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Mold in the Home
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Yes ... we inspect for mold.
The best way to get an accurate “snapshot” of the mold situation in your home or office is to combine a thorough visual inspection with one or both of two mold sampling techniques – surface sampling of visual mold and biological air sampling. Only this comprehensive combination can accurately identify and quantify molds in any environment.
The Visual Inspection reveals obvious molds on surfaces and helps determine hidden mold problems that may go unnoticed to an un-trained eye. Using state-of-the-art electronic detection equipment, the Square-One Inspection Service visual inspection also reveals existing and potential moisture problems in construction materials. Wet or damp wood, drywall, and even concrete may not be a mold problem now, but will be if ignored. Catch problems before they start.
How Square-One Inspection Service Tests For Mold:
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Surface samples are taken by tape lift imprints or bulk samples of a surface for laboratory analysis. The primary purpose of a direct microscopic examination of a surface is to determine what kinds of molds are present and to reveal indoor reservoirs of mold spores that have not yet become airborne. While surface sampling is the most reliable way to determine exactly what type of mold is on a surface, i.e. walls, furniture, floors, etc., is not a direct indication of what may be in the air.
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Biological air samples are the only way to accurately determine how much mold is in the air at your home or office. Using specialized equipment, Square-One Inspection Service is able to to sample measurable amounts of air, which traps airborne mold spores for later analysis. Only with a quantifiable number of spores in a measurable amount of air, is an accurate representation of the indoor air quality possible. Square-One Inspection Service air samples are taken using specialized equipment that both identifies and quantifies all mold types so you know exactly what is going on with the air you breathe.
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Both surface and air sampling techniques are widely recognized as the best processes for achieving accurate evaluations of both indoor air quality (IAQ) and the specificity of surface mold types. However, the use of one without the other may result in an inaccurate characterization of the area sampled. For example, Stachybotrys (a known toxic mold) has shown up in surface samples but not air samples in the same property. Often times there can be certain types of mold on a surface that are not airborne... YET. For that reason it is prudent to sample both air and surface molds.
Why Is It Useful To Identify Surface Mold Types?
Mold produces mold spores. When surface mold is disturbed, thousands (perhaps even millions) of tiny spores become airborne, which may ultimately end up in the lungs of anyone nearby. It is beneficial to know whether or not the mold growing on a surface is toxic before attempting to clean it so that you can take adequate measures to protect yourself and others from potentially harmful effects.
| INSPECTION & SAMPLING FEES |
| Basic Residential Mold Inspection $250 - (Included at no extra charge during a standard home inspection) |
| Inspection includes:
A non-invasive¹ visual inspection of accessible locations² (exterior and interior) for surface mold, water intrusion and other causes.
Moisture content testing of construction materials including concrete foundation, exterior and interior walls, cabinets, counters, floors and shower tiles.
DOCUMENTATION: Included
Documentation for mold inspections include:
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Written discovery reports with complete explanations in laymen terms.
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Protimeter test results showing problematic moisture content of construction materials including wood, drywall, concrete, and tiles. Etc.
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Computer generated reports in laymen terms for interpreting lab results when applicable.
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Guideline information for resolving mold problems.
NOTE: Inspection documents are only given to our client (the person or company who actually pays for the inspection).
¹ "non-invasive" means without cutting walls open. Extra charges apply to opening walls.
² "accessible locations" are defined as areas readily observed without the need to move furniture or contents.
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OPTIONAL MOLD TESTING SAMPLING $300 - (3-Sample Special Price)
Click here to download a PDF copy of our Mold Sample Contract.
Click here to download a PDF Sample Mold Report.
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Lab analysis of samples identifies mold types and quantities. Sample Options Include:
AIR SAMPLES: $150
Air Sampling tells you what types of mold in your air and tell you how much of it is there. An air test consist of two samples, one sample from of the indoor air, and one ambient sample from the outdoor air. The outdoor serves as a baseline standard. An "abnormal mold condition" exists when lab results show that the indoor air has a higher spore count than the outdoor air.
PLEASE NOTE: Air testing requires two samples (one indoor and one outdoor). Each sample costs.
SURFACE SAMPLES: $150
Surface sampling will accurately identify all types of mold growing on a surface, but will not quantify. Furthermore, mold found in surface samples is it necessarily an accurate representation of what is in the air. In fact, it is entirely possible to find specific types of mold growing on surfaces that has not yet become airborne.
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INNER WALL CAVITY: $50 - (invasive)
Square-One Inspection Service uses state-of-the-art fiber optic technology to inspect inside walls and under cabinet floors. In most cases, only a hole about the size of a quarter needs to be drilled to see up to 3 feet. When that method is not possible, it may be necessary to cut out small sections of wall to properly inspect the inner wall or floor. After inspection, the cut out section is set back in place and the seam is taped. Spackling is the property owner's responsibility.
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PAYMENT:
Inspections must be paid for prior to or at the time the inspection takes place. Square-One Inspection Service does not bill escrow accounts. Payments of cash, personal check, company check, certified check or money order are accepted on the day of the inspection. Credit cards are not accepted on the job-site, however, you can use a credit card to pre-pay for an inspection using the Pay-Pal Credit Card Payment Service.
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