.

Your first step is prevention through moisture control. If prevention fails, then cleanup begins with getting rid of the source of moisture. Porous materials with extensive mold growth may need to be thrown away. Hard surfaces that are not rotting may be able to be cleaned with soap and water. A licensed contractor should perform mold remediation if the area is larger than 10 square feet. You should not do any cleanup of mold yourself if you are highly sensitive. Rubber gloves and N-95 Respirator Masks are recommended.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “In most cases, if visible mold is present, sampling is unnecessary.” Some inspectors may object to this because, while for practical purposes it is correct, it is a statement based on assumption. The only way to know what you are seeing is truly mold is by sampling. If there is no need to confirm that it is mold beyond “visible, apparent mold”, then there is no need to sample. When considering requesting samples to be taken, keep in mind that there may be other people affected by the findings of the mold inspection who will request confirmation of visible, apparent mold as actual mold growth.

Armed with a mold inspection report, you can take the proper steps to improve and maintain the indoor air quality in your home. The Mold Inspection is performed in accordance with the Mold Inspection Standards of Practice of the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (www.IAC2.org). I will take moisture, temperature, and humidity measurements; I will report on moisture intrusion, water damage, musty odors, apparent mold growth, conditions conducive to mold growth, the results of a laboratory analysis of all mold samplings taken at the building, and any system or component listed in the Standards of Practice that was not visually examined, and the reasons they were not inspected. The inspection process takes about 2-3 hours. Results from the lab analysis can take 2-4 business days, possibly longer if the lab is backed up.

Questions About Mold Inspections and Testing? Read Below or Ask an Inspector

Will mold destroy wood?

The purpose of mold in nature is to decompose dead organic material. This would include many building materials. Mold only needs moisture, a food source, and temperatures above freezing and below 140F to survive and grow. It may take mold some time to decompose structural members in an advanced case of mold contamination, but the presence of mold means there is a moisture issue, which can cause wood rot in addition to creating conditions conducive to mold growth and termite infestation. In short yes mold does destroy wood, and it is also indicative of other destructive forces possibly present that could advance the condition.

How long can mold survive without moisture?

Mold will not necessarily just die when the moisture source is gone. It will become inactive and can lay dormant for many years. The main thing you can do is prevent mold from growing by controling the indoor humidity levels and keeping moisture out. If you have a large visble, apparent mold growth in your home, lets say larger than ten square feet, a qualified mold remediation contractor should be called. Smaller than that is commonplace for homeowners to attempt themselves if they are so inclined, respirators and gloves should always be worn.

Is black mold Toxic Mold?

The commonly referred "Black Mold", has somewhat of a misleading connotation. There is a difference between color of mold and the toxicity. Not all bvisibly apparent, lack molds are toxic. In fact many are not known to be toxic, however may be allergenic. What people are likely referring to when they mention "Toxic Black Mold" is Stachybotrys Chartarum, which is dark black or dark green at times. It releases mycotoxins that float through the air and can be inhaled, presenting a legitimate danger to human health. Anything that releases mycotoxins is a health hazard in the home.

What kills mold?

For smaller mold contaminations in the home, many may tell you to use bleach to kill mold, but bleach will often leave spores behind. The EPA does not recommend it as it only kills what is on the surface, and if used on a porous surface like wood or drywall it will leave spores in tact. White distilled vinegar, maybe with 5% acidity, or hydrogen peroxide can bemore effective in most cases. Apply the vinegar and let it sit for about an hour before wiping. Only let the hydrogen peroxide sit for 10 minutes then wipe. You can scrub afterwards with a solution of baking soda and water, rinsing with warm water. For bigger jobs, a professional may use dry ice to blast the mold spores, as well as HEPA air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, and heavy duty dehumidifiers.

Can you paint over mold?

You should not paint over mold, it will find its way through the paint and to the surface. Even mold resistant primer. Mold resistant primer can be good for prevention after a proper remediation, but just painting over mold or mildew will not alleviate the problem or even hide it for very long.

Do all homes have mold?

Mold spores are everyewhere. They're a huge part of nature and there just no avoiding it. The spores are small and light and float through the air and can enter the house any number of ways. The problem arises when the spores are able to grow and thrive on the surfaces they land on. The key to mold prevention is stopping and preventing moisture intrusion.

Do I have to get rid of everything if I have black mold?

As we mentioned above, not all visibly apparent, black mold is toxic. A mold inspector can take the proper samples to find out what is present in your home. When mold contaminates porous materials like clothes, blankets and books, they are usually not recommended to be saved. Harder surfaced materials can be cleaned off.

Why is mold growing on things in my house?

You could have mold, or mildew or "apparent, visible mold", because of a moisture intrusion or intrusions. Shower humidity, plumbing leaks, roof leaks, condensation, an excess amount of house plants and/or pets causing elevated indoor humidity, could all be factors in why mold is able to grow on surfaces in your home. As a Certified Indoor Air Consultant, I can help you assess the conditions conducive to mold and mildew and even the types of spores present.

What is mildew vs mold?

Mildew is a type of fungi. Mildew typically only grows on the surface and can be easily cleaned away. It is commonly found in showers. Mold on the other hand burrows into the materials it grows on and requires more precision to eliminate.

(843) 806-0757

Mold Inspection and Testing

What is mold?

Getting rid of and preventing mold

Check for and fix any defects in the form of:

How to Clean Mold and Who to Call for the Big Jobs

Questions About Mold Inspections and Testing? Read Below or Ask an Inspector

Zion Home Inspection

Charleston County - Dorchester County

Berkeley County

(843)-806-0757