Mold is a dangerous, potentially deadly problem that many Americans must deal with in their homes. It’s possible that mold could be growing somewhere in your home without you even knowing it. Mold can be harmless, and mostly unsightly. However, different species can cause serious health issues. Left unchecked, mold can grow to an uncontrollable rate, making it costly and exhausting to fix.
How can you avoid running into a mold infestation? You can have a professional conduct a mold test within your home to ensure you are safe from this dangerous, home-threatening pest.
When DON’T You Need a Mold Test?
The only circumstance in which it is okay to forego a mold test is when the mold is visible within your home. Obviously, you don’t need someone to tell you that you have a problem. When this happens, skip the evaluation and go straight to the solutions. Contact your local home inspection agency in order to conduct a proper mold test.
You should also be made aware that there are multiple types of DIY mold tests that are available in hardware stores. These are a waste of money and time, and such tests should only be conducted by professionals. Why? Well, mold testing kits are inaccurate at best. Every home, to some degree, has mold, and an OTC test will tell you exactly that. However, this doesn’t explain the severity, and doesn’t let you know what you need to do about it. Don’t waste your money–there are some things that just need to be done by professionals!
What Are Signs That You Need a Mold Test?
Mold may be present in your home, so it’s important to have tests done on a regular basis to ensure you aren’t missing anything vitral. However, there are several warning signs to which you should pay attention, as they can mean the difference between early action and an uncontrollable infestation. For example, if you’ve recently experienced a burst pipe or a flooding incident, a mold test is vital. It will show you whether or not the water damage has caused a serious mold issue.
You should also have your home tested for mold when you smell mold, or suspect that something in your home is . If you feel as though you have allergies, but only within your home, it could be a sign of mold. Likewise, your physician may ask you to have your home tested in order to rule out the possibility of mold causing poor health. Health issues like breathing problems can arise from serious mold infestations, even if that mold is invisible to amateur detection.
Are you concerned about whether or not you have a mold issue in your home? Highland Home Inspections is here to help. We’re professionals, and we know exactly how to search for mold in a way that will help protect your family. We use our combined knowledge in the field to track down the source of the problem. Call today to set up your home inspection!