Mold inspection is the process of locating and identifying the presence of mold within a home or other type of building. This process is a very important part of home inspection, as the bacteria from mold can lead to serious health problems for anyone living or working within the space. Fortunately, there are ways for homeowners to detect the presence of mold as well as many professional services that can locate toxic mold and also engage in safe and effective mold removal.
With any type of mold inspection, the process often focuses on areas of the space that provide a setting that is ideal for the growth of different types of mold. In many homes and other buildings, this means looking closely at any area that is susceptible to some sort of moisture problem. Basements, attics, windowsills, and enclosed areas that contain water pipes are some examples of places where mold can set up and begin to proliferate if left unchecked.
While homeowners can conduct a mold inspection to find and deal with many types of molds, the task is not always as simple as going with what the eye can see. Since mold can begin to grow and spread before becoming easily visible, it is often necessary to augment any homeowner inspections with a mold inspection conducted by a professional service. This makes it possible to locate and remove dangerous mold before it has a chance to emit spores into air ducts or spread to other areas of the home undetected. Professionals sometimes make use of infrared technology to find these formerly undetectable mold colonies, making it possible to attack the problem while it is still a relatively minor issue.
Once mold is located, the next step in the mold inspection process is the removal of the mold. There are some home remedies for this, such as the use of bleach or other cleaners to kill and remove the residue of the mold. However, when severe mold conditions exist, such as a colony of black mold, it is a good idea to call in professionals. Not only do they have access to chemicals that can remove both the mold and any residue, they will also be able to use equipment to make sure there are no vestiges of the mold left to begin rebuilding the colony.
The frequency for conducting a mold inspection will vary from one location to another, as well as be influenced by the quality of the construction of the building. For example, an older home that is constructed mainly of wood and is located in a humid climate will likely be more susceptible to the development of mold than a newer home built in a dry climate. For guidelines on how often to have your home or place of work inspected for mold, check with local environmental agencies.
