Mold inspections, whether in a commercial building or home environment, are an essential part of taking care of the people who use the premises. If it’s your commercial building and the employees who work there are in danger, a mold problem can open you up to a lawsuit. Naturally, there is also the human element and caring culture of your business to consider.
In your home, you want your family to receive the best care possible and be safe. Inspecting for mold, even if you only suspect a “small problem”, can be one of the most important moves you make.
But what should you expect if you schedule a professional mold inspection? We are going to run through the basics, so you know what’s coming when the mold inspector calls.
Mold Inspections – Elements and Objectives
Mold inspection objectives consist of two relatively broad factors. These are:
- Assess exposure potentials for occupants.
- Regarding the indoor environment, assess its condition.
There are five elements within these objectives that are considered basic. They are:
- Inspect the site.
- Record any history of incidents.
- Execute a detailed inspection visually.
- Interview the occupant.
- Have a plan for sampling.
Mold Inspectors And Their Inspection
Very generally speaking, the person that is inspecting for mold will have a detailed conversation with the owner of the property.
- In the past, has there been any water damage?
- If you had any moisture problems, where have they been?
- Have you actually seen mold?
Following this, looking in particular at mold prone areas, the entire house will be gone over thoroughly by the inspector. Inspections of both the interior and exterior of your home are common because water can start to enter your home from out-of-doors. It can also, however, be a plumbing leak or problem.
What You Shouldn’t Do
If you’ve noticed mold growth, no matter how tidy you like your household, do not clean it up before the inspector gets there. It’s going to be vital for them to see the mold for themselves so that they can try to determine the cause/origin. Any water stains should also be left if possible, for the very same reason. Water stains mean moisture, moisture means mold.
Even though you’re concerned about the health of your family, before the inspection, air quality aids should be shut off and extra ventilation avoided. Try not to move anything around, either. If mold is growing on the side of a piece of furniture, its location could be crucial to finding the source of the mold problem.
Expect out-of-the-way places of your home to be accessed. This can include basements, crawlspaces, attics, and any boarded off sections that may exist. The inspector will want to look at every available possibility for mold origins throughout your entire building.
Expect the Best from Iris Environmental Laboratories
For one of the most reliable methods of getting rid of mold, start by contacting Iris Environmental Laboratories! To get the ball rolling on your mold remediation, so you know where and how to start the process, we will execute a thorough mold inspection and provide you with a full report.
To find out more about our mold inspections (or asbestos inspections), give us a call at 1800-908-6679. You can also fill out our online form. One of our consultants will be happy to contact you.