When you're looking at homes, a lot of times, families visualize how they'll live in the house and home. The structure of the home is durable and long-lasting. The biggest thing people looking for homes often overlook or just simply forget is the home has gone through a mold inspection recently. When months like spring come, there tends to be more moisture in the air, and it's prime time for mold growth. Read more on what to do if you're considering a mold inspection in a new home you're looking at and what to do if you're planning to buy in West Chester, PA.
The Importance of a Mold Inspection
If you move into a house and it's infested with mold, it can be pretty expensive to fix. Also, it may be dangerous to breathe. Read below on why mold inspection west chester pa is so important in new homes.
Understanding the Housing Market in West Chester, PA
COVID was hard for everyone, including home buyers. In 2021, most housing prices skyrocketed, creating a seller's market. When homebuyers wanted to buy a house, they tried to forgo home inspections just to get a house as quickly as possible. This was a huge mistake for everyone involved. In this rushed environment, mold inspections are often overlooked, but skipping this step can lead to significant health and financial issues down the line.
What is Mold, and Why Should You Be Concerned?
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments, including basements, crawl spaces, and attics. While some molds are harmless, others can pose serious health risks, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even more severe conditions for immunocompromised individuals. Mold can also significantly decrease the value of a home, making it a critical factor to consider during the buying process.
Signs You May Have Mold in Your Prospective Home
So let's say you just moved in, and you can't seem to find mold in your home. What are some signs to look for?
- Cool or Warm Air: Do you feel the cool air from the crawl space entering your home through the floor or warm air in the summer?
- Water Stains: Have you noticed any water stains or spots around the baseboards?
- Musty Odor: Is there an odd, musty odor coming from the crawl space or other areas?
- Visible Mold: During your preliminary inspection, did you find patches of what looks like dirt, powder, or dust on the floor joists, posts, or subfloors?
- Missing or Sagging Insulation: Have you observed any existing insulation missing or sagging?
- Pests: Are there signs of pests? Pests can create holes that allow moisture to enter, leading to mold growth.
Why a Professional Mold Inspection is Essential
So you may have mold. What is there to do? A lot of times, professional mold inspectors are required to get the mold job done. They have the expertise and equipment needed to identify what mold type it is and how to assess the extent of contamination. No matter how much you clean, you may not get all of the mold out and risk it occurring again. Reliable companies like INX Indoor Air can also pinpoint the source of moisture that's causing mold growth, such as leaks, damaged insulation, or inadequate ventilation.
Deep Analysis
These experts also have methods for analyzing the mold samples in your new home. They can do this by surface sampling or inspecting your HVAC systems. Then, they can send those samples to the lab to see if there is mold present. After knowing what kind of mold it is, it sheds light on what kind of precautions and extraction methods to take.
Health and Safety
As we've mentioned, mold is dangerous. If not addressed properly, it can really affect your health. Professional mold remediation west chester pa ensures that mold spores are effectively removed, reducing the risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and other health concerns.
What to Do If You Find Mold
So you think you found mold, and now what? First, don't panic. There are simple steps to take to attack the mold, and none are too hard to handle.
Surface Sampling
Professionals take samples from various surfaces within the home or school to determine the severity of mold contamination. Then, with their mold testing west chester pa skills, they send it back to the lab for analysis.
HVAC System Inspection and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining HVAC systems can minimize mold-related risks and improve air quality.
Moisture Control
Controlling moisture levels in the home is crucial to preventing mold growth. This can involve repairing leaks, improving insulation, and using dehumidifiers.
Eco-Friendly Mold Cleaners
Using eco-friendly mold cleaners can be safer for the occupants and better for the environment. These products are effective in eliminating mold while containing fewer harmful chemicals.
Best Practices for Mold Prevention
How do you prevent mold from coming back? The biggest mold prevention technique is to keep everything dry and clean. Dehumidifiers are great for maintaining normal humidity levels, as is having your home inspected on a regular basis. This way, if there is mold, the time since the last inspection would deem it less active in your home than if there were no inspections at all.
Summary
With the housing market being chaotic and extremely competitive, it's enticing to get a home as fast as you can. Just be careful when shopping for houses and remember to get proper inspections and mold examinations before buying so that you can have peace of mind living in your dream home. If there is mold, don't fret. Professionals like INX Air Quality can save you money and time and have you breathing easier without the potential health hazards. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you make an informed, safe home-buying decision!
