Category: Mold Inspection

Anytime a homeowner in Fairfax, VA suspects any type of mold growth, they should invest in a mold inspection. The purpose of any mold inspection is to find where the mold growth is in your Fairfax, VA home and then to find out where the water problem is that is causing the mold to grow in the first place.

Even if you can already see mold growth, it is still necessary to have mold inspections because some mold is not visible and an inspection can determine where all mold growth is located. Often times it is behind drywall, under your carpet, and in air conditioning ducts.

Mold inspectors have the experience to know where most mold hides and have the proper equipment to find it without disturbing or damaging your home in any way. As a homeowner in Fairfax, VA, you should offer any information about water leaks or flooding that you’ve experienced so the inspector can be made aware.

Mold is a serious health risk and should be taken care of as soon as possible. Anytime your family members are experiencing new allergy symptoms or a moldy smell, a mold inspection should be performed at your Fairfax, VA home. Mold inspections should be performed after developing any type of leaky pipes or roof or any type of flooding. Water left to stand will cause mold growth within 48 hours.

Whenever a homeowner in Fairfax, VA finds any type of mold growth in their home, they should never try to disturb it. Disturbing any type of mold at your home in Fairfax, VA spreads mold spores or mycotoxins throughout the home. Large mold colonies should only be handled by professional environmental specialists such as Envirotex. Proper containment is necessary during any mold removal and the pros know exactly what to do to keep your family safe.

Necessary repairs may need to be done such as replacing drywall or carpet that has mold damage. Also the source of moisture that is causing the mold growth will need to be fixed.

Once the mold removal is completed, another mold inspection should always be performed to make sure the mold removal process was successful. This is added protection for you and your family in Fairfax, VA.

 

You may be wondering whether you should purchase mold test kits or call to have professional mold inspections for any home or buildings you are occupying or tenants are occupying in Northern, VA. The most significant component of a mold inspection is the inspection itself, not the samples.

Samples taken of mold can be misleading and can at times be incorrect. Both false positive and false negative results frequently occur. A well thought out sampling plan and a visual inspection need to be done for an accurate interpretation of any mold inspection in Northern, VA.

The visual part of a mold inspection requires an understanding of building structures, water sources, and other factors that typically are not apparent to a homeowner using a mold test kit. The Northern, VA home or building may have condensation in an attic that is not adequately ventilated, possible issues with drainage around the exterior of the building, or cracks in the foundation. These are things that a professional mold inspection company such as Envirotex will be looking for during an inspection of your Northern, VA home. The source of moisture has to be taken care of first or removing any mold will only be a temporary fix. The moisture source must be fixed, or the mold will come back.

Mold test kits will not provide you the helpful information that you will need to rid your home of mold. A professional mold inspection by an environmental company such as Envirotex will find the source of moisture causing the mold growth, will draw up a plan to remove the mold and any repairs you will need to fix the moisture that is breeding mold growth at your home in Northern, VA.

Envirotex has the proper equipment to do a thorough mold inspection of your property. With the latest technology of thermal imaging and a specialized trained team, Envirotex can quickly detect and identify the sources of moisture at your Northern, VA home that is causing mold growth.

Call the team at Envirotex Environmental Services if you have any questions about mold growth or any other environmental issue such as asbestos or lead paint.

If you or one of your family members have been experiencing unusual allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or sneezing when in a particular room or building at your Fairfax, VA property, you might want to consider having a mold inspection. A mold inspection from the team at Envirotex in Fairfax, VA can also verify that any sources of moisture have been completely taken care of after any known water or mold issues have been fixed.

Anytime you are thinking about purchasing or renting a home or opening up a business in a particular building in Fairfax, VA, a mold inspection should be done to verify there are no mold growth issues associated with the potential home or business.

Mold inspections should be performed by a qualified mold inspector who has the necessary training and experience doing mold inspections. During a mold inspection in Fairfax, VA, the inspector will look for signs of past or current mold growth. Past mold growth could mean that a water problem comes back when specific conditions return such as a repeated leak causing some sensitized family members to have an allergic reaction or some to start being sensitized to mold.

Professional mold inspections will look for mold inside walls and in other areas where mold is not easily seen and where mold growth can cause extreme structural problems such as wood decay in crawlspaces.

