If you suspect that there is mold growing somewhere in your home, but you are not sure whether mold is present, you might be wondering what your next steps should be. Many people question whether mold testing is worthwhile, and if so, how it should be done. Some homeowners try to use at home testing kits to detect fungal growth, while others trust the experience of a trained mold inspection professional to get the job done efficiently and accurately. Our fungi inspection experts offer these tips for when and how to test your home for mold and what to do if growth is detected.
When You Should Test Your Home for Mold
When fungal growth is visible, you already know there is a problem and testing is not necessary. On the other hand, when you cannot see any fungal growth but you think there could be some, you have two options. At home do it yourself test kits are one option and professional mold testing is another. There are several signs and symptoms of growing fungi that suggest testing is a good idea. These indicators include:
*Discoloring and stains on walls, ceilings and floors.
*Warped wood.
*Dark stains on grout in the bathroom.
*Mildewy or musty smells around the home.
*An increase in allergy and asthma symptoms or other unexplained health issues such as itching, headaches and a stuffy nose.
*Moisture and water leaks. While not a guarantee of fungal growth, the presence of moisture provides an ideal environment for fungus to grow within the home. A water leak, burst pipe, flood or even just condensation from showering or drafty windows can produce enough moisture for fungi to grow.
*Before buying or selling a home. Make sure that indoor mold levels are within a normal range for indoor environments before committing to the purchase of a new home.
Testing Your Home for Mold: DIY or Calling Professionals?
There is a long standing debate on whether a homeowner should purchase a do it yourself testing kit or hire a trained professional to detect fungal growth. When it comes to the health and safety of you and your family, a professional is always the best solution.
*Mold samples taken yourself could be wrong or contaminated.
*Interpretation of the result requires expertise that most homeowners simply do not have.
*A kit does not include the expertise of a professional’s experienced eyes. A visual inspection of the home is a key step in mold testing.
*Mold is everywhere. Any sample you collect will have some sort of fungus growing in it. Only a professional can determine if the growth is a problem.
*Testing kits do not tell you where the problem is. A professional can tell you.
*A do it yourself kit might lead you to take the wrong type or amount of action to get rid of the home’s fungal growth.
*The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends that testing be performed by a professional.
Once you have determined that the mold growth in your home has reached a dangerous level, the next step to take is to call in a professional for fungus removal. Our trained and experienced mold removal experts have the knowledge and safety equipment to handle these microorganisms in a way that prevents any further exposure to you and your family. If not properly removed, the fungi can release spores that contaminate the entire home and cause serious health conditions or worsen existing respiratory problems. By hiring our experienced service team, you can rest assured knowing that your home and family will be safe from the hazardous effects of fungal growth.