Category: Mold Inspection

It would be best if you always consider having a mold inspection whenever you purchase a new home. A mold inspection is totally different from your typical housing inspections. Your cost will be based on the house’s size in Fairfax, VA that you are purchasing. You might be wondering, is a mold inspection worth the cost?

Mold thrives in moist spaces, and it spreads by emitting spores which float around inside your house in the air until it lands on a surface area. These mold spores are outdoors as well as indoors. Fortunately, if you keep the interior of your home in Fairfax, VA dry, you should be able to prevent mold growth. How to do this?

• Repair any leaks with your HVAC system, plumbing, or roof.
• Ensure your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room are well vented to take the moisture out of your Fairfax, VA home.
• Clean up any spills; it only takes 48 hours or less for mold to set in.

When you see mold, you are aware of the problem and can take care of it. However, what about mold that could be growing in spaces that you can’t see, such as between your walls, inside your ducts, or under your carpet?

There are several reasons why you should get a mold inspection, including—

• Water Damage—If you have experienced any water damage to your home in Fairfax, VA, such as a pipe broke and leaked into the ceiling or down your walls, and all you could see to clean was the water on the floor, you should get a mold inspection. Any place that has gotten wet and not cleaned up and dried within 48 hours is prone to be contaminated by mold and should be inspected.
• Buying a New Home—You will never know if the previous owners dealt with any water damage leading to mold growth, and quite possible, when builders leave materials outside in the damp and then use them in the construction inside, it’s likely mold could be growing behind the walls of a newly constructed home. The only way to be sure is to have the Fairfax, VA home go through a mold inspection process.
• Unoccupied House—Whenever a house has been vacant for long periods, humidity may have built up, causing mold growth. This is especially problematic for warmer areas where there is higher humidity.
• Previous Mold Remediation—Once you’ve had mold remediation at your home in Fairfax, VA, you might want to have regular mold inspections to be sure you got rid of all the mold.
• Visual Mold—Anytime you notice mold growth, a mold inspection will ensure that you find it all.

If you have any questions or concerns about mold, call the experts at Envirotex Environmental Services, and they will be glad to help.

As a homeowner in Gainesville, VA, you want your family safe. If you are noticing moldy smells or actually seeing mold in certain areas of your home, it is time for you to get a mold inspection. Mold growth is something you don’t want to ignore because it will continue to grow and spread throughout your Gainesville, VA home if not properly taken care of.

A mold inspection at your home in Gainesville, VA will involve taking air samples and surface samples. Air samples can be done in various ways, the most common being a method using “spore trap samples.” This method involves setting up a spore trap sampling device where a volume of air pass impacts a sticky surface as it passes through the device.

Particles in the air impact the sticky surface and adhere to it, and then the trap is sent to a third–party mold testing lab for analysis. The laboratory opens the spore traps and applies stains to the sticky surface the mold spores absorb and then identifies the types of mold spores captured from your home in Gainesville, VA, during the mold sampling process.

A mold inspection may also include surface sampling, including—

Bulk samples—This is when a portion of the sampled area is physically removed by the inspector handling the mold inspection at your home in Gainesville, VA  and sent to a third–party testing laboratory for analysis.

Swab samples—During the mold inspection, similar to a cotton swab, a swab is rubbed across an area to be sampled and sent to a third–party mold testing laboratory.

Tape samples—A clear piece of tape is pressed against and removed from the area being sampled, which picks up and removes some of the mold present on the surface, and again this is sent off to a mold testing lab for analysis.

Your mold inspection should include recommendations on how to rid any future mold growth in your Gainesville, VA home. If the moisture source causing the mold growth is not repaired, removing the mold is just a temporary fix. Both need to be done by a professional mold company such as Envirotex Environmental Services.

For the most part, mold inspections at homes in Fairfax, VA start with a visual inspection of the house. A professional mold inspector will discuss with homeowners any moisture problems they are noticing or water damage from previous leaks or floods.

Professionals who do mold inspections in Fairfax, VA are familiar with where to look for the most common areas of a home which are prone to mold growth. Sometimes a mold inspection may require tearing out a piece of drywall or paneling and pulling up carpet to get a better look of where mold could be growing in an inaccessible place.

Once mold is detected, the home inspection will determine where the moisture source is coming from, which is causing mold growth. Unless this moisture source is fixed, any plan to remove the mold from the home in Fairfax, VA will only come back sometime in the future. A plan for mold remediation will be developed during the mold inspection process, along with how to rid your source of moisture.