Some mold inspections may determine two different molds called Ceratosystis and Ophistoma which grow on lumber, known as lumber yard mold. These types of mold are frequently found growing on 2×4’s or other structural framing. These molds grow on the sap of wood and then quit growing once the wood has dried. Even though these types of molds cause black staining on wood, they will not cause structural problems. Anytime black staining is found on wood during mold inspections in Fairfax, VA, the inspector may take samples and send it to a lab for analysis to determine if it is one of these particular molds.

Mold inspections are looking for sources of moisture because water is essential for mold growth. Without sources of water, you will not have any mold growth at your home in Fairfax, VA.

Some say once you see mold in homes in Virginia Beach, VA, you should have mold inspections performed by a licensed mold inspector. Some say if you see mold, you know it’s already there, so why have a mold inspection. All you have to do is remove the mold growth. Yes and no.  

Although you might see mold growth in your Virginia Beach, VA home, what about the mold growth that you might not be aware of? Quite possibly, if you see mold growth in several different places within the home, you have an issue and the only way to be sure if it is not hiding from you and you do not see all of it is to invest in a professional mold inspection and be safe.

Sometimes you might be experiencing a musty smell at your home in Virginia Beach, VA and can’t quite define where it is coming from. Quite possibly some members of your family could have symptoms of mold exposure which might include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Nasal congestion
• A runny nose
• Skin rash
• Breathing difficulties
• Watery, itchy or red eyes

Any of these symptoms could mean other health issues as well, but if the health issues continue and act up at during the more humid times of the year in Virginia Beach, VA, you could have a severe problem with mold growth.

When should a mold inspection be done?

• If there is no visible sign of mold growth, but there is a distinct musty smell. Mold inspections and testing can discover if there is elevated mold and where it is located in the home in Virginia Beach, VA.
• Your Virginia Beach, VA home has had plumbing leaks or other water issues, and you suspect mold growth may exist behind walls or in the air.
• Once you have removed mold from your home, you should always have another mold inspection and testing to make sure the mold removal was done correctly and mold counts return to normal levels.
• Health concerns as mentioned above.
• If you are selling or buying a house, for your protection, it is best to have a mold inspection.

Mold inspections are needed to verify the cause of the mold growth in your Virginia Beach, VA home as well as its location. Whatever is contributing to the moisture at your home that causes the mold growth needs to be fixed as well as the mold removed from the home. All mold inspections and removal should be done by a professional environmental company such as Envirotex. Envirotex has the specialized equipment to do the job correctly.

Indoor mold growth doesn’t just grow on building materials by itself it requires moisture. Sources of moisture in Northern VA homes are usually because of one of these conditions—

1. Leaky plumbing, leaky roof, poorly sealed leaking windows, backup drains, and water that runs off from showers and bathtubs.
2. Damp concrete slabs.
3. Condensation from humidifiers, vaporizers, inadequate ventilation, faulty windows, and high humidity.

Mold inspections by a professional should be done if you are experiencing any of these conditions at your Northern VA home. Even if you are already aware that you have mold growth, mold inspections can pinpoint the exact location of all mold within your home in Northern VA that could be hidden behind walls or under carpet and other places as well. Another reason you want a mold inspection is to find the water problem that is causing the mold to grow in the first place.

If you have had any moisture problems at your Northern VA home, no doubt you are experiencing some form of mold growth and should definitely invest in a mold inspection for your home. Maybe you have seen water stains or discoloration on floors, ceilings or walls at your home. Most likely, mold is growing behind these materials, and a mold inspection will determine the type of damage you are looking to repair at your Northern VA home.

Another moisture sign is peeling, bubbling or cracking in your paint or wallpaper. You might notice your walls are bowed or warped which could be caused by moisture. They could possibly be damp when you touch them.

Having mold inspections for homes in Northern VA when homeowners experience even the slightest inclination that they might have mold is an investment in the home they can’t afford not to make. Mold damage can destroy parts of your home where major reconstruction will need to be done to get rid of all the damage.

Take precautions now and call the team at Envirotex to come and perform a mold inspection at your Northern VA home. They have the necessary equipment and take the safety measures to properly take samples and evaluate the situation and give you a plan you should follow for mold remediation.

