Mold testing Sarasota is a crucial step in any real estate transaction, especially in Florida where the humidity and rainfall make it an ideal environment for the growth of mold. Whether you’re selling a home, buying one, or doing due diligence on behalf of your client, a professional mold inspection by a certified specialist is essential for your peace of mind and the protection of your investment.
The presence of mold may not be immediately evident in a visual inspection mold testing Sarasota alone, but can be found through moisture measurements and air testing. Using tools such as hygrometers, thermal cameras and borescopes helps locate areas of mold growth, and a professional mold inspector will conduct air and surface samples to be sent to a 3rd party lab for analysis. This helps determine the species of mold present and if any elevated levels of mycotoxins are detected.
If left untreated, mold can destroy the structure of a building and lead to a host of health problems. If you’re sensitive to molds, symptoms may include hay fever-like irritation, sinus and nasal congestion, skin rash or itching, a dry hacking cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and more. Molds also produce spores, which can become airborne and cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues in people who are susceptible to them.
Even in low concentrations, mold spores can trigger asthma attacks in people who suffer from it. In the elderly, infants and those with chronic illness, exposure to molds can also cause more serious reactions. Molds are capable of producing a wide range of mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances that are capable of attacking the immune system and causing a variety of health problems.
It’s not unusual for mold to be discovered during a home inspection and, when it is, it should be addressed immediately. Molds thrive where moisture is present for prolonged periods of time, and it’s important to have any plumbing problems repaired as soon as possible so that the affected areas can be dried quickly. In addition, keeping humidity low and ensuring that all entry points are tightly sealed can help prevent mold from growing in the first place.
A professional mold inspection is a critical part of any home or commercial property purchase, and a thorough inspection by a trained expert can uncover hidden mold issues that can be a serious health hazard for anyone living in the space. When choosing a professional mold inspector, it’s important to look for a company with experience in home and commercial inspections as well as in the testing and remediation of molds. The company you choose should be independently owned and operated to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
When choosing a mold testing or mold inspection company, it’s important to research the company and ask for references from previous clients. A reputable company will be willing to provide this information, and it’s also a good idea to check online reviews. A reputable company will be able to answer all of your questions in a timely manner and explain the results in simple terms.