FREE MOLD INSPECTION SERVICES IN NAIROBI
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A mold inspection.➤ Get a free mold inspection in Nairobi ✓ Call Green Carpet Cleaning & Allergy Kenya 0792-293-443 ✚ Ensure a healthy home environment ❱❱ Contact us today!. Some mold removal specialists won’t do testing or an inspection unless requested. Mold removal technicians can test for mold by spraying an area.
You should feel safe and comfortable in your own home, especially when you consider that the average human spends 90% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, many households contain unwelcome visitors, such as mold.
Mold is an environmental hazard that can cause many serious health problems if left untreated. Not only that, but it only takes mold 24 to 48 hours to grow and spread. So, you must address any mold problems as soon as possible.
There are two primary methods for addressing mold growth in your home: mold inspection and mold testing. But what is the difference between these two services? In this post, we’ll discuss these two processes and highlight their key differences.
Mold Inspection
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A mold inspection is a process in which a professional thoroughly assesses your home to identify any signs of mold growth.
1.Clients Interviews.
2.Comprehensive Visual Inspections.
3.Moisture Meter Detection.
4.Infrared Thermal Graphic Imaging.
5.Mold Inspection Reports.
During an inspection, the inspector will check for visible signs of mold and any areas that may be prone to future growth. They will also use various tools, such as moisture meters and infrared cameras, to detect moisture levels in your home. The results of a mold inspection are then compiled into a report, which will outline the inspector’s findings and recommendations.
What Does the Mold Inspection Process Include?
A professional mold inspection involves multiple steps. At Green Carpet Cleaning Inspects, we utilize the following procedure:
1. Client Interviews
The first step in any mold inspection is to meet with the homeowner, tenant, or property manager to discuss their concerns. The inspector will ask questions about any symptoms you may have, the history of moisture issues in the home, and any other relevant information. This helps them to narrow down the areas they need to focus on during the inspection.
Questions that may be asked include:
- Have you ever seen visible mold or moisture issues?
- Are there any areas of the home that have a musty smell or are unusually humid?
- Has the home ever been flooded or had water damage?
- Is anyone in the home experiencing any health symptoms that could be related to mold?
Be sure to answer these questions as honestly and accurately as possible, as this will help the inspector to diagnose any potential mold issues better. If you have anything else you’d like to share beyond the questions asked, be sure to let the inspector know as well.
2. Comprehensive Visual Inspections
The next step is to conduct a comprehensive visual inspection of the property. During this step, the inspector will carefully examine any area that may have been identified as a potential source of mold growth. This includes inspecting the home’s walls, ceilings, and other structural elements.
The inspector will also look for any signs of moisture, such as condensation on pipes or walls and water stains. They will also be looking for any visible mold growth or musty odors in the home. If they find an area of concern, they will document it and recommend further testing if necessary.
3. Moisture Meter Detection
In addition to visual inspections, the inspector will use specialized tools to detect any hidden areas of mold growth. The most commonly used tool is a moisture meter, which measures the amount of moisture within the building material. This includes finding excess moisture behind walls, under flooring, or within wood framing.
Using a moisture meter not only aids in the detection of mold but also helps to identify underlying issues that may be causing it.
4. Infrared Thermal Graphic Imaging
In some cases, the inspector will also use infrared thermal imaging to detect mold in a home. Thermal imaging technology uses infrared radiation to view subtle temperature differences through the lens of a camera. This helps to identify damp or wet areas that may be harboring mold growth, even if the area is hidden from view.
The inspector will take multiple images of each room that is being inspected and use the data to create a “thermal image” of the property. The images are then analyzed to determine if any further action should be taken.
One thing that sets us apart from the competition is that we use an endoscopic camera to determine if abnormal conditions exist inside walls, ceilings, or other enclosed spaces. The camera is inserted into a small hole to capture images inside the wall cavity, giving us greater insight into the home’s overall condition. This technology further ensures that any issues are identified and addressed promptly.
