Why have a Mold Inspection:
See the Mold Inspection Standards of Practice
Mold needs two things to survive: moisture and a food supply. However, mold is not always able to be seen with the naked eye - it can hide behind drywall, wood, etc.
(See examples of mold caused by unventilated attic space).
- By using a moisture meter, you can see how much moisture is in drywall, wood, and/or masonry.
- The higher the percentage of moisture, the higher the chance of mold.
Three reasons to be concerned about mold indoors:
- Mold can negatively affect your health, with symptoms including allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
- Mold contamination can negatively impact the structural integrity of the building (mold can eat through wood, drywall, etc).
- Mold produces both visual and olefactory negative effects (mold looks and smells bad).
What to do if you have mold:
- the only way to control indoor mold growth is to clean up the existing mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
- To remove mold, use a mold-removing solution for minor cases. For extreme cases, hire a mold remediation specialist to remove the affected areas safely.
What to do to prevent mold:- Vent bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside: use air conditioners and de-humidifiers, increase ventilation and always use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, cleaning, and bathing.
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent future mold growth.
- Add insulation and a vapor barrier to windows, piping, exterior walls, roofs, floors, etc. to reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces.
- Stay away from using carpet in areas where there may be frequent exposure to moisture (i.e. bathrooms, kitchens, basements).
