Mold Testing

Mold is a part of our natural environment, but it’s not a part you want growing in your home! Molds have the potential to cause health problems, produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxic substances. We recommend further evaluation if mold is discovered during the home inspection.

What Does a Mold Inspection Involve?

The mold inspection involves checking for water leakage and for visible mold. The reason for the emphasis on water leakage is that it is the precursor to mold growth. If you have leakage, you will develop mold. The inspection involves checking for leaks from both external sources (from the roof down to the foundation) and internal sources (the plumbing and the HVAC system). If something appears to be mold or if water leakage is discovered, then these areas can be investigated further and more tests run.

What are Surface Samples?

Surface sampling includes swab samples and tape lift samples. Both give much the same information, which is the presence or absence of different mold types. The person taking the surface samples will decide whether it is better to use swab or tape lift samples.

What are Air Samples?

Air samples are taken by using a vacuum pump to draw air through a collection device called a spore trap. They are taken in one or more rooms of the house, and these results are compared with an air sample taken outside. The spore traps are then examined with a microscope to determine quantities of various mold types.

Because air samples give quantities of each mold type found in a sample, it is possible to compare the quantities of each type identified inside and outside and determine if a mold type is growing in the house.