5. Mold Inspection Reports
Once each stage of the process is complete, the inspector will generate a comprehensive mold inspection report. The report will serve as a detailed summary of the findings, including areas in need of further testing or repair. In addition, it may provide recommendations for controlling moisture levels in the home and preventing future mold growth.
It is important to remember that a mold inspection is not a substitute for mold testing. Instead, it is only the first step in detecting and managing mold issues in a home. If more information is required, the inspector will recommend additional testing to confirm any suspicions.
Mold Testing
Unlike mold inspections, professional mold testing is a process in which samples are collected from the home and analyzed in a laboratory. The samples are tested using specialized methods that help to detect the presence of mold and its type.
This process can provide a more precise level of information than an inspection alone and can also be used to identify the source and extent of the growth. Mold testing is often recommended if a mold inspection has revealed an area of high moisture or visible growth.
What Types of Tests Are Used in Mold Testing?
There are several different mold testing methods that GREEN CARPET CLEANING Inspects uses in order to provide our clients with the most accurate information possible. These tests include:
Indoor Air Quality Assessments
Indoor Air quality assessments involve collecting air samples at different locations within a home and analyzing them for the presence of mold. The inspector will typically use an air pump equipped with a specialized sampling device to collect the samples from each area of the home. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory for specific types and concentrations of mold.
These assessments are a great way to determine if mold levels are acceptable and if further action needs to be taken. Not only that, but they can also detect other airborne contaminants that may be present. These include dust, pollen, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This helps to provide a better understanding of the home’s overall air quality.
Surface Sampling
This mold test involves taking a sample from an area where mold is suspected to be growing. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis and identification.
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However, it is not an accurate measure of the quantity of airborne mold spores present at the time of testing. Instead, it is used as a starting point for determining the type of mold present and whether or not further action needs to be taken.
Type of Mold
Most mold removal is treated in the same way, but knowing the specific type of mold can help determine the depth of the removal work.
- Black mold: Black mold gets more attention because Stachybotrys chartarum gained attention in the media around 1993-94 after a cluster of cases of pulmonary hemorrhage and hemosiderosis in infants occurred in Cleveland after living in water damaged residences where investigators found Stachybotrys chartarum. A hypothesis was formed that linked Stachybotrys chartarum to the illnesses, but later the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) couldn’t conclude a possible association between acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants and Stachybotrys chartarum.
- Alternaria: Alternaria mold appears as a dark, green-gray color and mostly exists outdoors. It can travel indoors and spread on carpets, wallpaper and fabrics.
- Aspergillus: Aspergillus mold comes in a variety of colors from white, green and red. Penicillin is derived from Aspergillus and those with an allergy to penicillin can feel the effect of Aspergillus.
- Chaetomium: Chaetomium has a blue-green color and can appear in areas that have experienced prolonged periods of high humidity and dampness. It can appear most often in air ducts and walls.
- Cladosporium: Cladosporium has a white color and can appear often. It has the possibility to affect people with allergies and asthma.
- Fusarium: Fusarium can appear as white, yellow, brown or pink. It typically grows outdoors and affects plants.
- Green mold: Many molds can have a green color and can affect people with allergies and asthma.
- Serpula lacrymans: Serpula lacrymans most often has a yellow color to it. It appears frequently on wood structures and furniture. It can sometimes get called slime mold because of its soft, liquid texture.
- White mold: Many molds appear white in color. The texture can differentiate the molds as some white molds have a powdery texture.
Extent of Damage
The size of the mold problem impacts the cost since mold removal specialists can charge per square foot. It can also impact the remediation cost if the mold has spread to hidden parts of your home. Mold that spreads behind walls can lead to expensive repairs that can mean tearing out drywall and framing.
It’s important to respond to mold quickly to limit its spread. It’s also important to address the factors that led to mold in the first place. That can mean correcting humidity levels and repairing any leaks that led to a moisture buildup. Proper cleaning can limit the buildup of organic material that provides a place for mold to grow.
