Mold Inspections and Home Maintenance

At SMR a mold inspection starts as a home inspection, which is a non-invasive, visual examination of the home's interior and exterior, and its various systems and components.  

The scope of a mold inspection requires particular knowledge of HVAC systems, roofs, the exterior, and plumbing systems. Musty odors, moisture intrusion via a roof or plumbing leak, or even evidence of suspected mold can warrant a mold inspection. 

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Once mold gets a foothold, it cannot always be completely eradicated, so the best cure is prevention. Homeowners must be vigilant about checking for leaks both inside and outside, and making sure their home is free of conducive conditions – the main culprit being water. For instance, firewood stacked up against the side of the house can retain moisture from dew, rain and snow. Leaks should be fixed as soon as possible. And indoor humidity and moisture should be controlled by making sure appliances, such as the clothes dryer and dishwasher, are vented properly, and that the vents themselves are operating as they should. Windows are another place prone to mold growth if the frames are old and damaged, or the seals on the panes have failed. And basements and crawlspaces are notorious breeding grounds for mold, especially if they're used only for storage, the windows are old or damaged, and/or the area experiences occasional flooding. All of these things fall under the category of home maintenance, which InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspectors® can educate their clients about.

Testing

Mold testing involves two main methods: air sampling and surface sampling. Both types require analysis by a certified laboratory. In some cases, the local health department can test the mold samples. But it's more common for a private lab to perform the analysis and generate the results in a report.