Mold

MOLD INSPECTIONS & MOLD TESTING

Mold inspections and mold testing are two distinctive services that work in conjunction with each other to confirm or rule out indoor mold growth. The following information will help you understand the difference between these two services and what you can expect to learn from each one. 

What Is A Mold Inspection?

AMI mold inspections are non-invasive, non-destructive visual inspections for mold and conditions that cause mold.

Non-Invasive means we do not cut open walls, tear up floors, rip out cabinets, etc. W.E.T. inspections are technology-based using state-of-the-art inspection equipment such as infrared cameras and moisture detection instruments to avoid destructive inspection procedures. If your mold inspection is not conducted with infrared thermal imaging, your inspection is inconclusive.

Mold and Conditions That Cause Mold means the inspection focuses on more than just obvious mold growth. We inspect the interior and exterior of the structure for any conditions that are commonly associated with indoor mold growth.

Even with the latest and greatest technology available, a non-invasive inspection can have certain limitations. As a rule, identifying mold problems and their source is fairly straightforward and can be done with just a cursory visual inspection. Other times however, a red flag or suspicious condition is detected, such as water damage, high moisture retention in a wall, etc., but no visible mold growth is seen. At that point the visual inspection has reached its limitation. That’s where testing comes in. 

What Is Mold Testing?

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

  1. To assess the likelihood that mold growth has occurred in suspect areas that are not visible at the time of inspection.
  2. To assess the probability that indoor mold growth has negatively impacted the indoor air quality of a structure.

In other words; Is mold growing in indoors where it cannot be seen, and is it a health risk?

Mold Sample Types:
There are three primary methods of testing for mold indoors; surface samples, air samples, and dust samples.

The time to test for mold is when you suspect you might have a mold problem. If you smell musty odors indoors, you have a reason to have a mold inspection. If you’ve had a roof leak, a plumbing leak, or a flood (past or present) a mold testing is certainly warranted. Prompt action can mean the difference between an inexpensive repair project or a several thousand dollar mold remediation job and health implications.

In the photo gallery of this text is an example of how hidden mold in a bathroom can cause damage long before it becomes visible. These pictures were taken on an actual W.E.T. inspection.

For more information or to speak with Certified Mold Inspector about how these services apply to your specific situation, call:

(513) 381-6653

Detecting Mold Problems
Any of the following conditions around your property warrant a professional mold inspection:

Frequent Condensation on Window

Cause: Improper window seal, moisture retention inside wall cavities, temperature-humidity regulation.

Consequences: Moisture seeps past window frame and into wall cavity causing water damage and mold growth inside wall.

Surface Mold On Window Sill

Cause: Improper window seal, moisture retention inside wall cavities, temperature-humidity regulation.

Consequences: Moisture seeps past window frame and into wall cavity causing water damage and mold growth inside wall.

Surface Mold Inside Window 

Cause: Improper window seal, moisture retention inside wall cavities, temperature-humidity regulation.

Consequences: Moisture seeps past window frame and into wall cavity causing water damage and mold growth inside wall.

Bathtub/Shower Mold 

Cause: Water leaks due to cracked or inadequately sealed grout, plumbing leaks inside wall, etc.

Consequences: Mold comes back within a few days after cleaning, severe water damage, degradation of construction materials, and mold growth inside wall cavities.

Mold, Dry Rot, Water Damage on Eaves 

Cause: Damaged or improperly installed roofing paper, tiles, etc.

Consequences: Severe water damage, degradation of construction materials, and mold growth spreading under shingles, water damage and mold growth on sub-roof materials.

Roof Leak 

Cause: Damaged or improperly installed shingles, roofing paper, tiles, etc.

Consequences: Severe water damage, degradation of construction materials, and mold growth spreading under shingles, eventual water damage and mold growth on interior construction materials.

Over-exposure to Water on Stucco 

Cause: Poor drainage, excessive ground water, covered weep screed, etc.

Consequences: Degradation of stucco and other construction materials, water damage and mold growth extending into and past wall cavities eventually into the interior of the structure. 

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