Mold Inspection and Testing Services

Mold is a term used to describe fungal materials found on wet building materials. Mold growth frequently occurs when three key conditions are present: temperature, humidity, and a food source. Although the temperature range for mold propagation varies based on the species, most fungal species associated with indoor mold grow well at temperatures between 60 °F - 80 °F.

Elevated humidity levels greater than 60% relative humidity (RH) significantly contribute to mold growth, resulting in potentially harmful mold contamination. Factors such as poor ventilation, flooded crawl spaces, improper drying after water damage, and everyday activities like cooking, using dishwashers, doing laundry, and showering without an exhaust fan can lead to high indoor humidity levels.

Mold feeds on organic materials, which include wood, wallpaper, fabric, and particularly cellulose in paperbacked sheetrock. Often hidden from sight, mold can grow behind baseboards and inside walls without being visible on the exterior surfaces. Mold begins to develop on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. If you suspect mold growth but are uncertain, the best course of action is to contact a professional for mold testing. They will assess moisture and humidity levels while identifying any visible mold present. Airborne fungal contamination refers to unhealthy concentrations of mold spores in the air.

Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye, and their levels can quickly rise to thousands of spores per cubic meter where fungal growth occurs. Common mold species identified in cases of airborne fungal contamination include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys (commonly known as black mold), Chaetomium, and Alternaria. Adverse health effects associated with airborne fungal contamination include respiratory infections, asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM), allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS), and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP).

Visible mold requires removal through a process known as mold remediation. This should be performed by a professional mold remediation contractor within a containment area to limit the spread of mold spores into the living environment. Inside the containment, mold-impacted materials are carefully removed, and the air is purified using HEPA filters to restore normal mold spore levels.

After the mold has been effectively removed, the containment area is tested by a qualified mold inspector to verify that the air is free from mold spores and safe to breathe. This procedure is referred to as Post Remediation Verification (PRV). Mold spore counts inside the containment are compared to outdoor mold spore counts to ensure they are equivalent to naturally occurring levels.

We are licensed and certified for all aspects of mold inspection and mold testing. We collaborate with remediation and insurance companies. Call us when you need professional mold inspection, mold testing, or mold sampling.