Mold Inspections in Birmingham, AL

 

When most of us think of mold in our home, we automatically think of black mold and our family having severe health problems because of it. No need to jump to conclusions or panic. Most of our houses have mold, and most of it isn’t going to cause significant harm because Let’s Do It Home Inspections can detect it before it continues to spread! Besides, for most of us, small exposures to mold are harmless. However, undiscovered and untreated mold in your house can potentially cause unpleasant odors, damage to walls and floors, and numerous health problems or mold allergies. Mold-related symptoms can include sneezing, itching skin, watery and/or itchy eyes, and headache. Individuals with respiratory illnesses such as asthma may find their asthma getting worse after mold exposure. If you experience any of these symptoms (without obvious reasoning) and suspect they may be related to mold in your home, it’s time to call us, your mold inspection experts in Birmingham, AL. 

 

What about self-testing kits? These kits only let you know if there is mold in your house, and there probably is. Mold can grow almost anywhere, and not all of it is bad, just like bacteria. Finding out there’s mold in your house is unsurprising and honestly uneventful. The most important factors are the type of mold and if it requires removal and remediation. A DIY kit can’t tell you much beyond the name of the mold, not what that means for your family and your house. 

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A professional mold inspection can determine the following: 

• The type of mold

• The amount of mold

• Where the mold is located (or has spread to)

• The potential health or home concerns

• A course of action

 

After completing a thorough inspection, collecting samples, and lab testing, we will disclose our findings, make suggestions, and if problems are found, direct you toward your professional remediation company of choice who can remedy any problems found.

 

Signs of Mold 

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The most obvious sign of mold growth in your house is...mold growth. You may notice spots or patches of mold in or around your shower, bathroom, appliances, basement, and crawl space. These are areas of higher humidity and potential leaks. But not all mold is visible- it could be inside your walls. If you can’t see it, how do you know there might be an issue? 

• Unexplained allergies 

• Unexplained chronic sickness

• Soft spots in walls or floors

• Unusual stench 

 

Mold Prevention

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Is there much (if anything) we can do to prevent mold buildup? In some ways, the answer is no. Mold can thrive in so many environments and isn’t always harmful. But, we can help reduce moisture and humidity in our homes, which in turn will help with several different types of mold. Here are some ways to prevent excessive mold buildup:

• Take care of leaks immediately- undetected or ignored leaks are the main cause of mold growth inside walls or in the ceiling (the hardest and most expensive to deal with)

• Use dehumidifiers when and where necessary- you do need a certain amount of humidity in your home, but a dehumidifier can still help in bathrooms or basements that don’t have good circulation. 

• Schedule regular HVAC cleanings- your HVAC of choice can help clean mold buildup in ductwork and vents.

• Use an air purification system- this can help eliminate mold in your air ducts as well as trap mold spores. 

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Certified Mold Inspections

 

At Let’s Do It Home Inspections, we feel that we can be of service to you by identifying the effects that moisture can have on your potential home purchase.

 

Our specializations include:

• Indoor air quality testing

• Mold Inspections

• Sampling and Consulting

 

Of the three primary damage functions in all structures, moisture carries 80% of the damage factor. More importantly is our ability to look for the source of the problem and advise you how to eliminate it.

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Click below to schedule your home inspection.