It is advisable that you deal with the mold growth in your home as soon as you discover this in some parts of your home, whether in the basement, attic, or on the walls of your bedrooms. Since the treatment could be a potential health risk, it is advisable that you get the help of a professional in assessing the mold in large areas, while the small spots of mold can be handled using DIY methods yourself.
A qualified professional is advisable to be contacted so that there is proper mold inspection and that the type of mold is established with the kind of repairs to be undertaken. Be aware that there are many mold inspectors in the industry, but it is better to choose the best professional that you can afford, and not just look at the cost of the services, especially this is a potentially serious situation.
Mold inspection would involve identifying any condition around your property which would show mold growth, and to pinpoint problem areas like water damage, odours, signs of fungal growth and so on. Not only the inside, but also the outside of your property, that the mold inspector will conduct inspection on the exteriors of your property for some signs of water damage, leaks and broken pipes, broken gutters, and others that could be the sources.
After performing the initial inspection visually, the mold inspector will then measure the moisture levels in the walls of your property. Further, the mold inspector will perform measurement of the moisture levels at intervals of about two feet, where special attention is paid in areas under sinks, around water heaters, and anywhere the presence of water source is observed. To show the level of moisture level present, the measurement of moisture is being done using a special meter with two small pins being inserted into the bottom part of the wall. Be informed that the acceptable level of the moisture is 15% or below.
To identify the type of mold, especially where there is a visible mold growth, samples can be taken. After 3-4 days, expect the mold inspector to give you a report about the results.
One important thing to do before the arrival of the inspector who will conduct the mold inspection, is to keep doors and windows closed for a duration of 12 to 24 hours. This procedure will then make the results of the mold inspection as accurate as possible. In this manner, the air samples will not contain the air from the outside and the mold inspector can detect odours.