With over 75,000 types of mold in existence, it is not surprising that we find so many in our buildings. They are tiny organisms that produce enzymes to digest organic matter, and spores (similar to seeds), to propagate. They are part of the fungus family, a family shared with mushrooms, yeast, and mildews. Mold plays a key role in the decomposition of plants, wood, and other plant debris.
Where is Mold Found?
Molds thrive in warm and humid conditions, but you can find them year-round in virtually every type of environment, both indoors and outdoors. You’ll find them outdoors in shady, damp areas and places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors you will find them in basements, showers and in other areas where humidity levels are high. It’s worth noting that you can use the terms “mold” and “mildew” interchangeably, although mildew is often applied to growth of fungi on fabrics, window sills or bathroom tiles.
Keep the humidity level in the building between 40% and 55%.
Have adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
Home / Mold Inspection Specialist
A quality home inspection is one of the best investments you can make when buying a new home. Although a traditional home inspection is offered, John Kessel specializes in Mold Inspections & Remediation.
To determine whether the property has a mold problem requiring remediation, Inspector Homes, a division of Custom Interiors, uses a wide variety of mold testing techniques and technologies.
- * The air is sampled via the Anderson Bioaerosol Sampler. Topical samples are taken through the use of swabs. All samples that are taken are overnight mailed to the lab, which takes 7 days to culture. With the exception of a slide sample, which can only detect Stachybotrys without having to culture it for 7 days. (It can be detected immediately by a trained microbiologist.)
- * We also use Fiber Optics for viewing inside walls or other closed structures, and the all important hidden moisture meter to detect excessive moisture in walls, ceilings, and floors.
- * Depending on visual inspection, such as prominent mold growth, we highly recommend sampling. This is the only way to determine if you have colonization of mold spores and what type of mold you actually have.
- * Most mold inspections range between $300.00 and $1000.00.
- * Cost is also based on square footage. Please call for exact pricing. Prices for remediation vary with severity of each project.
Procedures & Costs:
- Visual Mold Inspection & Written Report – $300.00
- Swab Test – $150.00
- Viable Air Test – $200.00
- Lift Test (Stachybotrys) – $75.00
HYDROCARE
The World Wide Proven Technology In Hard Water Treatment
BioShield Services
Offers affordable safe green technology. Protect Yourself, Home & Business from dangerous MRSA and harmful bacteria like Staph, Mold and Mildew.
(231) 392-4085
