Buying a new home is exciting, especially if you are confident that you’ve found the ideal property. However, it’s important to make sure that the home is free of potentially harmful contaminants. Scheduling a mold assessment is critical, as the allergen contributes not just to poor indoor air quality but also to health problems. The following guide explains more about assessments and why they're useful.

What Is a Mold Assessment?

During the assessment, a home inspector or other professional who is trained to identify mold will perform a comprehensive inspection of the premises. First, they’ll visually inspect the property and look for signs of obvious and hidden mold outbreaks. They may perform bulk sampling if they suspect a problem by rubbing a swab over the potentially affected area. This technique allows them to identify the type of mold on the premises. Air sampling is another crucial step that involves capturing mold spores and sending the sample to a lab for identification.  

What Does an Inspector Check?

During a comprehensive mold assessment, a technician will check the home’s exterior for signs of moisture intrusion. They may look for faulty caulking, wall cracks, or poor sloping that encourages water to flow towards the property. 

Using a tool called a moisture meter, they can determine which areas of the home have the highest humidity levels and test those sections. They may also use a thermal imaging camera to identify temperature changes behind drywall, which may be indicative of a leak and possible mold formation. They may also look at the attic, which can be a breeding ground for the allergen if there’s roof damage. 

Why Is the Assessment Important?

Like other allergens, mold can pose serious health risks. Individuals who have asthma or other respiratory concerns may be particularly uncomfortable if they're exposed to mold, as it may cause irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and nose. It can also trigger an asthma attack. Unfortunately, mold is not always visible to the naked eye, making it even more crucial to have an assessment performed before you buy a home.

Before you purchase a home, turn to the team at Certified Indoor Air Inc. Proudly serving clients throughout Raleigh, NC, they offer comprehensive mold assessments and testing to ensure that a property is safe to purchase. They'll also be happy to answer any of your questions. Visit their website for more information, or call (919) 749-4708 to request an assessment.