Since mold is visible to the naked eye, it’s tempting to think that mold testing is redundant. After all, if you see mold around your home, there is no question about whether it’s there. Still, visible mold is rarely the extent of the problem. Mold can be hidden behind walls, under floors, even when it’s not visible at all around your home. That’s where professional mold testing comes in.
Here are 5 things mold testing reveals:
- The type of mold – Identifying the type of mold in your home is crucial to a remediation plan. Some mold types can be eradicated through cleaning solutions, while others must be carefully removed by trained professionals. If you try to get rid of mold the wrong way, it can release harmful mold spores into the air, making the problem worse.
- A thorough mold map – Mold testing looks deep beneath the surface to map out where mold is growing. Professional mold inspectors leave no stone unturned in order to get a comprehensive understanding of the infestation.
- Presence of airborne mold spores – Small amounts of mold are normal in the air, but unhealthy levels of airborne mold spores can be hazardous. When you notice mold growing on a surface, further testing is needed to assess your home’s air quality.
- The root cause – It’s tempting to just treat what you can see, but when it comes to mold, the root cause is usually more than what meets the eye. Professional mold inspectors will determine the main cause of the issue and where excess moisture is getting into your home, and they will include solutions as part of your remediation plan.
- A remediation plan – For a mold remediation plan to be effective, all of the above must be assessed. Only after determining the type of mold, its root cause, and the extent of the contamination can you implement a plan to take care of the problem.
