Seeing small amounts of mold in your home is only sometimes an official way of mold testing. There are things that you'll have to do as a homeowner to understand how mold testing works and if there is actual mold in your home. Once you've read this blog, you should be fully educated on why mold testing matters, what to look out for, and how you can go from there with professionals like INX Indoor Air Quality. Read on for more!
Why Mold Testing Matters
If you don't know the mold situation in your home, it can put you and your loved ones at risk. Mold isn't just a nuisance; it can cause damage to your home's structure and affect the people living inside. Here are some things that are essential for mold testing.
Health Can Be Protected
As we've mentioned, mold can be dangerous. It is so dangerous, in fact, that certain types of mold, like black mold, are super bad for your health. What’s more, mold can remain hidden within ceilings, walls, and HVAC units and systems, releasing spores that can compromise indoor air quality without visible signs.
Retains Property Value and Structure
Over time, mold can put a hurting on your residence. Many homeowners or home buyers have suffered from structure damage and more when mold is thriving without them knowing about it. Early detection through mold testing can save you significant repair costs down the road by catching mold growth before it spreads uncontrollably.
The Role of Professional Mold Testers
Why bring more people into the mix? Well, professional mold testers like INX Indoor Air know precisely how to do it and what to look out for. We put those DIY mold kits to shame with our high-grade equipment and years of knowledge. Also, we do things like infrared imaging, lab testing, and more for mold remediation to make sure we know not only what kind of mold you have but also how bad it is and how we can make sure it never comes back. Finally, we can also look in areas that are entirely hidden or unable to see with the naked eye. You can't get that kind of service anywhere else.
Common Misconceptions About Mold Testing
What do most people think about mold testing? You'd be surprised by the multitude of common misconceptions average homeowners have about mold, more specifically, mold testing. Read below some of the most popular ones we've come across.
Only Visible Mold is a Threat
If you can see it, then it's there. Mold isn't always visible, and most of the time, if homeowners don't see it, they don't think about it. This is why mold testing is essential because it can find this hidden mold growth. Mold spores lingering in ductwork or behind drywall—are just as harmful and require specialized equipment to detect.
DIY Kits Are All You Need
DIY mold kits are the bane of our existence as professional mold removers. These kits only really give someone basic results but have no sense of accuracy or depth as far as expert testing goes. Misinterpreted results can lead to either panic or a false sense of security, delaying proper remediation.
Only Test for Mold After a Flood
People think that after a natural disaster like a flood, mold will more than likely be present. While this is somewhat true, you should always be testing for mold. Humidity levels can occur at any point of the year, so routine testing is critical in these environments.
Testing and Inspection Are the Same
Mold testing involves collecting samples to analyze the concentration and type of mold present. On the other hand, mold inspection focuses on identifying the source and extent of mold growth. While different, these processes complement each other and may be required for a complete evaluation.
Way Too Pricey
People huff and puff about how expensive mold testing is, but when you think about the destruction mold can do to your home and your health, you may think twice. Mold testing is a relatively small investment with significant long-term returns.
How to Choose the Right Mold Testing Service
So, now that you're sold on mold testing, where do you go from here? The right mold testing service can sometimes take time to find, depending on where you live. Here are some tips we have to help you make the right choice:
Look for Accreditation
Always try to seek out if the companies you're looking into are certified or have some accreditation. For instance, there are the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and the National Association of Mold Remediators and Inspectors (NAMRI).
Find Out What Their Methods Are
Ask about the tools and technologies they use. Advanced equipment like DNA-based tests or infrared cameras ensures more accurate results.
Check Their Brand's Feedback
The easiest thing you can do to check out a company to see if they're trustworthy is to see what previous customers have said in testimonials or recent reviews. Most reliable companies will have tons of positive reviews highlighting their thoroughness and professionalism.
Look At The Costs
Be wary of services that seem too cheap – they may cut corners. Make sure you understand what’s included in the testing fees.
Summary
Mold testing is more than just a safety measure—it invests in health, property, and peace of mind. Whether you're a homeowner seeking clean air for your family or a property manager ensuring tenant satisfaction, mold testing is critical in maintaining a healthy indoor environment. If you're ready to get started, you can contact INX Indoor Air Quality today. Together, let's identify and tackle mold issues proactively so you can breathe easier—literally and figuratively.