 

 

 

After any persistent water damage in your Fairfax, VA home, you might come across mold growth. Common molds may cause sickness with some people who have a sensitivity to “mycotoxins” which are the chemicals produced by certain molds. Some molds are worse than others and even toxic such as “black mold” better known as Stachybotrys. Mold inspections can help determine the type of mold in your home in Fairfax, VA and then a plan for remediation should be done to protect your family and your home from further damage.

Why You Should Have a Mold Inspection—

• You smell mold but visually do not see it anywhere within your home in Fairfax, VA. During a mold inspection, the inspector will sample for hidden mold sources, for example, ceiling and wall cavities.
• If you are interested in buying a home in Fairfax, VA, you will want a mold inspection done to determine any pre-existing mold conditions. Mold remediation can be costly, and if mold growth is found during a mold inspection, you will then need to consider the additional cost before you close the deal on the house.
• If you are thinking about selling a home in Fairfax, VA where mold was previously detected, you may legally be required to disclose this information. Even if you had professional remediation, you should always have a mold inspection done again to document that your home was examined and is now free of mold. Having the documentation that your Fairfax, VA home was independently and professionally inspected can be the “proof” you need to make a potential buyer more at ease with purchasing the home.

Mold inspections should always be done if you notice any of the following—

• Mold or musty smells after a rainfall or in high humidity
• Discolored or stained walls and ceilings
• Water leaks
• Windows that are leaking
• Materials that have been exposed to moisture for over 48 hours

A professional mold inspector will test different areas in your Fairfax, VA home for mold including walls, floors, ceiling, attics, rugs, basements, wall cavities and the air. If excessive mold has been identified during the mold inspection, you will need to call a company such as Envirotex for remediation to completely get rid of all molds at your home in Fairfax, VA. After the mold remediation is complete, make sure to have your home reinspected to make sure the remediation was a success.

If you are noticing a musty, earthly odor in your home in Front Royal, VA, you should call a company who performs mold inspections. Professionals who are experienced in mold inspections will know where to look for mold and collect samples from all areas in which mold is potentially growing.

These inspectors are aware of practices of mold testing, including mold that could be hidden behind your walls, in your attic, or in your basement in Front Royal, VA. Mold does occur naturally, and only professionals can determine if the levels of mold detected indoors exceed normal levels.

If you ever decide to sell your home and mold was previously detected, you might be legally required to disclose this information to the buyer. This could affect their purchase decision or the price they offer you for your Front Royal, VA home.

Anytime you have had a mold inspection, you will need to follow through with the plan of action for removing all molds from the home. After having the mold removed, you will again want to have another mold inspection for proof that your home was found free of any mold problems. Having this proof when you go to sell your home reassures potential buyers that they are purchasing an environmentally safe home for their family, free of mold.

Other reasons you may need a mold inspection at your home in Front Royal, VA is if you notice any of the following:

• Stained or discolored walls or ceilings
• Leaky windows
• Siding not properly maintained
• Evidence of leaks around your house
• Building materials that have been exposed to moisture for more than 48 hours

A mold inspection will be done to test many areas of your home for mold including walls, floors, carpet, wall cavities, attics, basements and the air. If excessive mold is determined, you will need to hire a professional mold remediation company to have the mold completely and safely removed from your home in Front Royal, VA.

Always have another mold inspection after any mold remediation to make sure the remediation was successful. Having another mold inspection done will give you peace of mind and written proof that your home is mold free.

If you have humidity or condensation problems, moldy odors, roof leaks in the past or present, any plumbing leaks or any visible mold, you need to call in the professionals. Some molds cannot be seen by the human eye so having a mold inspection done at your Fairfax, VA, residence is the best way to see if indeed you have mold, the type of mold, and how much is lurking inside your home.

The process of mold inspections in Fairfax, VA may consist of:

• Visual Inspection—A professional mold inspector will do a complete visual inspection of all areas of your home, locate potential water penetration, and search for any visible evidence of mold growth within the home. During an inspection in Fairfax, VA, a professional may use such devices as a moisture meter that detects moisture, a hydrometer to measure the humidity inside the home, borescopes so they can view inside sections of your walls, and laser thermometers to check surface temperatures and the operation of AC units. Digital photographs may also be taken to document your particular issues.
• Samples—Sometimes mold cannot be seen visually and in that case, air samples must be taken for analysis. These samples are taken by using a pump which forces air through a collection device that catches mold spores. Surface samples are another form of mold testing taken with either a swab or tape lift when visible mold growth can be seen.
• Sample Analysis—These air or surface samples are then sent to any independent lab for analysis.
• Reporting—A written report of the findings, spore levels and types, and the inspector’s final conclusions and recommendations will be given to you.

