Mold Inspections Los Angeles
Mold is a severe problem in many homes in the Los Angeles area. From unsightly black spots on your walls to musty odors in your home, mold can be both a cosmetic and health issue. That’s why it’s essential to get regular mold inspections. But what exactly is involved in a mold inspection? Read on to find out.
What is mold?
Mold is a natural element of the environment and grows everywhere. Mold in nature decomposes decaying organic stuff such as leaves and trees. We’d be covered with rotting plant and animal debris without it! Indoor mold development should be prevented. Mold develops when existing mold spores are exposed to a suitable food supply and adequate moisture. Mold grows in unexpected locations. Recent research found mold on 88% of windowsills, 83% of refrigerator seals, 82% of sinks, and 49% of shower grout.
Types Of Mold
Molds such as aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys atra are common (also known as black mold). Aspergillus is a mold that grows on foods and in air conditioners. Plaque-like cladosporium develops on toilet bowls, painted surfaces, and fiberglass HVAC ducts. While this mold is not dangerous to people, it may cause allergic reactions including red, watery eyes, rashes, and sore throats. The mold that looks orange or red is usually found outdoors, where it feeds on rotting plants or damp wood. This mold is safe and should only be removed for cosmetic reasons. White mold isn’t a mold, but it usually means it isn’t too far along and maybe readily cured.
Signs of Mold in the Home
- Even if you are exposed to mold spores regularly, prolonged exposure, particularly when inside, may cause serious health concerns.
- Mold allergies may manifest as nasal congestion, frequent coughing, and watery eyes.
- Skin-related allergy responses such as tingling and itching are produced when exposed to mold. To counteract these responses, your body produces histamines, which cause flaky, dry skin and may even cause hives.
- Prolonged mold exposure may lead to the infiltration of these spores into the lungs, identified as one of the most prevalent causes of asthma symptoms.
Walls with bubbles
Mold growth may cause bubbles to appear on painted walls. Moisture-rich zones are more prone to pop up. Examine the walls and places around the windows in your bathroom or basement if you suspect mold infestation. Mold thrives in a leaky window sill or near a leaking pipe. In such cases, remove the paint, clean, repair, and dry the surface before repainting to eliminate the issue once and for all.
Musty odor
That weird and unpleasant odor is a dead giveaway of a mold infestation—the more intense the scent, the more serious the mold development. Always keep an eye out for musty and moldy odors, particularly near any moist areas in the home.
Water damage
When dealing with water damage, consider the likelihood of mold development. Water is quickly absorbed, resulting in an excellent wet environment for mold to develop. The sooner you discover mold development, the simpler it is to eliminate it. During the winter, always keep condensation in mind. Indoor condensation may result in substantially greater humidity, fostering mold development. This is when a mold removal firm like Golden State Inspections might come in to help.
Rust
Another indicator of excessive moisture in your home is rust. What is the other effect of having too much humidity indoors? Yes, you got it: it produces the ideal environment for mold development.
Mold and your health: Why is it dangerous?
Mold exposure may cause health problem like irritation, allergies, or illness. Mold exposure is the most prevalent cause of allergic responses (hay fever). Mold-exposed people often report (alone or in combination): Nasal and sinus congestion, wheezing, trouble to breathe, and shortness of breath
- Itching eyes (burning, watery, or reddened eyes)
- Itching eyes (burning, watery, or reddened eyes) Coughing,
- Rhinitis
- Itching or rashes
- Mold may induce headaches, memory loss, mood changes, nosebleeds, aches and pains, and fevers.
Who is most vulnerable to mold exposure?
Mold exposure is harmful to everyone who works in a facility. As a result, it is always preferable to recognize and address excessive moisture conditions as soon as possible before mold forms and health concerns arise. Some persons may have more severe symptoms or fall unwell more quickly than others:
- Individuals with pre-existing respiratory disorders such as allergies, chemical sensitivities, or asthma.
