Mold Testing Minneapolis & St. Paul MN

And surrounding areas

$340 with home inspection

What is Mold Testing?

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. 

What is mold?

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.

Why test for mold?

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:

  • Existing health conditions, allergies, or lung sensitivity.
  • Historical flooding in home without proper cleanup.
  • Moisture intrusion and water damage occurring through sub-flooring, walls, windows, or roofs.
  • Plumbing, water line leak, toilet overflows, or sewer backups.
  • Moisture condensation within HVAC systems.

Mold Testing Minneapolis & Twin Cities

WHAT TO EXPECT 

  • When To Order

    Most clients order mold testing when they’re ordering their home inspection. However you can always add the service on-site to put your mind at ease or if suspicious conditions are found. Our inspectors carry the necessary testing equipment with them to every home inspection.

  • On-Site

    Professional mold testing as part of a full home inspection takes 30-45 minutes. It begins with a comprehensive inspection of your property. We look for any indications of present or past water intrusion and high humidity which can stimulate signs of microbial-like growth such as:

    • Musty/damp odor
    • Discoloration or dark material on basement walls
    • Mold-like discoloration or stains on the ceiling, furniture, or walls
    • Water issues such as water in the basement or a leaky roof
    • Inadequate attic or indoor ventilation or a high indoor humidity levels
  • Air-Sample Collection

    Mold air testing is the most effective way to identify mold in a home. We will take 3 air samples. One will be from the home’s exterior as a baseline. 2 additional samples will be taken inside the property at the most likely areas for the presence of mold. This allows the lab to determine if there are particulates inside the home that should not be there, and what levels they are present at. 

  • Optional Swab Samples

    If you prefer, we can take 1 indoor air sample (instead of 2) and 1 indoor surface swab instead if visible microbial-like growth is present. The swab sample may allow the lab to determine what types of mold are present to help determine the direction for remediation.

  • Additional Samples

    Additional air or swab samples can be collected for an additional $125 per sample. Example, homes over 3,000 sq ft often order additional air sample(s). 

  • Expedited Shipping

    All samples are shipped via FedEx overnight to a certified environmental testing laboratory.

  • Report Delivery

    A detailed report is emailed within 2-3 business days. It includes test sample locations, sample results, and recommendations for possible further action. The report documents if there are particulates in the home at elevated levels and support staff is available for questions and guidance. 

View Our Sample Report

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.

How do you fix it?

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.