Maryland Mold Inspection and Testing
Mold Inspection and Testing in Westminster, Baltimore, Annapolis, and surrounding areas
Do You Think You May Have Mold?
What is mold? Mold or mould is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. There are many types of mold, and they reproduce by means of microscopic, airborne spores. They are living organisms that, like humans, need water, temperature, warmth, and a food source to survive and reproduce. Molds naturally occur in the outdoors and are useful, productive members of the ecosystem since they help to break down decaying matter. Because their spores become airborne, molds can enter our homes and may become a problem if our home gives them an environment in which to flourish!
Mold damages what it grows on… and the longer it grows, the more damage it can cause! Molds are an essential part of the natural environment. Outdoors, they disintegrate dead, organic matter. But indoors, molds can be a health hazard and potentially toxic and destructive, and their growth should be prevented. This is why you should have your home inspected for mold before you or your family experience health issues or expensive repair problems develop.
MD MOLD INSPECTION & TESTING
Let me inspect your Maryland area home for mold. There are many types of mold, some of which can be big health concerns for your and your family, especially if someone has sensitivity to allergies and/or asthma. Positively confirming the presence of mold and determining the type(s) of mold in your home can only be achieved by taking samples and having them professionally analyzed by a certified laboratory. Mold can start growing indoors when its spores float inside from outdoors and land on surfaces that are damp. Exposure to mold by inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions and irritation to the lungs, eyes, skin, nose and throat.
Protect your investment and your family’s health. Mold that gets established can gradually destroy the things it grows on, including home furnishings and structural components. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid health problems by controlling unwanted moisture intrusion and eliminating potential mold growth. We can inspect your home for mold and the warning signs of mold growth. We can perform Full or Partial Premises Mold Inspection and Testing as a separate, stand-alone service or we can bundle it with your Home Inspection for your convenience.
What if Mold Levels are High?
There is good news – many mold problems can be fixed! If your Baltimore area home has high mold levels, there are ways to fix it. During your mold inspection we will look for and identify possible sources of moisture intrusion into the home which is the key to controlling mold growth and reproduction. Because we open doors and windows in our homes on a regular basis, there is really no such thing as a “mold-free home”. However, homes with high levels of mold spores can be reduced to acceptable and healthier levels. I can help you understand the basics of mold mitigation and explain what you can expect so that you will be informed before seeking the services of a professional mold mitigation contractor. The contractor will survey the home to determine the scope of the mold problem and the proper and necessary steps they will need to take in order to eradicate the mold issues in your home.
If you need to have mold mitigation performed, schedule an independent Mold Test with us afterwards to ensure that the remediation work did in fact reduce the levels of mold spores in your home. And don’t forget to have us re-test your home periodically to ensure your family’s safety!
Bringing Clean Air to Life® IAC2 is the non-profit certifying body for home and building inspectors who have fulfilled certain educational and testing requirements, including those in the area of indoor air quality. Please visit www.IAC2.org for more information.
