How to Test for Mold, Plus Next Steps

There are a few contaminants you never want to be dealing with around your home or any other building, and mold is at or near the top of the list. Knowing when mold is present is an important part of keeping it away, and mold testing is a major part of this – how is mold tested for, and what should your next steps be if mold is discovered in your home or building?

At Aerolite Consulting, we’re proud to offer quality mold testing, asbestos testing and other forms of environmental contaminant testing along with our home inspection services, which we provide to clients around SLC, Provo, Orem, St. George and other parts of Utah. Here are some of the methods used when it comes to how to test for mold in the home, plus what your next steps will be if mold is discovered depending on your situation.

Why Mold is Problematic

Before we get into how mold is tested for, it’s important to understand why it’s such a major issue. Mold can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from minor respiratory issues all the way up to serious illnesses and even death in some rare cases.

Additionally, mold feeds on organic materials like wood, drywall and paper products, meaning that if left unchecked it can cause extensive damage to your home’s structure. This can lead to costly repairs and even potentially unsafe living conditions.

Physical Inspection

The first step in mold testing is usually a physical inspection of the property. A qualified inspector will check for visible signs of mold growth, including discoloration, musty odors, or any other telltale signs.

During this inspection, the inspector may use specialized equipment such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera to help identify potential problem areas that could be conducive to mold growth.

Air Sampling

If there is suspicion of hidden mold growth, air sampling may be recommended. This involves taking samples of the air in different areas of the home and sending them to a lab for analysis. The results will indicate the type and concentration of mold spores present in the air.

For any mold testing to be accurate, it’s important to take samples from both indoor and outdoor environments to establish a baseline for comparison.

Surface Sampling

Surface sampling involves collecting physical samples from surfaces in the home suspected of having mold growth. These samples are then sent to a lab for analysis, which will determine the type and concentration of mold present.

Covering All Possible Risk Areas

During any of these testing methods, it’s important to take samples from all possible risk areas in the home. This includes areas with high moisture levels, hidden mold growth behind walls or under flooring, and even inside air ducts.

When our team at Aerolite Consulting conducts mold testing, we leave no stone unturned to ensure that all potential problem areas are identified and addressed.

Next Steps if Mold is Discovered

If mold is discovered in your home or building, the next steps will depend on the severity of the situation – and on your particular situation as well. Some examples:

• If you’re selling: If you’re in the process of selling your home and mold is discovered during an inspection, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. This may involve hiring a remediation company to remove the mold before putting your home back on the market.
• If you’re buying: On the other side of things, if you’re in the process of purchasing a home and mold is discovered, it’s important to negotiate with the seller for remediation before finalizing the sale.
• If you’re living in a rental property: If you’re renting a property and mold is discovered, it’s important to notify your landlord immediately. They are responsible for addressing any mold issues and ensuring the safety of their tenants.

Regardless of the situation, it’s crucial to address mold issues as soon as possible to prevent any further damage and potential health risks. At Aerolite Consulting, we offer comprehensive mold testing services to help you identify and address any mold problems in your home or building. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and ensure the safety of your property.