Why is it Crucial to Get a Mold Inspection after Water Damage?

When you combine the elements of heat and moisture, you have the perfect medium for mold growth.  Even if the influx of water only occurred once, it’s enough to promote the growth of mold.  That is because even if the water is drying off, there would be damp patches and wet areas for a few days and that is enough for mold infestation. The common misconception is that the resulting growth will be visible.  However, that’s only true in the most extreme cases. 

Yet, while the black, blue, or green-tinted fungus may be visible in those more extreme cases, it usually occurs in areas that aren’t readily visible.  By the time you finally do see it, it may have been growing for several weeks or even months.

What do Mold Inspections reveal?

When a mold inspector is looking for mold growth after water damage has occurred, they typically look for hidden colonies of the fungus.  The inspection often reveals several different results such as:

• Indoor air quality problems – the mold inspector will measure humidity and moisture levels in different areas of a house.  After that, they will evaluate the air quality by using spore traps to localize the source and determine what types of mold are growing.

• Ongoing fungal growth – mold inspectors don’t focus solely on the obvious areas such as the kitchen wallpaper or the shower.  They will examine areas that cannot be seen including attic insulation, garage drywall, and even the wood beams in your crawlspaces.

• Past mold issues – if the inspector discovers signs of past mold growth, the water damage may be an ongoing or recurring issue.  Every time water manages to leak into a home, it revives the spores of that prior growth.  Consequently, more extensive repairs may be required as a result.

This may seem like going to the extreme and a tedious task.  However, this is what the best mold inspectors have been trained to do in order to properly inspect your home.

Is a Mold Inspection Necessary?

Let’s assume for a minute that you had a hidden leak in the bathroom or kitchen and it’s been repaired.  Once you’re confident that the problem has been fixed, is it necessary to hire a mold inspection service? Absolutely!  First and foremost, this is the only way you’ll have peace of mind regarding the issue.  Additionally, if you had professionals come in to remediate the mold, the inspection will prove whether or not all of the mold was removed and that no residual growth is apparent.

For more information or to schedule a mold inspection, contact Florida Inspections Unlimited today at (305) 910-1171.