Mold is a severe biological toxin that can potentially create lasting health problems. Many people don’t realize they have a mold infestation in their home. Since mold usually grows in dark spaces, it’s challenging to tell if there’s mold in the walls or the roof.
If you recently had a rainstorm and your home smells a bit stuffy a week or so later, you could have a mold problem. So, how do you know if you have a mold infestation in your home?
The best way to check for mold spores in the air is to order a professional air quality test of your home. A contractor visits your premises with specialized equipment designed to detect the presence of mold spores in the air.
What is an Air Mold Test, and Why do I Need One for My Home?
The air mold test samples the air inside each room, taking a reading of the level of infestation in the air. The machine helps the operator find the problem area in the home and the source of the infestation.
The most common devices used in sampling air inside homes are the impaction sampler and the cassette sampler. Airborne-particle collectors trap spores directly on culture dishes, ready for lab assessment.
How Accurate are Air Mold Tests?
Mold testing is incredibly accurate. However, you have to be careful with some fly-by-night service providers. Some contractors may say you have a mold problem when there is nothing wrong or charge you for double the work they do on your home when removing the mold.
Essentially, it’s challenging for the homeowner to follow up on the work the contractor claims they do to the property. It’s critical to ensure that you work with a professional mold inspection and removal service. Look for companies with a solid reputation and plenty of testimonials on social media.
Top-rated mold inspection services will partner with independent labs to test your air samples. They issuer you with an unbiased, third-party analysis of the air quality in your home.
If they uncover mold infestations, they will sit down with you to explain the best course of action for remediating the air in your property. The contractor will outline the costs involved, and the requirements of the job, promoting transparency with the entire process.
How Does the Lab Examine Mold Samples?
The lab examines the slide spore samples at different magnification rates, ranging from 100x to 1920x. This level of inspection helps the lab technician easily identify the extent of the infestation and the species of mold responsible.
The lab also issues a particle count to the test, with a sliding-scale rating between 400x, 480x, 720x, 1000x, to 1920x.
Work with Trustworthy and Ethical Mold Inspection Service
Look for trustworthy storm damage and mold restoration service provider. Your roofing contractor should have a strong local track record and an understanding of regional environmental factors affecting your home.
They should recommend roofing repairs or replacement and have valid reasons for inspecting your home for mold infestation, with proven results.