Mold

Mold in crawlspace

Although mold spores are present throughout the air and easily grow in houses to some degree, excessive growth is a problem that can affect the health of the occupants and damage the property. All Star can take samples for mold testing. If you suspect excessive mold growth or want assurance that your home is safe for your family, please schedule a mold test with your home inspection.

Red Flags

  • Musty odors: Your first impression of the smell of a building or basement is a good assessment measure. If the smell is musty, there is almost assuredly mold present.
  • Visible mold: Many times only a small portion of the total mold growth may be seen on a wall, floor or ceiling. This may be indicative of a larger growth mass behind the surface out of sight.
  • Water signs: Mold requires water for growth. Leakage of water from plumbing pipes, air conditioners, foundations and roofs for example, can result in excessive mold growth.
  • Respiratory problems: Some people will react to the presence of mold by experiencing respiratory problems. Excessive coughing inside a building or difficulty breathing are indicators that something is not right.
















Mold Testing  Mold Testing 2

Testing for Mold

Contact Samples: When mold is visible, people may want to know, “What type of mold is this?” or “Will this mold be harmful to my family and guests?” The answers to these questions can be determined by taking a mold sample and having it analyzed by a mycologist. Samples of the visible mold can be taken with swabs or tape directly from the growth mass, placed in special carriers and shipped to the lab for analysis.

Air Samples: The presence of musty odors and small or no visible mold growth would be a typical scenario for testing with air samples. Mostly people want to know what kinds of molds exist in the house and if they exist to a significant level in the living space. An air sample is the best way to test to answer these questions. Two 25 liter (6.6 gallon) air samples are run through an extremely fine porosity filter; one air sample from within the house and the other from outside. Analysis of the filters by the mycology lab will tell the quantities and types of mold present, the report will also tell if there is a significant quantity and the effects these molds will have on people.

Remeditating Mold

The EPA has set up guidelines for the remediation of mold. See A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home. Generally, if the mold occupies an area ten square feet or less, a homeowner can remediate this situation themselves with a moldicide. A homebrew moldicide commonly used is a 10% bleach solution with a couple of drops of detergent (to help kill the spores). There are commercial moldicides available (Sporicidin comes to mind) which are more effective.

In situations where mold growth exceeds 10 square feet or the growth may have manifested behind walls, floors or ceilings, professional remediation is recommended.

More Info To Come!