Suppose mold is visually noticeable at your Fairfax, VA home, which calls for mold remediation. In that case, the mold remediation company will determine the extent of the mold problem, which essentially is a mold inspection. Once the mold remediation is complete, a mold inspection should be done to ensure the remediation was done correctly and your house is mold–free.

Preventing mold growth is the best solution, but unfortunately, sometimes, it can’t be avoided. When you notice any leaks inside your home in Fairfax, VA, fix the problem as soon as possible. The sooner you clean and dry things, the less chance you have for mold growth. Mold needs moisture to grow, and if materials within the home aren’t allowed to dry within 24 to 48 hours, normally mold will start to grow.

Some homeowners in Fairfax, VA may notice a musty smell yet do not see any mold. Mold inspections are crucial to these type of incidences so that it doesn’t get worse over time.

Professionals such as the team at Envirtoex have special equipment that can determine mold growth that is not out in plain sight. Call Envirotex for all your environmental needs at your home in Fairfax, VA.

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you will make in your lifetime. The last thing you want to find is mold growth after you have moved in. Make sure you know what you are investing in before you make the move into a new home in Fairfax, VA. Although a mold inspection for buying a home in Fairfax, VA might not be required, a good home inspector should be able to pinpoint any areas of concern.

It is a wise move to invest in a mold inspection during any real estate transaction. Nothing could be more devastating than once you move in, you start noticing musty smells. These smells usually come from the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room—places where water and steam are always prevalent. Be sure when touring a new home in Fairfax, VA, which you are considering purchasing, that you take extra time to look under the sink and behind appliances for any signs of leaks or visual mold damage.

A professional mold inspection will determine if there are high levels of mold spores inside the Fairfax, VA home. This could significantly change the terms of the real estate transaction or even end it altogether.

If you already own your home and are noticing musty smells, you should invest in mold inspections. Mold can be detrimental to members of your household. Many health issues can arise from mold inside your home in Fairfax, VA.

Once mold inspections are done, and if the results are positive, you will need to hire a company such as Envirotex Environmental Services to bring in their crew and rid your home of all related mold. From the mold inspection report, they will be able to go in and remove all mold-infested materials and safely discard them. Once the mold removal has been completed at your Fairfax, VA home, any necessary repairs should be done, such as drywall that was torn away or flooring that was removed.

Whatever issues you have going on in the home that is causing the mold damage, such as roof leaks, or plumbing leaks, no exhaust for bathrooms or kitchens should be handled as soon as possible, or the mold will only return.

Call the team at Envirotex for all your mold inspection or removal needs. They will be glad to come to your home in Fairfax, VA and map out a plan to make your home a much safer and comfortable environment for you and your family.

If you suspect you have mold growth in your Alexandria, VA home, the best action you should take is to call the experts at Envirotex for a mold inspection. As a homeowner, you might be wondering what you can expect during a mold inspection, and this article will explain just that.

First of all, you should understand that the goal of a mold inspection should determine why you have a mold problem to begin with at your Alexandria, VA home. Without knowing the root cause, the source of moisture in your home will continute to grow. Once the cause has been identified, which might be a leaky pipe, leaky roof, or high humidity, the moisture problem must be fixed. Otherwise, once the mold has been removed, it will only come back if the moisture problem isn’t solved.

Next, the mold inspection at your Alexandria, VA home will determine just how bad your mold problem is. To what extent the problem is will decide the plan of action to remove the mold growth. All situations are different, so the mold remediation plan will be specific to your particular scenario.

The mold inspection will start out as a visual examination of your Alexandria, VA home to locate any visible mold. The outside of the house will be inspected for any seepage issues. The inspector will be looking to see if your drainage system is working properly to drain flowing water away from your home. The facia, eaves, and drain spouts are an essential part of mold inspections to make sure these aren’t your sources of water intrusion into the property.

Next, the mold inspector will be looking for any clues of moisture under your sinks, behind appliances, behind the baseboards, and any window condensation you might have present inside of the Alexandria, VA home . Thermal imaging testing may be used which can determine moisture behind the walls and under the flooring, because not all mold is visible to the naked eye.

Humidity levels and the temperature of each room will be taken as well as this could be a clue that there is mold in a particular place of your Alexandria, VA home.

Samplings will be taken to determine the type of mold that is present. These samples will be sent off to a third-party lab for analysis.