Reasons to Act Quickly on Mold Removal and Remediation
If left unchecked, mold can spread fast and lead to expansive problems. It’s important to act quickly when you spot mold to prevent its spread. While you can treat mold quickly to remove it from the spots where it appears, it’s important to address areas where it can spread, like your HVAC and ducts. Mold removal professionals will take steps to eliminate mold from those areas.
Mold can lead to wood rot and damaged walls. Replacing walls and insulation can be necessary if you let mold fester. A small spot of mold can reveal a larger problem and needs remediation to make sure it doesn’t spread.
How to Test for Mold
Knowing how to test for mold can help identify the type of mold you’re dealing with, and help you put together a plan of attack. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says mold testing isn’t necessary if visible mold growth appears. Should you want to test for mold on your own, here’s how to do it:
- Prep the room: Close doors, windows and vents in the room that you want to test for mold in for a period of 24 hours before testing.
- Gather supplies: Have your mold test kit ready to go and follow the instructions.
- Test: Follow the instructions of the mold test kit to collect airborne samples in the room. Be sure to seal off the room and not allow anyone in until after completing the test.
- Prepare test sample: Follow test kit instructions to seal the test sample and include the date and location of the sample.
- Wait for results: Some kits will require you to send in the sample, while others can show results quickly. Follow the directions outlined in the kit.
How Long Does Mold Removal Take?
There’s no straightforward answer to how long it will take to remove mold from your home. The duration of mold removal can vary widely depending on several factors, including the mold growth’s severity, the mold’s type, the size of the affected area and the remediation methods used. Therefore, mold removal can take one to three days, while severe mold growth can take up to five days.
Other Costs Associated With Mold Remediation
Removing the mold is often just one part of the equation in mold remediation. Once the mold is removed, you have to look at the situations that caused it in the first place. If a broken pipe leads to excessive moisture, you’ll have to repair that and any additional water damage. Depending on the damage, removal costs can increase if it takes multiple days and a dumpster.
Where the mold appears can make a difference, too. A mold problem in a basement or crawlspace can mean encapsulation of the space so mold doesn’t reappear. To stop mold from appearing you need to reduce humidity, moisture and organic material in your home that mold can latch on to.
DIY Mold Removal and Remediation vs. Hiring a Professional
Performing mold removal on your own versus hiring a professional depends on the size of the affected area and your level of expertise. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that if the mold area measures less than 10 square feet, you can remove the mold on your own.
Removing mold on your own can prove costly unless you have some of the items on hand. Mold removal means you need a N95 mask, personal protective equipment, cleaning items, like soap and water, plus disposal equipment.
It’s usually best to leave mold removal to professionals who can ensure the mold won’t return with greater success than a DIYer. Professionals have the equipment and the knowledge on how to remove mold the best. That can include addressing your furnace and ductwork to remove any remaining spores in your home.
Tips to Save Money on Mold Remediation Costs
Mold remediation can be a significant expense, especially if the problem is extensive. But when it comes to mold removal, it’s important not to cut corners, as improper remediation can lead to health issues and recurring mold problems. That said, here are some tips to help you save money on mold remediation while ensuring a thorough and effective process:
- Prevent mold growth: If you find any signs of mold in your home, don’t wait for it to worsen. Early detection and intervention can prevent the mold problem from spreading and becoming more costly to remediate.
- Get multiple quotes: When looking for professional mold remediation services, it’s important to get quotes from multiple companies. This way, you can compare prices to make an informed decision.
- Find the source: To prevent future mold growth, you must address the moisture source. If there is a leak or poor ventilation, take care of it before it leads to further mold growth.
- Insurance coverage: You can find out if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers mold remediation by checking your policy. Some policies cover mold removal costs if the mold growth results from an unforeseeable circumstance, such as water damage from a burst pipe.