For all types of buildings, the risk of developing mold after some sort of leak or water damage is a very real one. When things like your walls, ceilings, or flooring become damp, it is difficult to get them to dry back out quickly, which means that mold has the opportunity to begin developing in as little as 48 to 72 hours. And no matter what type of mold develops, having it in your home poses a risk to the health and well-being of you and your family. Having a routine mold inspection is highly important, especially here in Springfield, MO where mold is common due to humidity and water issues.
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that occurs naturally in the environment, with mold spores being common in much of the air that we breathe. When these spores are dormant, they are largely harmless; but when they come into contact with moist or damp areas, they are able to grow. That is why mold is so common after a water leak or flood.
Having mold growing in your home or place of work is a bad thing for two different reasons. Firstly, mold growth causes irreversible damage to building materials like drywall and wood, which can mean having to rip out sections of your building to replace these materials if the mold is allowed to grow for too long. Secondly, mold releases tiny spores into the air as it grows, which can lead to various respiratory-related health issues.
Health Related Issues Due to Mold
- Headaches
- Skin, eye, or throat irritation
- Breathing difficulties
- Pneumonia
- Persistent coughing and/or wheezing
- Respiratory infections
- Severe or worsening symptoms for those with asthma, COPD, or other breathing-related diseases
What are Mold Inspection Services?
One of the trickiest things about mold is that it can grow in places that you don’t pay much attention to or can’t normally see. And, if you can see mold, chances are that it may be growing in other areas of your home that you aren’t yet aware of. Mold inspection services such as ours here in Springfield help homeowners and business owners alike find and identify mold growing in their buildings. By utilizing professional mold inspection services, you can be assured that you will be made aware of any mold growth, and you’ll know exactly where it is.
How Do You Know You Need a Mold Inspection Service?
If you have recently experienced a water leak or flooding, then you should already be on alert for the possibility of mold growth. But even if you are purchasing or renting a new property, you should also be aware of the signs that you need mold inspection services. Here are the most common signs that mold is present in your home or office:
- Recent or past water damage, with areas that were damp for more than 48 hours.
- You see a green, black, blue, or white substance growing in an area of your home.
- You are purchasing a home or building that has been unoccupied for an extended period of time.
- Your home has a strange musty smell.
- The property has undergone mold remediation in the past.
What Happens During a Mold Inspection Service?
For the most part, mold inspection services rely on a thorough visual inspection of a property in order to check for mold growth. Most inspectors will rely mostly on a flashlight, though some may also utilize cameras and moisture meters.
During a mold inspection service, one of our Springfield employees will first discuss your mold concerns with you, including discussing any signs or history of mold in the home. Next, your inspector will thoroughly inspect every part of your property to look for signs of mold, taking care to focus on areas that are prone to mold growth. If the inspector believes that the mold may be growing in an area that isn’t accessible, they may need to remove a small section of drywall in order to gain access, which will be done with your permission. When the mold inspection is complete, you will be provided with a detailed report about the inspection. If mold is found, the inspector will attempt to identify the source of the moisture, as well as recommend the best way to repair the damage.
Mold Inspection Services Near Springfield, MO
Mold is a serious issue in many parts of the country, but especially here in Springfield, MO due to our high humidity levels, frequent thunderstorms, and flood risks. Getting rid of mold can be a very complicated task due to how well mold can hide behind walls, in basements and attics, and more. But the sooner you address the issue, the less risk you have of costly repairs.
If you are concerned about possible mold growth in your property, contact us today. At Mold and Water Guys, we specialize in the removal and remediation of mold in all types of properties, from homes to apartments to commercial offices. Our mold inspection experts have years of experience and training in identifying mold and recommending the most appropriate way to remove it and prevent it from returning.
