Why and How To Test for Mold

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Mold testing

Reasons To Consider Mold Testing

Almost all homes have some mold spores in them because mold is a natural part of the environment. However, too much mold can lead to property damage. Proper mold assessment can help you spot mold problems and eliminate them before they become a bigger problem.

Reasons To Test for Mold
Many homeowners have heard conflicting information when it comes to the severity of black mold and other mold issues. There are several reasons you may want to consider testing for mold:

• You need to identify what type of mold you have
• Your home has a musty smell
• You suspect you have mold, but you are not sure where
• To determine if mold removal has been successful

Mold Testing Methods
The three main ways mold assessment is done is by surface, air and bulk testing. Combining these three methods is often advised because each method has positives and negatives.
Air testing measures the concentration of mold spores in the air. This method is useful when you are not sure where mold is growing; however, the results are not always consistent at different times.
Surface testing uses samples from household surfaces to determine how much mold growth there is in various areas of your home. Surface tests can also change over time and can not measure the amount of mold in the air.
When bulk testing is done, material samples are taken from the home and examined for mold. This test can identify whether you have a mold problem and approximate the concentration of mold spores in the home.

Professional or Home Test Kit
Home testing kits for mold and mildew are often unreliable. A professional mold testing company in Santa Ana, CA, can provide you with an accurate assessment of your mold problem.
The longer mold is left untreated, the more property damage it can cause. If you suspect you have a mold issue in your home, mold assessment can help you begin the process of eliminating it.