Mold is a serious matter that should not be overlooked or taken lightly. Mold in your home can cause serious health problems for you and your family and should be addressed immediately. Mold can cause symptoms such as frequent headaches, allergies, respiratory issues, skin rashes and a number of other medical related issues. If no signs of visible mold are present, but you smell a musty like odor then there is a strong possibility that mold is present in your home. Mold comes in many different types, species and quantities. Moisture is a major contributor to mold growth. The only way to positively know if a mold like substance is indeed mold would be to take a sample for mold and send the sample to a certified lab for evaluation.
Mold Sampling and Testing proves to be crucial in finding mold that can cause greater damage in the home as well as put the health of the residents at risk.
If mold or air quality is a concern, we encourage you to hire a licensed professional to conduct a formal mold inspection/assessment and/or sampling and testing. Visit our vendor page for a courtesy referral of local reputable companies.
Mold Sampling and Testing : To determine the type/species and quantity of mold in the home, there are different sampling procedures that can be performed. Below are two of the most common types of samples taken.
- Air Sampling : Is conducted when mold is not visible but is suspected. At a minimum, two air samples are taken, one indoor and one outdoor for a comparison. Additional indoor samples may be necessary depending on your particular circumstance.
- Surface Sampling : If a mold like substance is visible, the certified expert that you hire may conduct surface sampling using sterile swab(s) and/or Bio-Tape. Additional samples may be necessary depending on your particular circumstance.
Mold Assessment and Mold Sampling and Testing Is an effective way to determine if your home is a safe place to live. All testing and lab reports should be provided by a third party certified laboratory. Prices may be based on the number of samples collected, and every circumstance is different. Each project is unique and may begin with a free phone consultation to determine which course of action best suites your needs. If the project is over 10 contiguous square feet of damage it will qualify as a regulated mold project and will require a Mold Assessor to conduct a formal assessment and prepare a Mold Assessment Report (MAR), including a Mold Remediation Protocol (MRP) for the Mold Remediation Company that you choose to hire. We encourage clients to contact a Florida State licensed Mold Assessor and an unaffiliated Florida State licensed Mold Remediation Company to ensure that there is no conflict of interest.
It is important to have any mold handled properly and by a professional. Attempting to clean the mold yourself will only cause the spores to stir up and further contaminate the air that your family breathes on a daily basis. To make matters worse, the mold will just keep growing back in the same way since no real solution was made. This is why it is important to hire a licensed professional who can actually find the source of the problem to help you and your loved ones be aware of any potential hazards before they become a bigger problem.