The primary focus of a mold inspection is to find, identify, and locate moisture issues inside the property. Mold inspectors are Certified professionals that are looking for mold conditions and mold growth in the property. Mold is a symptom of moisture intrusion. Water intrusion is the main source of any mold problem. A good mold inspector is trained to find the source of the problem. Mold inspectors use thermal imaging technology to look for moisture intrusion. They also use moisture meters and check for elevated moisture conditions. If stains are visible mold inspectors will swab the area and send the samples to a professional lab. If mold stains are not visible mold inspectors can conduct an indoor air quality test.
An indoor air quality test is completed with an instrument that draws particulates out of the air inside the structure. The inspector will also conduct the same sample outside of the home. These air o cells are then sent to a professional lab for evaluation. If the spore levels match inside and outside we can rule out that the mold is not currently sporing in the property. If there is an elevated count of one spore inside the property this indicates mold growth inside the property. This test is used in circumstances when no visible mold stains are present and also used when stains are present to determine if the mold is sending mycotoxins into the air affecting the air quality. If visible stains are present a mold swab test will be identify the mold but not determine if it is airborne. Mold swabs are rubbed across the surface of the stain and send to a professional lab.
