Wondering if you should have a mold test performed at your home or business? It really depends on your situation. Many mold remediation companies will tell you that you need a mold inspection, but the reality is that if you see visible mold, a mold inspection may not be necessary. Sometimes, mold remediation companies will require a mold inspection test anyway as proof to insurance companies that mold remediation work was necessary.
In general though, it is a good idea to have a regular mold inspection just to ensure that the environment in your home or business is safe for your family or employees.
When Should I Have a Mold Inspection?
There are several instances where you should have a mold inspection, including:- There have been plumbing leaks or other water issues such as flooding at your property, elevating the risk of mold growth in walls, carpets, in vents, or in subsurface flooring.
- When mold is not visible, but the smell of mold is present. A mold inspection can help you accurately determine whether mold actually exists, how much, and where it is located.
- After you’ve had mold remediated, having a follow up mold test to ensure the mold is actually gone is a good idea.
- Ongoing health concerns are another reason to have a mold inspection. If you, your employees, or family members have persistent health issues with no definitive cause being pinpointed, it may have a good idea to have a mold test. Mold can cause a wide variety of negative health effects, so a mold test can help determine if mold is the root cause or if something else is at fault.
- If you are in the process of buying a property, you should always have a mold inspection to ensure that you are not purchasing a property with a potentially major (and expensive) problem.
- Lastly, if you are simply interested in the indoor air quality of your home or business, a mold test can be a good way to determine how healthy the air you are breathing in is.
What a Mold Test Should Include
A professional mold test should include four types of inspections and tests:- Visual Inspection
- Environmental Assessment
- Surface Sampling
- Air Quality Analysis