After mold inspections in Fairfax, VA, the mold inspector will recommend a remediation protocol to completely remove all molds from the home. This should be done by a professional mold remediation company who has the proper tools and experience, license and certifications to properly remove the mold from your Fairfax, VA, home.

Mold inspectors will also give the homeowner recommendations to eliminate problems that are creating the mold within your home so that this issue will not be a problem in the future.

Homes in high water areas such as Sandbridge Beach, VA are prone to flooding. Water in a home left unattended will cause mold. Anytime a home or business has been exposed to high water periods unless you completely dry the area out within 24-48 hours, mold inspections should be performed to analyze the damage.

Mold inspections need to be performed by a certified and licensed mold inspector, such as Envirotex, who will do a visual examination of the home and HVAC system, take surface and air samples, and then send off to an independent lab to be analyzed. Envirotex has been doing mold inspections since 2000. We have state-of-the-art equipment that enables us to go into a home and inspect areas that are not visible to the human eye. Mold gets behind walls, in attics, basements, flooring, rugs, and the air. Our thermal imaging equipment allows our technicians to get behind the scenes to look at the source of the problem without having to demolish property to homes in Sandbridge Beach, VA.

Envirotex can help you develop a mold remediation plan so that our mold removal experts can then properly contain or remove the mold from your Sandbridge Beach, VA home and instruct you on what needs to be done to prevent mold regrowth in the future. Anytime you have a mold remediation, it is always recommended to have a mold inspection a second time to make sure the remediation was completed.

Homeowners in the Sandbridge Beach, VA have come to rely on Envirotex for all their environmental service needs. Envirotex was founded by Mr. Freeman, who gained his vast knowledge and his experience while serving his country in the miliary’s environment services field. Envirotex has acquired contracts with many government projects such as Fort Belvoir Army Base, Quantico Marine Base, and Naval bases in the northeast and southeast districts.

Our goal is to perform quality work, cost effectively, with our customer’s safety being our number one priority. We specialize in:

• Mold Removal and Remediation
• Asbestos Abatement
• Lead-Based Paint Removal
• Air Duct Cleaning and Demolition
• Meth Labs and Clandestine Drug Lab Cleanup

Trust the experts at Envirotex for your family’s environmental safety.

Even though you might save money by trying to collect your own samples for mold rather than hire a profession mold inspector, you will not be able to collect samples from all the locations where mold could possibly be growing. Mold inspectors are trained in the current guidelines and practices in testing for mold including mold that could be hidden in between your walls, in your attic, or in your basement.

If you try to sell your home in Washington, DC and previously detected mold, you may be required by law to disclose this information to potential buyers. Knowing there had been a mold problem in the past could affect a buyer’s offer or may change their decision to buy your home. After you have a mold remediation, you should contact a mold inspector to evaluate the remediation process and provide you with documentation that your home was found to be free of the mold problem. It will allow a potential buyer to feel comfortable about purchasing your home if you can provide them proof that the problem was taken care of by a professional.

Even if you are not selling your home in Washington, DC, you should contact a mold inspector if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Moldy or musty odor especially after heavy rainfalls.
• Excessive humidity during hot and humid weather.
• Stained or discolored ceilings or walls.
• Leaky windows.
• Evidence of chronic leaks.

Other mold symptoms could be health-related issues. You might have heard the term “sick building syndrome.” This is when an indoor air environment is experiencing mold-related issues, and everyone is feeling sick because of it.

When a professional mold inspector comes to your home in Washington, DC, he will test many different areas for mold such as floors, ceilings, walls, attics, basements, wall cavities, rugs and carpets, and the air. If excessive mold is found, you will need to hire a mold remediation company in the Washington, DC area to remove the mold completely and safely. After the remediation process, you should have your home reinspected to make sure the remediation was successful.