home inspection

Home Mold Detection Basics

If you suspect that mold is in your home you should have a professional mold detection service perform testing as soon as possible. While some molds are benign there are other species of mold that can be toxic and dangerous, particularly to pets, children and adults with weakened immune systems or allergies. While a professional mold detection expert is recommended, there are some preliminary steps you can take to determine if mold is present inside your home.

Mold needs moisture to grow and thrive. Begin your mold survey by examining moist portions of your home. This especially includes bathrooms, kitchens and around air conditioning units. However, don’t ignore the potential of leaks around windows and doors or even in the roof. Anywhere moisture can get into a home is a potential home for mold.

If you smell an earthy or musty smell anywhere in the home and you don’t see any damp areas you will need to have this area examined by a mold detection professional. They will be able to use testing equipment to detect the mold and determine if it is toxic or not. Likewise, if a particular room in your home causes allergic symptoms, such as itchy eyes and sneezing, this room should be inspected too.

Since mold is the root cause of many respiratory problems or allergies it is important to have a professional mold detection done by a mold detection service when any potential exists for water damage, water infiltration into the home and other moisture based damage. Failing to do so can put your health and the health of your family at risk. For this reason it is quite essential to your family’s health to hire a professional mold detection expert, sometimes referred to as an environmental consultant, who works for a local certified mold detection service to inspect your home to insure that it is free of dangerous molds and their spores.