Mold & Air Quality Testing

As a mold assessment company, we outline the damage to a home or business. We put together the steps for a remediation contractor to follow to bring the property back to normal mold levels. Mold assessors and mold remediators work hand-in-hand on properties as they discuss remediation methods along the way.

Our company will provide an assessment before remediation begins; the restoration contractor then follows the protocol we set forth. We will return once remediation is complete to confirm that all necessary steps have been taken. We will check that all the required materials have been removed and all cleaning has been provided. During this process, we also check if there is any additional damage to be addressed or if anything has been overlooked. We then offer either further suggestions or clearance.

Once the property is cleared, the contractor can begin to put materials such as drywall, flooring, baseboards, and cabinets back in place.

When you have a typical home inspection, the home inspector should check for water staining, discoloration on flooring or walls, and possible leaks. The equipment that an inspector uses will provide the details necessary to see beyond what the naked eye can identify. These tools include infrared thermal imaging cameras and moisture readers. Although a home inspector may find the signs of possible water damage and mold, they can not provide air quality testing. However, we can! We are a licensed mold assessor, mold remediator, and home inspector. Our credentials and experience can bring the comfort needed before moving forward with the purchase of a home or as a general guide to your property.

Mold can be harmful to your health. It can cause allergic reactions, asthma, skin irritation, hypersensitivity and even advanced respiratory diseases in some cases. To prevent further harm to your well being, have your home or business’s indoor air quality tested. We will test for poor indoor ventilation, air contaminates, moisture, mold and bacteria growth as well as thermal conditions.

Of the 1.5 million species of mold in the world, there are two that are critical in our industry: Stachybotrys chartarum (“black mold”) and Aspergillus. Stachybotrys chartarum is usually detected in building materials and caused from moisture or water-damage. Health problems from this type of exposure can escalate from headaches to cancer. In commercial buildings, Stachybotrys chartarum has been linked to a medical condition called the sick building syndrome. Scroll down to view images in our commercial work section where mold has been found hidden behind wallpaper.

Aspergillus can be found in air conditioning units, composting and flood damaged housing or commercial buildings. With Aspergillus, spores are present in the air we breathe. Instead of causing illness they can cause disease for people with a weakened immune system. Aspergillus infection and asthma are some health concerns found with this specie of mold. Mold is known to be particularly dangerous for seniors and infants.

Water and moisture intrusion can be caused in many ways; a leaky pipe, sink or dishwasher overflow, or heavy rain storm. If water damage goes unnoticed or gets trapped underneath hard to reach surfaces, mold can start to grow. Mold can develop in the right environment in as little as 48-72 hours. Mold can be found around windows, in the flooring, ceilings or even in the duct work of your HVAC unit. It can also damage your drywall, wood, insulation and ultimately the structure of the property.