Mold is the silent killer for a lot of homeowners in the Avondale area. The last thing you want is mold, which is why your home's safety and overall health are in danger. To help with this, you'll need reliable mold inspection Avondale professionals to give you tips and tricks on how to spot mold and what to do about it. Luckily, INX Indoor Air Quality is all too familiar with these issues and can help you with all things mold. Read on for more!
Home Buyer Mold Inspection Checklist for the Home Exterior
It's nice to have a checklist of things you'll need to look out for in regards to mold. There are a lot of places you wouldn't initially think about when doing mold inspections or mold testing Avondale so here are some places we think need attention before you even step inside your home.
Leaks in Roof
Roofs leak. It's nothing new, but when water enters the roof, it becomes a prime spot for mold growth. Start your inspection by checking the roof for broken or missing shingles and other signs of water seepage.
Visible Foundation Patches or Cracks
Apart from the roof, the home's foundation is another common entry point for water. Examine the foundation for visible cracks or recent patches that might allow water to enter and cause mold issues.
Improper Grading
When rainwater lands on the ground, it naturally flows downhill to the lowest elevation point. If that low point is your home's foundation, you could face water damage and mold problems in the future. Ensure the landscape grading directs water away from the home.
Water Damage on Outside of Home
Inspect the home’s exterior for any signs of water damage. Look for warped or discolored siding, peeling or bubbling paint, cracked bricks and mortar, and clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts.
Trees or Large Greenery
Large trees with extensive root systems can cause significant issues if their roots damage your home's pipes or foundation. Ensure that no roots are compromising the structural integrity of your property.
Home Buyer Mold Inspection Checklist for the Home Interior
Now for the inside! While some areas inside the home are more prone to mold growth, a musty or rotten smell anywhere is a likely indication of mold. Even if you don't smell anything, here are key areas to inspect:
Walls or Ceilings with Water Marks
Mold thrives in moisture. Check for watermarks and discoloration on ceilings and walls, and look for damp spots on and under carpeting.
Window Frames
Window frames are hotspots for water intrusion and mold growth. Inspect all windows, paying special attention to corners and bottoms to ensure proper sealing and no wet spots.
Cabinets and Shelves in the Kitchen
The kitchen is the top place for mold growth. With all that water and appliances running, mold is bound to occur. The dark, poorly ventilated environment of kitchen cabinets makes them perfect for mold growth. Thoroughly check all cabinetry for dryness.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms often have poor ventilation and excess moisture, making them common places for mold. Inspect all cabinets, plumbing, windows, exhaust fans, tiles, grout, and caulking for cracks or leaks.
Attics
If a home's roof leaks, the water often ends up in the attic. The combination of moisture and poor ventilation makes attics prime spots for mold. Inspect the attic to ensure water isn't getting through, even if the exterior roof looks undamaged.
Basements
Basements are usually the first place people go to for mold inspections. Leaks in the home's foundation usually lead to water in the basement. Whether finished or not, check basements for signs of water intrusion, damage, and mold growth.
Ductwork
Mold can thrive in a home's ductwork, especially if previous owners neglected HVAC maintenance and regular duct cleaning. Check the ductwork to prevent mold spores from spreading once you use heating or air conditioning.
Why You Should Not Ignore Your Mold Problems
Mold may seem very minuscule, but if ignored, it can cause long-lasting damage to your home and, more importantly, your health. It's important to find mold as soon as it occurs. If you don't find mold in time, it can hurt the house's structural integrity. Which, standard foundational problems are very costly to repair in general. Also, with your health, mold can cause coughing, breathing difficulties, congestion, and eye and skin irritation. In severe cases, it can lead to asthma. So think again if you spot a small instance of mold because it could be a life-or-death situation.
INX Indoor Air Quality's Promise to You
There aren't a lot of companies in the Avondale area that are as great as INX Indoor Air Quality. We have more than a handful of experience in mold inspections, removal, and overall mold remediation Avondale. Our goal is to give you the best air quality possible, and to do this is, to make sure your home is mold-free. We promise to use all our expertise to give you peace of mind about your family, business, and property. It would be our honor and privilege to serve you.
Summary
If you're buying a home in Avondale, a thorough mold inspection is essential for safeguarding your investment and health. For professional mold inspection and remediation services, trust INX Indoor Air Quality. Contact us today to ensure your new home is mold-free. Also, take a look at some of our informational blogs on tips and tricks for handling mold in homes.