Once all the proper testing is finished and the results have been analyzed, a plan will be mapped out for you to determine the best route to rid your Alexandria, VA home of all mold.

During mold inspections at homes in Fairfax, VA, the person doing the inspection is looking for mold growth in the home. This person should be a qualified mold inspector who has had the proper training and experience under his belt with mold inspections.

Mold inspections are looking for evidence of current or previous mold growth. Previous mold growth may indicate a recurring water leak that was never fixed properly.

People within a Fairfax, VA household may have allergic reactions or become sensitized to mold when mold growth is present in the home. Some mold may not be out in the open where you can see it. It could be hidden behind your walls or under your carpet, crawlspaces and basements, or your attic. If left unattended, this mold growth can lead to excessive wood rot and other structural issues. Mold growth can also cause health issues for family members and is extremely harmful to those who have asthma or other respiratory problems.

Having mold inspections ensure homeowners that they either are mold free or have a mold issue which should be dealt with as soon as possible. Typically speaking, if you have mold, you will begin to smell a musty odor in your home where the mold is prevalent.

During mold inspections, the mold inspector will be looking for a moisture source that is needed for mold to grow. Without a moisture source, you have no mold. Unless the moisture source is found within your Fairfax, VA home, even removing the damaged moldy materials will only illuminate it until the moisture source causes the mold to take hold again inside your Fairfax, VA home.

There are several common reasons to have mold inspections for your home in Fairfax, VA which include—

• Family members who have an allergic reaction such as sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes when they are in a particular area of the Fairfax, VA home.
• Once mold remediation is complete, another mold inspection should be done to verify the moisture source has been fixed, and no residual mold growth was left after the mold remediation.
• Whenever you plan to rent or purchase a new home, mold inspections assure you that there are no existing moisture or mold issues in the building. Also, if you are selling your home, it is advised to have a mold inspection as your written evidence that there were no issues at the time the new homeowners took occupancy.

Mold inspections are a great way to have peace of mind that you are providing your family with the best air quality and that the structure of your home is sound and stable and free of moisture issues.

A mold inspection consists of a mold inspector coming into your Northern, VA home and doing a visual inspection for mold growth, air sampling, surface sampling, checking for water leaks, and checking your air conditioning for mold. The size of your Northern, VA home will determine how long mold inspections will take. Samples that are collected will be sent to a third-party, independent lab for analysis. The mold inspector will then give you a report based on the lab results.

During the mold inspection, the focus will be on the presence of mold growth and water damage on building materials and personal belongings within the home in Northern, VA.

When should you have a mold inspection for homes in Northern, VA?

• Before buying any home in Northern, VA, it is best to have a mold inspection to be assured there are no mold issues. Also, if you are selling your home, it ensures the buyers that your home is mold free with the documentation to protect yourself if anything would happen in the future once the new homeowner takes ownership of the home in Northern, VA.
• If your home smells musty, a mold inspection will tell you what is causing the smell and where it is coming from.
• If any family members are having allergy-like symptoms, this could be from mold growth. It is highly recommended that you have the air quality in your home tested.

What Mold Inspections Involve—

• The exterior of your home is inspected for any moisture intrusion.
• Samples may be taken and sent to an independent lab for analysis.
• A moisture meter may be used to identify the amount of moisture content in building materials.
• Thermal Imaging Camera may be used to detect if there is a temperature differential behind your ceilings and walls that might indicate leaks at your Northern, VA home.
• Attics and basements may be inspected for leaks or any condensation.
• Your HVAC system might be checked for mold because when your system is running, it can cause particles in the air.

Once the mold inspection is complete, and if it is determined you have mold issues, a plan should be mapped out for you to have mold remediation. Call the team at Envirotex for their help with any mold issues you have within your Northern, VA home.

Generally speaking, mold inspections are done by professionals who come into your home in Leesburg, VA to look for mold growth. Some important things to keep in mind about mold inspections.

• Mold inspections need to be done by a qualified mold inspector such as the ones at Envirotex who have the experience along with the proper training.
• The inspector will be looking for a moisture source that is causing mold growth during the mold inspection at your Leesburg, VA home. Water is essential for mold to grow. No water issues, no mold issues. A mold inspection will tell you where your source of moisture is coming from, so this issue is addressed. If not, even once you clean the mold, it will only come back.
• Special equipment will be used so that the inspector can determine if you have any mold growth underneath the carpet or behind the walls. This protects your Leesburg, VA home from any significant structural damage that oftentimes is caused by excessive mold growth.

