How to Hire the Best Mold Inspectors?

Molds are trouble in the life of house and business owners. They only require a bit of moisture or wetness to grow. And only requires less than 48 hours to create havoc by spreading all over the house via the tiny spores.

These microorganisms terrorize the residents as their prolonged exposure can give rise to serious health issues such as chest stiffness, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, etc.

Nowadays, people are getting acquainted with the adverse effects of the infestation. Therefore, while selling & purchasing a new house, it’s important to ask mold inspectors to visit the place before you make a decision.

Sometimes you may fail to see the mold at first sight but that doesn’t mean that it is not present. Though it is hard to detect the mold presence with the naked eyes, as it may be growing behind the walls, between cracks or crevices, etc.

And when the question is about you and your family’s health, mold inspection & testing becomes imperative.

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Have you sighted mold in your house? Are you feeling the adverse effects of mold on your health? It’s time to look out for a competitive mold inspector in your area.

In this blog, we are going to talk about some tips to hire mold inspectors.

Why and When to Opt for Mold Inspection?

To find the source of the rising infestation in your house, mold inspection is fundamental. To deal with the issue proactively, numerous mold removal companies include the service of inspection & testing in their basic plan.

Mind it, this is different from regular house testing. It will help the residents to know the magnitude of the mold damage prevailing in their home.

Let’s discuss some of the scenarios that may urge you to look for the top-rated mold inspectors in the town for tackling the issue.

1. Water Damage

If water damage is a common problem in your house or workplace, you are unknowingly welcoming mold. Having a soggy basement due to flood, leaky pipes or walls is a serious problem to consider, as it favors mold and mildews to flourish in your vicinity. Therefore, to avoid this, you should learn how to deal with water damage.

2. Buying a New House

When planning to purchase a new house, make sure it has no trace of mold. After all, buying a new house is a matter of big investment. No one would ever like to move into a home where he/she has to pay a handsome amount for the previous and recurrent mold issues.

3. Unoccupied or Vacant House

If you have left your house closed for several months or years, this will give mold a brighter chance to grow and expand by dint of moisture build-up in the vacant house.

How to Choose the Best Mold Inspectors?

 

Undoubtedly, hiring a professional mold inspector is a difficult task. But don’t worry! We’re here to guide how you to find the best mold experts in your region.

1. Do Extensive Research on the Professionals

Take some time out and search for the experts near you on the internet. Explore their website to find some useful information about their service. Initially, make a list of mold inspectors and pen down their costing as well as contact information.

2. Narrow Down your Options with Best Reviews and Ratings

From the catalog, shortlist the ones with the best ratings and reviews. This will help you know about their credibility. Reading the reviews of people that have already taken their service will pop up the satisfaction element in your head.

3. Investigate About the Professional Inspection Equipment and Procedures

Find out whether the person you are hiring inspects homes for mold as a part-time or full-time job. Focus on his work experience. The more experienced, the better it is.

Skilled mold inspectors have a well-documented checklist. They put forth their inspection plan and also explain the protocols included in the entire process.

Some of the standard procedures are as follows:

1. Scrutinizing the home for leaks and water stains
2. Checking the bathrooms and kitchens for moisture accumulation
3. Looking for the signs of mold behind the walls

Make sure the mold removal specialist is well-equipped with different tools that serve to diagnose the problem. Some tools that a pro should possess are:

1. Moisture meter
2. Air quality pump
3. Swabs
4. Specialized brushes
5. Flashlight
6. Hygrometer
7. Camera

Ask Several Critical Questions Before Hiring

To make the best choice, ask your inspector a few crucial questions before he begins to work for you.

1. Which steps do you use for mold remediation?
2. How many mold remediation procedures you have dealt with in the past six months?
3. What type of mold testing is included in your package?
4. How do you analyze samples?
5. Where is your laboratory located?
6. How long will you take to inspect and test?
7. What type of report will you provide?
8. What is your rough budget?
9. In conjunction with mold inspection, do you also offer remediation and restoration service?
10. Do you have any certification?

A good consultant will, in turn, ask you a few questions to become conversant with the severity of the issue.

1. How long have you owned the property?
2. Have you ever noticed any water leaks?
3. Have you ever experienced any flooding or sewer backups?
4. Do you have a damp basement?
5. Are there sump pumps installed in your house?

Is it Worth Conducting Mold Testing?

Mold testing is all about identifying the species of mold inhabiting your place as well as knowing about the spore count in your indoor air. It’s recommended to have mold testing performed by a certified trainer who is experienced at collecting and analyzing mold samples.

Types of Mold Tests:

To get a clear picture of the mold problem, testing at different time intervals can yield precise results. The three main types of tests employed are given below:

1. Air quality testing

This test informs you about the concentration of mold spores in the air. Air samples are tested for mold colonies which are then microscopically examined.

2. Surface Testing

This test is carried out by taking swab samples from mold-infected surfaces. After remediation, surface testing can help you know whether the surface has been cleaned up properly or not by checking the spore number.

3. Bulk Testing

It involves collecting thin sections of the affected materials. The materials are then checked for mold growth in the laboratory.

Remediation Plan

If the inspection for mold turns out to be positive, the next step is to work for a mold remediation strategy. Identifying the source of moisture accumulating in your home can do a great deal in remediating the problem with great efficiency.

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The hard (non-porous) surfaces must be scrubbed and washed with cleaning agents. Soft or porous surfaces ought to be cut out or replaced altogether.

How to Prevent Mold?

Controlling moisture is directly proportional to controlling mold. Below are given some of the great tips to prevent the mold from returning:

1. Repair water leaks whenever detected.
2. Clean & dry everything within less than 24 hours otherwise mold will find a way to grow back.
3. Control humidity levels by fitting exhaust fans and dehumidifiers.
4. Allow proper ventilation and airflow.

Conclusion:

Mold is inevitable. Inhaling mold spores for longer time periods can cause serious health complications. Wherever there is dampness, mold is present. In case you are planning to purchase a property, it’s best to hire a mold inspector.

Dry Effect is one of the most trusted companies in Cincinnati, that provides mold inspection, testing, removal, and remediation services. Get in touch with us know & we will provide you the best solution with 5-years mold-free guarantee.