Indoor air quality refers to the air quality within and around your home, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of you, your family, and visitors. Many factors, including molds, dander, and other irritants may impact your home’s indoor air quality, particularly for occupants who may be immune-compromised, e.g., individuals with respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, etc.
Our Indoor Air Quality (Mold) assessment gives you important information about the types and quantities of contaminants present in your home, as well as an evaluation of areas of concern that may contribute to poor indoor air quality.

About Mold

Mold is present indoors and outdoors in all climates, during all seasons. Outdoor molds grow using plants and decaying organic matter, e.g., dead leaves. Indoor molds grow using moisture and a carbon source, e.g., wood, paper, carpet, clothing, food. Indoor mold growth is undesirable and may cause inflammation, rash, allergy, congestion, headaches, and infection.

Excess moisture generally facilitates indoor mold growth. Molds reproduce by releasing tiny spores that float through the air until landing in other locations; when spores settle on wet or moist surfaces, spores can form new mold colonies. Moderate temperatures and available nutrient sources make most homes ideal for mold growth.

When To Test

People test for mold if they notice excessive humidity, smell an unusual odor, identify discolored spots, or become inexplicably ill. Mold testing also is critical if there is a water penetration event, e.g., heavy rains cause water in the basement, dishwasher floods the kitchen, clothes washer floods the laundry room, etc.

Our Test Methodology

We capture air quality samples and physical growth samples, as required, to assess the types and quantities of contaminants in a home. As importantly, we investigate possible sources for microbial growth because identification of water penetration issues leads to proper mitigation, which ensures that water-related issues, such as mold growth, do not continue to be a persistent challenge.

We employ the following techniques to investigate possible sources that contribute to mold growth:

• On-site observations – Evaluation of unusual odors, interior water stains, excessive humidity, active water intrusion, visible microbial growth
• On-site issues – Assessment of possible issues which may contribute to water penetration, e.g., roofing, water control systems, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, etc.
• Infrared imaging – Scan of areas of concern to identify variances in temperature which may indicate a water penetration issue, e.g., roof leak, plumbing leak, exterior water intrusion, etc.
• Moisture meter – Application of pinless moisture meter to assess irregularities related to possible localized water penetration issues

If we identify issues, we provide you with specific recommendations and next steps.

 

We employ the following techniques to assess the types and quantities of mold in the home:

• Air quality sampling – We capture air samples, including interior and exterior air samples; we ship samples to a lab for results and analysis
• Physical sampling (optional) – If required, we also capture physical samples that we ship to the lab
• Lab report – Detailed report with types and quantities of mold in the home

At your convenience, we discuss the lab report with you, and offer recommendations regarding mitigation, as required.