Common Reasons Why Leesburg, VA Homeowners Need Mold Inspections?

• If you plan to rent or purchase a new home, a mold inspection will confirm whether or not there is an existing moisture or mold problem.
• To verify that moisture has stopped and no residual mold growth is still lurking inside your Leesburg, VA home from a previous known water or mold problem.
• Home inspections should be done when any family member has an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes, or a runny nose when they are in a particular area of the home in Leesburg, VA.

If you are experiencing any mold growth in your home, leave it alone and call in the professionals at Envirotex Environmental Services as soon as possible. Mold can cause havoc to your family member’s health, and that is definitely something you want to avoid. Trying to remove unidentified mold can be extremely dangerous. Professional mold inspections can determine the type of mold growth that is lurking inside your home and advise you on the best way to rid your home of any mold.

Most strains of mold spread naturally throughout homes in Manassas, VA. Typically, if you see mold in one area of your home, there is a good chance it is elsewhere in the house as well. No doubt, if you see mold on your walls or the carpet, the chances are that mold is also behind your walls as well as under your carpet.

Finding hidden mold is difficult, and that is why you should hire the professionals at Envirotex Environmental Services for a mold inspection at your Manassas, VA home.

Hidden mold in your house that is overlooked, in time will spread; and eventually, you will be able to see it. By then, you will have a mold infestation that could have been avoided at an earlier stage. That is why it is imperative once you find any signs of mold in your Manassas, VA home, you have a professional mold inspection to determine if there is any hidden mold.

Hidden mold is generally found in places such as—heating, air conditioning and ventilation ducts, inside walls, and underneath flooring, above ceiling tiles, under wallpaper, in attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces.

Mold inspections are well worth the investment. So many times, homeowners will see a wall where there is noticeable mold growth and will do a home remedy to get rid of it. However, have they gotten rid of it? Probably not. It is always best to have mold inspections at first sight of any mold growth in your home in Manassas, VA.

Only ridding your home of mold that you can visibly see might be wasting time and money if there is other mold growing in your home. The mold will continue to grow and spread to other areas of the house.

With specialized equipment, mold inspections performed by the team at Envirotex Environment Services will find all hidden mold within your home in Manassas, VA and then map out a plan for you to rid the home of all mold.

The team at Envirotex can identify and remedy the moisture source that has been causing the mold growth or refer you to someone who can fix your moisture problem, depending on the cause. Once the mold growth has been located throughout your house in Manassas, VA during the mold inspection, addressing the water source is the first, next step; otherwise, removing the mold without fixing the water issue, is just prolonging another disaster down the road.

Mold Inspections Are Helpful in Determining Mold Issues in Haymarket, VA
Once homeowners in Haymarket, VA see mold at their home it is still recommended to have mold inspections. Mold inspections are helpful in determining the type of mold you are handling, rather it could be toxic or not is extremely necessary so that your family members are not subjected to any spores from the toxic mold.

Sometimes you may smell a musty or moldy odor but can’t see any mold growth at your Haymarket, VA home. Instead of tearing out walls trying to look for a fuzzy black growth, which could indicate black mold, it is best to have a mold inspection.

Black mold is a dangerous mold to say the least. But there are other dangerous molds as well that you normally don’t hear about. These dangerous molds grow in the same areas of homes in Haymarket, VA as other molds grow. Places that are dark and are prone to moisture are ideal places for mold to grow.

Having mold inspections when you suspect mold growth indoors of your Haymarket, VA home is helpful in determining where the source of the moisture is coming from. Professional mold inspectors know where to look for mold growth inside and outside of the home. A Haymarket, VA home’s structure can be infested by mold growth and it takes a mold inspection to detect hidden mold growth formation so that abatement can be done to keep the house from further contamination.

A mold inspection may start out as a visual inspection of baseboards, ceilings, carpets, and walls. Windows, doors and other entries to the inside that are sealed should be checked as well. Mold inspections for Haymarket, VA homes should be left to the professionals because they know where to look and what to look for.

Today’s mold inspections now consist of using the latest in technology, thermal imaging. This system can detect and identify sources of moisture that support mold growth at homes in Haymarket, VA. By detecting any structural issues that could be contributing to your mold issues, you can make a better informed decision about what needs to be done to eliminate your sources of moisture.