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Mold is a natural part of our environment. It is in every breath of air we breathe and every part of our homes, businesses, and lives. The mere presence of mold in our environment is normal! In fact, unless you are in a scientifically controlled laboratory setting, it is impossible to have a “zero” or “mold-free” space, inside or out.
What is not normal is having it grow in the indoor environment. Since mold is a naturally occurring living organism, it is virtually impossible to remove entirely; thereby, a correct scale would be acceptable for elevated levels of mold. This is why it is important to have your home or business inspected for mold if you have had any type of water damage scenario. Acceptable levels are at which humans will not experience adverse effects. Elevated levels at any amount require immediate attention. Children, those with chronic conditions (such as COPD), and the elderly are especially affected by mold exposure. Having your location tested for mold can determine if mold remediation services are to be required.
Indoor Air Quality Lab Testing for Mold Spore Levels
We offer indoor air quality laboratory testing and will come to take air samples to determine if your indoor mold spore levels are higher than they should be. Air testing will provide the necessary answers to your mold-related questions. If we determine that you have unsafe levels of mold in your attic, basement, or crawl space, we will recommend mold remediation services to remove and help prevent the future growth of mold. The Three Things Mold Needs To Survive:
- Food for mold is specified as any organic material, such as wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves, and other organic matter. Controlling food sources may not be accessible or a viable option (think framing a house).
- Air is difficult to control.
- Water management is the primary course of mold control. Why? Well typically, when there is a water leak or some other moisture event, the environment changes, and mold can start growing. If mold is lying dormant, then it will immediately grow. Dormant means that the spores have remained within an organic compound, such as a wood stud. It usually takes about 24 – 48 hours for mold to grow enough to be visible to the naked eye. By the time you see it, it is definitely time to be concerned.
You may wonder why mold remediation has become necessary in recent years. There are actually several factors. Awareness has increased, and health conditions not previously understood have now been attributed to mold exposure, and building techniques have changed. Buildings that were constructed “loose” in years past have now become the energy-efficient (“tight”) buildings we know today. Building materials have also changed, allowing more cellulose materials to be used. These factors, along with the way we use our homes, sometimes contribute to increased moisture levels, creating a perfect environment for mold to grow.
Our Mold Inspection and Testing Services in Kansas Include
If you have had water damage to your home, there is always a concern about mold. If you’ve got a crawl space that is not encapsulated, the problem will probably exist there. If you are concerned about mold in your crawl space, a comprehensive crawl space mold inspection is the best place to start.
Attic Mold Inspection and Testing
If you are worried about mold in your attic, having mold testing and inspection performed is the starting point for any suspected mold-related issue. Without mold testing, there’s no way to determine how bad your mold problem is accurately – or if one exists at all. Your attic mold inspection will allow us to determine if you have mold, how bad it is, how to properly get rid of it, and how to prevent it from returning with mold remediation solutions. If you suspect you have mold in your home attic or are concerned about black mold or toxic mold, get in touch with attic inspection companies such as Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair.
Basement Mold Inspection and Testing
When there is any kind of water damage to a home or building with a basement, there is a higher chance that mold can be present due to the nature of the basement. It is important to have a mold inspection performed on your basement to ensure the mold levels are not dangerous. The inspection will help us determine what type of mold is present, which can help us determine a course of action for the remediation plan. If you suspect you have mold growth in your basement or are concerned about black mold or toxic mold, call Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair today.
How To Test For Mold In Crawl Space?
Crawl spaces are prone to mold growth due to high humidity and lack of ventilation. It is essential to conduct regular crawl space mold inspections to prevent mold growth from spreading and causing significant damage to your home. To test for mold in your crawl space, you should hire a professional mold inspection company specializing in mold inspection and remediation.
The first step is to identify any moisture sources causing mold growth. The inspector will then collect mold samples and send them to a laboratory for analysis. Once the type of mold is identified, the inspector can recommend an appropriate course of action, which may include crawl space mold remediation near you.
This process typically involves removing the mold and addressing the underlying moisture issues. If you suspect mold growth in your crawl space, contact a professional mold inspection company immediately to prevent further damage to your home.
What To Expect From Your Mold Inspection?
1. Visual Inspection
A thorough visual inspection is the starting point for every residential or commercial mold assessment. Your mold specialist will be looking for conditions that promote mold growth.
2. Digital Documentation
Documenting our findings through digital imaging is the easiest way for your mold specialist to relay their findings. We’ll take pictures of all the areas of concern so you see exactly what we saw during your mold evaluation.
3. Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging cameras (or infrared cameras) allow us to detect temperature differences in, and sometimes behind, building materials. Why is this important? Because damp or wet building materials are almost always cooler than dry materials – and it’s the temperature difference that the infrared camera detects. This is an invaluable tool in the detection of moisture sources that cause mold growth.
4. Moisture Mapping
Since mold needs moisture to develop and thrive, finding that source of moisture is very important. Moisture mapping basically allows us to locate building materials that are damp or wet enough to support mold growth. Testing for moisture also helps us determine if water leaks have been resolved or if they are actively leaking and can locate where water damage starts and stops.
