Mold

Testing & Sampling

Mold can be found almost everywhere in our environment, both indoors and outdoors. Their spores float continually in the air we breathe. Mold growth is most likely to occur in buildings or on building materials when excessive moisture accumulates on carpet, ceiling tile, insulation, paper, wallboard, or wood, on surfaces behind wallpaper, or in heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

For more information about mold, read the EPA Home Mold Guide.

We provide mold testing services for suspect areas found during the normal course of our general home inspection service. If we encounter an area that would be conducive to mold growth, we alert you to these conditions and make recommendations for sampling in specified areas, with the number and types of mold samples that should be taken. The first sample taken (surface swab) is $350.00. Additional sampling is $75.00 per sample. Mold testing or sampling will only be performed with your approval and in the areas that you specify.

Common Environments Where Mold Can Grow:

• Water penetrating the building exterior, such as the roof
• Plumbing leaks
• Window leaks
• Flooding
• Ground moisture penetrating a building slab
• Condensation on cold surfaces (e.g., pipe sweating)
• Poorly maintained drain pans
• Wet foundations due to landscaping
• Gutters that direct water into or under the building
• Water vapor from un-vented or poorly vented kitchens & baths
• Combustion appliances
• Steam pipes

Mold colonies can be created by any of these conditions, because mold growth can occur wherever there is dampness. Especially in the absence of light and with a lack of air circulation, the colonies can grow rapidly and release toxins (known as mycotoxins) into the air.