When a home falls victim to mold, it’s natural to be curious about what exactly is growing in your space. However, it is also important to know what kind of mold you have been breathing in to ensure it is not toxic to you and your loved ones.
GotRot Mold Inspection
Thankfully, there are a variety of mold testing and sampling services that can be performed by professionals from the Got Rot’s LLC team. Call today for a free consultation from our experienced tradesmen dedicated to keeping your home safe from mold.
Mold inspection services are not limited to simply looking at the potential mold. We will also thoroughly sample your property’s air, investigate it, and determine the exact cause of your mold issue. We can then discuss a plan for cleanup.
Signs of a Mold Problem
It is always best to address a potential mold problem with a professional, and GotRot is happy to help. There are classic signs and symptoms that can point you to dry rot or mold in your home.
- Damp Wood Smell: One of the biggest red flags that your home may have a moisture or mold problem is the musty and damp smell of wet wood.
- Appearance: Wood that has been impacted by moisture, mold, fungus, and dry rot will appear warped, soft, and spongy with flaky, crumbly chunks.
What Should Be Included in a Mold Inspection Seattle, Washington?
There are a few things you should take into account when having a mold inspection completed in Seattle, Washington. Due to Seattle’s wet weather and warm climate, inspecting for mold is of the utmost importance.
A thorough mold inspection should include an investigation of the location of all wet materials, a list of all affected parts of your home, photos and floor plans, results and interpretations from mold lab samples, and detailed protocol and procedures for proper mold remediation and restoration.
GotRot is dedicated to providing you with a thorough mold inspection. We’ll be with you every step of the way, explaining each part of the process up until your home is mold-free.
Why You Should Inspect for Mold
There are a variety of reasons you might want to have your home inspected for mold. Typically, mold tests are performed in conjunction with a mold inspection. This is necessary for a final clearance test or mold remediation verification.
A mold inspection can also be performed to provide documentation that might be needed for legal or insurance purposes. However, there are many reasons why you might want to have a professional service come in to inspect your home for mold.
Health Concerns
Mold growth can have adverse effects on indoor air quality and pose health risks for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. This is especially true for children and the elderly.
Exposure to spores and byproducts of mold growth can lead to respiratory symptoms, allergic reactions, and even more severe health issues in some cases. Identifying and addressing mold growth can help mitigate these health concerns and create a healthier living environment.
Property Damage
Mold growth can cause damage to the structure of a home. Mold can deteriorate building materials such as drywall, wood, and insulation, leading to structural issues and costly repairs.
Additionally, mold can stain surfaces and cause unpleasant odors, impacting the overall aesthetics and value of your property. Early detection and mold remediation can help prevent further damage and preserve the integrity of your home.
Addressing Underlying Moisture Issues
The presence of mold is often an indication of an underlying moisture issue. Because mold requires a moisture source to grow and thrive, leaks, water intrusion, high humidity levels, or inadequate ventilation can lead to a moisture problem—and thus, mold.
Seattle Weather
Seattle and surrounding area homeowners know firsthand just how much of an issue moisture can be. Seattle is renowned for its wet weather characterized by a climate known for its frequent rainfall. While the weather in Seattle contributes to its lush green landscapes and vibrant flora, it also contributes to mold growth.
Dry Rot
This moisture can lead to the development of a fungus that causes dry rot, which can quickly spread and impact the integrity of your home. By investigating and addressing mold growth as soon as possible, homeowners can identify and resolve an underlying issue to prevent future problems.
Prevention of Mold Spread
Mold spores are microscopic and can easily become airborne or spread to other areas of your home. If left unaddressed, mold growth can expand and affect larger portions of your property. To prevent this from happening, timely mold inspection and removal will help contain its spread.
Peace of Mind
Living in a mold-free environment provides peace of mind for homeowners and their families. GotRot is here to help as you take the proactive steps to inspect and address mold issues and create a safe and comfortable living space free from the worries and potential health risks associated with mold growth.
Types of Mold Testing
Mold Spore Air Testing
Mold spore air testing is a method used to determine the concentration and types of mold spores present in the air of your home. This mold testing is typically performed when you are concerned with indoor air quality or suspect mold growth.
First, a professional will evaluate your property for signs of mold growth, moisture issues such as dry rot, and any other conditions that may be contributing to mold development. Based on the assessment, we will determine the best location for air sampling. This sampling strategy may include areas with visible mold growth, musty odors, or those suspected to have hidden mold.
To collect the air samples, we use specialized equipment like an air pump and spore trap. A spore trap is a device that captures mold spores from the air onto a sticky surface—allowing multiple samples to be taken from different locations in your home to get a fully comprehensive understanding of mold’s distribution.
The collected air samples are then sent to a certified lab for analysis. The samples are examined underneath a microscope so that the spores can be identified and counted to determine the concentration and types of mold present in the air.
We will then assess your results to create a plan moving forward to take care of the mold problem in your home. GotRot is dedicated to communicating with our customers each step of the way, and we will work with you to decide on the next steps for mold removal.
Swab Testing
Swab testing for mold is another method used to identify and analyze mold growth in your home. In a swab test, samples are taken from surfaces suspected of containing mold for further analysis.
First, a professional from GotRot will assess your property to identify and select what surfaces are the best choice for swabbing. These are typically surfaces that show visible signs of mold growth or areas suspected of having hidden mold—such as walls, ceilings, and floors.
Next, a sterile swab or sampling tool can be used to collect a sample from the surface area. To most efficiently collect mold samples, the swab should be gently rubbed or rolled across the surface to gather spores, mycelium, or other mold-related materials present.
The swab and collected sample can then be placed into a sterile container or tube to preserve its integrity before being sent to a lab for microscope analysis. Again, once assessed, GotRot can discuss potential next steps for mold removal in your home.
Direct Tape-Lift and Bulk Sampling
Direct tape lifting and bulk sampling are two more methods used for mold sampling and analysis. These methods involve collecting physical samples of suspected mold for lab analysis.
Direct Tape-Lifting
Direct tape lifting is a non-destructive method of mold sampling that involves using adhesive tape to collect mold spores or visible mold growth from surfaces. A clear piece of adhesive tape is pressed against the suspected area before being carefully peeled off.
The tape, which has captured any mold spores, mycelium, or other mold-related materials, is then examined underneath a microscope slide to identify the types of mold present and assess the severity of the contamination.
Bulk Sampling
Bulk sampling, on the other hand, involves collecting physical samples of materials suspected of containing mold. This method is typically used when there is no visible mold growth but there are concerns about hidden mold within a material.
First, a small piece or portion of the suspected material is collected using a sterile knife, scalpel, or other sampling tool. The collected sample is then transported to a lab where it can be analyzed. Culturing and DNA mold testing may also be used.
Because these methods involve the physical study of the mold, they can be thoroughly analyzed in the lab allowing for the most accurate identification process.