5. Mold Evaluation Summary
Shortly after your mold evaluation, your specialist will compile all of their findings and generate an easy-to-understand mold evaluation synopsis and scope of work.
6. Scope Of Work
In conjunction with your mold evaluation synopsis, your mold specialist will design a mold remediation plan specific to your property. Your scope of work will include cleanup protocol as well as preventative solutions that are necessary to keep mold from returning.
7. Post-Remediation Testing (If Stated In The Scope Of Work)
Also referred to as clearance testing. This is a specific type of mold testing performed after the remediation is complete. Since we’re removing a biohazard, it’s important to know that the job was done right – the first time. Clearance testing shows that cleanup efforts were successful.
Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair is certified to perform mold inspections and mold testing. If you need a mold inspection or mold removal in your basement, then we will be able to help with an effective and safe approach.
Additional Mold Testing Offered
Airborne and/or Surface Mold Testing
Your mold specialist may suggest taking air samples to determine if your indoor mold spore levels are higher than they should be. Is it just water staining, or is it mold? Surface testing with mold swabs or bio-tape lifts will answer those questions. In many cases, surface testing isn’t necessary if mold growth is visibly obvious.
Air, swab, and tape lift testing are additional testing services we offer at an additional cost and are only done upon request. Testing samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis, and a full report will be provided to you within a few business days. This report shows Elevated (Unacceptable) and Acceptable levels of all findings, as well as spore identification.
Inner Wall Mold Testing
When mold is suspected behind a wall or above a ceiling, those areas should be tested. Today’s mold testing technologies and techniques allow mold specialists to take air and surface samples from wall or ceiling voids easily with very minimal intrusion. This testing will only be done upon request and accessibility is dependent upon material covering.
Health Issues Due to Mold
Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and its health effects is ongoing.
Mold can be a serious problem, leading to health issues and decreased indoor air quality. That’s why it’s essential to schedule a home inspection with a professional inspection company. During any mold inspection, the inspector will visually examine the space for signs of mold growth, identify the cause of the mold, and recommend a course of action to address the problem. With a thorough mold inspection service, you can gain peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and healthy for you and your family.
After we have performed the test, we can accurately determine how bad the mold problem is, if it exists, as well as the best method to perform any type of remediation service to control and prevent the spread of the mold. If you suspect you have mold in your crawl space, basement, or attic or are concerned about black mold or toxic mold, call Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair today.
Mold Inspection & Testing Services Near Kansas
If you’re in need of mold remediation, it’s important to find a reputable company that specializes in mold remediation near you to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. A professional mold remediation company will create a customized plan to address the mold issue.
The plan may include removing any water or moisture sources, repairing any leaks, and removing contaminated materials. The crawl space, basement, and attic will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and a mold inhibitor may be applied to prevent future growth. Contact us to learn more about our services! Our mold services are available in Kansas in Manhattan, Salina, Topeka and McPherson locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re in need of expert mold inspection services, you can place your trust in Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair. We offer comprehensive mold inspection and testing services, carefully examining your property for any indications of mold growth. Following the inspection, we can also provide mold remediation services. Regardless of the size of the mold issue, we are well-prepared to assist both homeowners and businesses. We can nip it in the bud , so the mold does not start growing again.
Follow the steps below to test for mold growth in your home:
- Start off by looking for visible signs of mold growth in your home.
- Molds can have pungent smells, so pay attention to any musty or weird smells inside your home.
- Check the hidden and less accessible spots in your home where molds can thrive.
- Check the areas with the most moisture and humidity.
- Use a mold testing kit to find better results.
- You can always get the help of a professional mold remediation company if you are having a hard time finding or removing mold from your home.
Crawl space mold testing and inspection involves assessing the extent of mold growth in a crawl space area of a property. A professional mold inspector will visually inspect the crawl space, take air and surface samples, and send them to a laboratory for analysis. The testing results will help identify the type of mold present, its concentration, and its potential health risks. Based on the findings, the inspector will make recommendations for mold remediation and guide how to prevent future mold growth in the crawl space.
Universally, no accepted level of mold in a crawl space is considered acceptable. Any presence of mold can cause health problems and structural property damage. It is recommended to identify mold in crawl spaces and address the issues as soon as possible by a professional mold remediation company.
To test for mold in a crawl space, hire a professional mold inspection company to take air samples, swab surfaces, and perform a visual inspection. Alternatively, you can purchase a mold test kit from a hardware or home improvement store. You can follow the instructions to collect samples and send them to a laboratory for analysis. It’s essential to note that DIY mold testing is less accurate than professional testing methods.
At Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair we are proud to stand behind our work. Each service is different, but certain projects have a lifetime warranty.
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Are you seeing indications that your property may need some help? Contact the professionals at Lamunyon today. We are happy to assess the damage, explain what we are seeing and provide you with a free estimate.
