Is Mold Inspection Worth It?

How Is Mold Inspection Done?

There are several ways mold inspectors test for mold. The method used depends on accessibility and owner interviews. Most inspections involve taking air and surface samples. Let's have a look at how a typical mold inspection is done.

1. Visual Mold Inspection

   The first method is to visually look for mold. An expert will know where to look for signs of a mold infestation. Mold inspectors look at sources of moisture such as sinks, drains, roofs, faucets, and water pipes, among others. They also look for mildew inside walls and other areas a regular person would not bother looking.

2. Surface Sampling

   Professional mold inspection services also include sampling various surfaces in and outside a building. This involves inspecting the mold growing on different surfaces.

   There are three methods to inspect mold on surfaces:

   • Bulk Sampling - An inspector physically removes a piece of an area such as a tile and sends it to a lab for testing.
   • Swab Sampling - This is when a cotton swab is rubbed across a surface where mold growth is suspected and the cotton sent for testing in a laboratory. Swab sampling helps inspectors know what type of mold is growing on that surface. After testing, they can know whether the mold is the regular black mold or the toxic black mold.
   • Tape Sampling - This method involves the use of clear tape to test for mold. The tape is pressed on a surface and then removed. The clear tape picks up or removes parts of mold growing on that surface. The tape is then sent to a laboratory for testing.

3. Air Sampling

   Air sampling is one of the other methods inspectors use. It can be done in several ways.

   The most common is the spore trap wherein fungal spores are trapped by a sticky object as air is blown through the surface of the object. Since the air contains a lot of particles, the sticky object is taken to the lab for testing.

   Technicians add stains to the sticky surface to test for mold. Mold spores absorb these stains to identify the type and quantity of mold in that air sample. Air sampling also involves growing or culturing mold spores caught from the air. However, this method is not commonly used since it may take a long time.

   If the test results come back positive, you should proceed to remediate the mold problem. There are many ways to remove mold from surfaces, including thorough cleaning using bleach and other detergents. It can also involve replacing moldy, porous building materials in walls and ceilings with fresh drywall and insulation. Proper air conditioning can also help remedy mold problems.

Professional Mold Inspection

If you have recently rectified a flood or have had mold remediation, you should hire a post-remediation mold inspection to ensure the problem has been completely dealt with. Mold can corrode wood and activate allergens, so mold inspection is important in that it will help you identify the most affected areas, the type of mold present, and the best method to remedy the problem.

With over 10 years of experience, we at O2 Mold Testing are willing and able to offer professional mold inspection to your property all over the country. We have a team of experienced professionals equipped with modern equipment for a mold inspection. Our services include air sampling, surface sampling, visual mold inspection, and moisture and leak detection.