Our visual inspection will note areas of moisture intrusion. However, mold is present in some form in all homes. For our mold inspection, air sampling is an add-on service that provides detailed lab information regarding the type and quantity of indoor mold spores present.
Heartland performs mold testing for homes or businesses throughout the Twin Cities, St. Paul and Minneapolis. Most clients test for mold when there is already a known or suspected issue. An equal number, including clients with known health issues, test as a precaution whether or not mold is seen when they toured the house.
Our inspectors are certified mold inspectors which means they thoroughly understand homes. The inspector looks for indicators of present or past water intrusion which can stimulate mold growth, identifies probable source(s) of the mold and collects air samples to send to a certified third-party lab for analysis. If mold is found, Heartland provides you with referrals to reputable mold remediators.
Mold needs moisture, so you’re most likely to see it in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces. Visible mold growth can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. It is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms In small amounts, most mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. Those sensitive to mold might inhale spores and can experience health Concerns. Symptoms depend on level and length of exposure and include: headaches, itching, rash, eye irritation, and potentially more serious health effects like kidney and liver disease.
Homeowners or buyers will test for hidden mold to avoid potential health issues. Mold testing may be requested when any of the following conditions are present that can affect indoor air quality:
Unlike other tests we offer, mold does not have EPA guidelines to help determine if a home’s levels are “safe”. This is all determined by the individual inhabiting the home and their tolerance to the individual mold spores.
To read your lab results about the air quality tested, you will compare each sample to the Outside Control sample and determine what the levels are in comparison. This sample test shows high levels of 3 different types of mold spores, Chaetomium, Penicillium/Aspergillus and Stachybotrys. We recommend you read about the different types of mold to determine what you feel comfortable with in your home.
Click image for our state of the art full sample report.
Mold remediation may be necessary. Your results will tell you the types of mold spores present in the home as well as the quantity of spores.
Heartland will provide a list of remediation firms to consider. Always get quotes from several professionals.