Mold Inspection

A mold inspection is a non-invasive, non-destructive visual inspection for mold and conditions that lead to problems with indoor air quality. We are technology-based using state-of-the-art inspection equipment when applicable, such as infrared cameras, surface and air samples, and moisture detection instruments. These procedures avoid destructive inspection procedures for our clients.

Assessing mold and the conditions causing it means the inspection focuses on more than just visible mold growth. We inspect the interior and exterior of the structure for any conditions that are commonly associated with indoor mold growth.

Mold Testing

Mold testing involves the collection of samples for one or both of the following purposes:

• To assess the likelihood that mold growth has occurred in suspect areas that are not visible at the time of inspection.
• To assess the probability that indoor mold growth has negatively impacted the indoor air quality of a structure and may be impacting the occupant’s health.

Mold Sample Types

The two primary methods utilized for testing for mold indoors are air samples and surface samples.

Air Sampling

In a non-invasive inspection it is not always possible to visually determine if a suspect condition, such as water damage or moisture is in fact a mold problem. Testing airborne mold spore levels near a suspect condition provides analytical data that can be used to either confirm or rule out hidden mold growth.

The time to test for mold is when you suspect you might have a problem. If you smell musty odors, you’ve had a roof leak, a plumbing leak, or a past or present flood, mold testing is certainly warranted. Mold problems go unnoticed long before any visible signs appear.

Mold growth can spread exponentially inside walls, under cabinets and floors, above ceilings, and deep into heating and air conditioning vents if the right conditions exist. By the time hidden mold is detected, it can cause thousands of dollars in property damage and pose significant health risks.

Surface Sampling

Surface sampling evaluates whether a suspected stain, discoloration, blemish, or other irregular appearance on a specific surface is mold.  Surface samples are not to be relied upon for conducting risk assessment as it relates to airborne mold spore levels.

As a rule, surface samples are unnecessary. Seeing visible mold growing indoors is enough to confirm that there is a mold problem. Mold should never grow on any building material indoors, or on any of your personal contents stored indoors. However, it can be difficult to distinguish the difference between mold and dirt with a visual inspection alone. For that reason, it is important to define your objective before deciding on whether to sample a surface for mold.

Vehicular Mold

Could your car be compromising your health?

By now everyone has heard stories about toxic mold forcing families from their homes, offices, and classrooms; but if you think you’re safe from mold behind the wheel – think again. What you don’t know about the vehicles you travel in could be hazardous to your health.

Regardless of the type of vehicle or its age, your car, boat, motor home or airplane could have a problem with mold. And since you can’t always see it, you might not know you have a problem until you start to feel the effects.

Does mold in your vehicle cause fungal infections?

Yes. Have you ever turned your vehicle’s heater or air conditioner and smelled mold? Our cars, trucks, SUVs, RV’s, motor homes, boats, and airplanes can all be a source for exposure to high levels of airborne mold spores. If you or your passengers cough, sneeze, have asthma flare-ups or complain about chest pain, have that vehicle tested for mold.

If you live or work in a moldy building, there is a high likelihood that the air in that building has significantly elevated concentrations of mold spores. Those mold spores cling to your clothing and are often carried into your vehicle.

When that happens, mold spores end up in your vehicle’s heater and air conditioning system where they can colonize in the condensation and keep recycling in the air you breathe. Water-damaged vehicles and vehicles that have been cleaned but the upholstery or carpets have not been dried properly, can all be infested with mold.