If you saw any of the horrifying news photos after 2012’s Superstorm Sandy or Hurricane Katrina in 2005, you probably noticed how quickly mold started growing in damaged homes. Fortunately, those types of mold problems are rare, but some houses have mold problems that are not readily apparent. Mold may be hidden under carpet, behind baseboards, or even underneath paint. But mold spores can be identified by trained professionals, even if the visible evidence of mold is absent. Extensive mold problems can make homes dangerous or even uninhabitable, so it is important that mold inspection is a part of the home inspection process.
For homebuyers, a mold inspection can provide important information about moisture conditions and potential mold concerns before purchasing a property. Signs of previous water damage, leaks, repairs, or excess moisture may warrant a closer look, even when mold is not immediately visible.
A home can look clean and well-maintained while still having moisture or mold problems in areas that are difficult to see. Previous plumbing leaks, roof damage, flooding, foundation problems, and other sources of water intrusion can create conditions that allow mold to grow.
A professional inspection can help buyers identify areas that may require further evaluation or testing. This is especially important when there are signs of previous water damage, unexplained odors, staining, or repairs in moisture-prone areas of the home.
Mold inspection by a licensed mold inspector is critical to finding hidden mold in a structure. Some dishonest sellers try to hide mold with spackling or paint, or they may put up new sheetrock over moldy framing. However, mold spores cannot hide from the detection devices mold inspectors use, since microscopic mold spores make it into the air even in the absence of visible mold.
Mold inspectors consider likely sources for mold and evidence that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Inspectors can also look at things like construction permits indicating the type of construction activities that may be used to cover up mold problems.
Although mold is not always visible, there are several signs that may indicate a moisture problem or warrant further inspection:
The absence of these signs does not necessarily rule out a hidden problem, which is why professional evaluation can be valuable when purchasing a home.
The mold inspection process includes:
During the inspection, areas that may be susceptible to moisture and mold are evaluated. Surface and air sampling can provide additional information when mold is suspected but may not be readily visible.
After both the surface and air sampling are completed, they are sent off to a state-of-the-art lab facility for further tests. Once the results are returned from the lab, the report will be analyzed by a licensed inspector.
If the report determines there is mold found in your home, the inspector will develop a mold remediation protocol. This protocol will identify the cause(s) of the mold, steps to remediate it, and future precautions to take.
Various mold abatement processes are used to remove dangerous mold from homes and make them habitable. There are a few circumstances when mold abatement isn’t enough. For example, if black mold is found in a home’s framing (often caused by flood damage), it can’t be removed. The only solution is to remove the moldy structural members and replace them. The cost for these repairs can be quite high if damage is extensive.
Our experienced inspectors at MD Mold Testing are:
We can help you safely and effectively remediate mold, using best-in-class protocols and guidelines. At MD Mold Testing we offer home inspections as well as licensed mold testing throughout the Maryland, DC, northern Virginia, and Delaware region.
The basis for mold infestation is moisture where it doesn’t belong. When water gets into a home through a pipe leak, a hole in the roof, or a cracked foundation, mold can quickly become established and spread. Mold from a drippy shower head can be easily remedied, but mold from a cracked foundation requires special procedures. As long as mold has a supply of moisture, it will continue to thrive, causing mold spores to be released into the air and settle on other surfaces. If there’s enough moisture there, mold will spread further.
For buyers, identifying where unwanted moisture may be entering a home is just as important as identifying mold itself. Common areas and conditions to pay attention to include:
Addressing the underlying source of moisture is an important part of preventing mold from returning after remediation.
Some types of mold are more unsightly than dangerous. However, certain types of mold are toxic and can cause respiratory problems. Mold toxicity causes a variety of symptoms, some of which people may never associate with mold, like muscle aches. Many types of mold aggravate allergies and asthma, so if you experience allergy or asthma symptoms when you visit a property you’re considering buying, make sure that mold inspection is done, either by a home inspector licensed to test for mold, or a separate specialist. Mold inspection is a smart investment, particularly considering the medical costs that can result from illnesses caused by mold.
A standard home inspection evaluates the overall condition of a property, while mold inspection and testing focus specifically on mold, moisture conditions, and areas where mold growth may be present or hidden.
If there are signs of water intrusion, unusual odors, visible growth, or a history of moisture problems, additional mold testing may provide useful information about the property. As noted above, buyers can have mold inspection performed by a home inspector licensed to test for mold or by a separate specialist.
MD Mold Testing offers both home inspections and licensed mold testing, allowing buyers to evaluate potential mold concerns as part of the home-buying process.
In addition to having the property professionally inspected, buyers may want to ask questions about its history, including:
These questions can provide useful context when evaluating a property, particularly when combined with the findings of a professional inspection.
Because mold problems are not always readily apparent, professional inspection can provide additional information about the condition of a home before you buy. Identifying moisture, hidden mold, or previous water damage early can also help you better understand whether additional testing, remediation, or repairs may be needed. MD Mold Testing provides home inspections and licensed mold testing throughout Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia, and Delaware.
Mold inspection can be particularly important when a property shows signs of previous water damage, moisture, musty odors, visible mold, or repairs related to leaks or flooding. Because mold may also be hidden, professional inspection can help identify concerns that may not be apparent during a walkthrough.
Yes. As discussed above, mold may be hidden under carpet, behind baseboards, underneath paint, or behind other building materials. Visible evidence is not always present.
Musty odors, water staining, peeling paint, damp areas, discoloration, and evidence of previous leaks or flooding may indicate a moisture or mold problem that warrants further evaluation.
The mold inspection process may include a visible inspection, surface sampling/testing, and air sampling/testing. Samples are then sent to a laboratory for further testing, and the results are analyzed by a licensed inspector.
If mold is found, a mold remediation protocol can identify the cause of the problem, steps for remediation, and future precautions to take. Depending on the extent of the problem, affected materials may also need to be removed and replaced.
Not necessarily. Buyers should confirm what is included with their home inspection. Mold inspection may be performed by a home inspector licensed to test for mold or by a separate specialist.
Mold can develop anywhere excess moisture is present. Basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, attics, areas around plumbing, and locations affected by roof or foundation leaks are common areas that may require closer attention.