- People with compromised immune systems (such as people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy patients, and so forth)
- Infants and early children
- The elderly
When should I get a mold inspection?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the need for a mold inspection will vary depending on your specific situation. However, some general guidelines to consider include:
- If you’re buying or selling a home, it’s a good idea to get a mold inspection before closing on the sale.
- If you’ve recently experienced water damage in your home, you should schedule a mold inspection as soon as possible to assess any potential damage.
- If you’re experiencing symptoms such as respiratory problems, sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, you may have a mold allergy and should get a mold inspection to determine if there’s an underlying problem.
Mold Inspection & Testing Los Angeles California: How does it work?
Mold inspection detects mold and estimates its size in square feet. Mold testing identifies the kind of mold in your house and the number of mold spores in the air. But bear in mind, testing for mold requires precisely controlled conditions that are difficult to obtain in a house; thus, findings will vary from test to test regardless of remedial efforts. Second, mold spores from outside contaminate all interior rooms; thus, mold tests often reveal a vast list of species, most of which do not exist in your house. Third, the EPA has not established acceptable levels of mold or mold spores in a home. Mold testing is not always beneficial for this reason; thus, contacting an expert to search for expanding colonies is recommended. Notably, some mold inspections involve mold testing or sampling, especially in places where it is mandatory.
How much does a mold inspection cost California?
Mold inspection costs vary significantly by area, although the differences are often minor. In fact, you’ll discover bigger variances across contractors in the same location. A mold inspection is around the same price as a conventional home inspection done when buying a new house. Mold inspection costs $300-$400 for small to medium-sized residences on average (below 4,000 square feet). Above 4,000 square feet, the cost rises to $700-900. These expenditures may not generally include testing. Avoiding unnecessary mold testing may save you money. Some mold removal providers will conduct a free mold inspection in exchange for a job doing the treatment. Learn More: Our Unbeatable Prices Serving Greater Los Angeles, need a mold inspection?
Why do I need to hire a professional inspector for mold remediation?
- Mold Inspection and Testing Prevent Serious Symptoms
Exposure to mold may cause significant physiological effects, particularly black mold exposure. Mold spores may make you sick in any form. Infections caused by mold spores are more likely to occur in the sick or autoimmune diseases. - Professional Cleaners Can Do It Right
It’s natural to want to scrape the mold off surfaces when you encounter it in your house. But it doesn’t solve the issue. You’re not just dispersing mold spores, but the mold will usually return thereafter. Golden State Inspections professionals will make sure we get you the most accurate data about your mold inspections then suggest next steps on how to get rid of them. - They know how to find and remove mold.
Your shower may have mold on it, but how can you know it’s completely gone? You may be addressing an external problem if you don’t understand mold growth. Mold development is often more widespread than visible. Firms that specialize in mold testing know where to check for mold and how to get rid of it. - Improves indoor air quality
Professional mold testing has the tools and expertise to assure that your house is completely mold-free! Air quality improves when mold spores are removed from the residence. This will help to create a healthy home environment for you and your family. - They Save Time and Energy
It is one of the greatest features of skilled mold removal firms. Why take on a problem you’re not ready for? Mold removal businesses have the tools to locate, test, and remove mold on the first go.
Protect your family by having Golden State mold inspections!
The health and safety of your loved ones are always a top priority. That’s why it’s so important to have regular mold inspections done in your home, especially if you live in California. Mold can cause all sorts of nasty health problems, from respiratory issues to skin irritation and even chronic diseases. We at Golden State Inspections offer comprehensive mold inspection services that will identify the source of the mold and recommend solutions for remediation.
The Way We Work
Visual
A thorough visual inspection of the inside and exterior of a house or property to check for apparent indications of mold, water damage, and other moisture-related concerns.
Advanced Equipment
Look for evidence of moisture incursion around windows, doors, and locations with plumbing using specialist equipment.
Sampling
The inspector might gather samples during the inspection based on observations and client complaints.
Report
Sample analysis, if necessary, is also included in the results and recommendations report.
So don’t wait; call us now at (310) 525-0619 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation. We look forward to helping you keep your family safe and healthy.
