Mold is everywhere, so knowing its potential levels in your home is key to understanding what to do if it is affecting you and your family. Mold may be present in your home at any time of year. Mold levels can increase during a cool, rainy season or on hot, humid days of summer. We hope that the following guidance provided by the experienced home inspection professionals at HomePro Inspections provides you with a better understanding of the dangers of mold and some signs to watch for that may indicate mold testing or mitigation is needed.
Extreme case of mold in a wet basement
What exactly is mold, and where can I find it in my house?
Mold is an organism that exists everywhere. Its role is to break down and decompose dead and decaying materials in nature, and it’s found both indoors and outdoors. Mold is never completely gone, and its presence is a natural part of the environment.
Areas like wet basements, crawlspaces, and poorly ventilated attics are vulnerable to mold, or “microbial growth.” Places with persistent leaks can create conditions that support mold growth. These spaces often have that damp, musty “basement smell." Consider mold testing if you notice or suspect this damp, musty odor in your home.
When and why should you have mold testing conducted?
If you see what appears to be mold in your home, it's important to identify and fix the source and remediate the issue to avoid unnecessary and harmful exposure to your family. Mold testing can verify that the problem has effectively been resolved once the mold has been removed and the source of the issue mitigated.
Exposure to higher levels of mold spores often leads to health problems, and it can affect people differently. Particularly susceptible to the effects of mold are individuals with allergies, compromised immune systems, infants, and the elderly.
Many clients request mold testing when buying new homes, especially if they or family members have asthma or other health issues that can be worsened by high mold levels in the air. They want to ensure the environment is safe before moving in.
Another common reason for testing is when people move into a new home or host visitors who develop health symptoms they haven’t experienced elsewhere. For example, we recently tested the home of a couple whose young grandchild was fine everywhere else in the house except in the basement, where the child developed red, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Here’s a brief overview of our mold testing process.
Any type of mold growing in your home can cause health issues, and responses to mold exposure vary greatly among individuals. If you suspect mold in your home, consider scheduling mold testing. Sometimes, the problem is obvious; other times, testing or sampling is the only way to confirm its presence.
After booking an appointment, our mold technician will visit your home to perform sampling. They will review any concerns you have and inspect potential problem areas.
During testing, we typically perform two types of samples: an air sample, which detects mold spores floating in the air, and a surface swab, which examines mold microbes on surfaces.
It’s important to note that mold testing alone cannot predict how you or your family will react to mold in your home. Identifying and removing the mold source is the best step to protect your loved ones.
How long does mold testing take, and is it accurate?
Our testing usually takes about 30 minutes, including a routine visual inspection. It may take longer if visual issues are present or additional sampling is needed.
Once testing is complete, the samples are sent to a lab for analysis. The lab reports identify the types of molds found, common areas of growth, and symptoms associated with exposure.
Recent advances in microbial testing have significantly improved accuracy, reaching about 99%. When protocols are correctly followed and user error is minimized, labs can reliably determine if mold is present and identify its types.
In Summary
If you suspect there’s a mold problem in your home, it’s wise to have your house tested. Testing helps you decide what to do next, regardless of whether the mold issue is visually obvious or airborne. Mold testing is generally affordable and is an essential first move. Visit our website to learn more or schedule your mold testing in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. Contact HomePro Inspections today at (507) 202-8942, send us an email, or use our online “Schedule Now” feature to set an appointment.