3 Best Tips for Mold Inspection and Testing in Atlanta, Ga

A mold infestation is a problem that affects property owners all year round. However, in Atlanta, mold and ragweed allergies seem to flare up around Fall. While mold can grow both indoors and outdoors, we typically see outdoor infections rising in the fall and indoor breakouts during the winter months. If you are a homeowner in Atlanta, mold inspection and testing services are an important part of routine property maintenance. Luckily, the top mold inspection and testing in Atlanta can be found at Remediation Group, Inc.

Unfortunately, mold grows and thrives in areas with heaps of leaves or compost. This makes fall the perfect season for outdoor mold spores to take advantage of the recently raked leaves and piles of colorful foliage. Not only does the mold grow in these conditions, but the spores mix with the air during the day and settle back to the ground in the evening. That being said, if you suspect that mold is growing outside your property, try to avoid going near the areas in the morning until the problem is resolved. You or your pet can potentially bring these spores indoors and affect the air quality.

This process is how some toxic mold finds its way indoors and then begins to cause problems all year round. During winter, many people like to seal their houses to keep them warm. However, this sometimes has negative effects, especially if there are appliances that emit moisture without being channeled outside. Your HVAC system, for example, can instigate condensation on walls, windows or ceilings, leading to mold growth. Additionally, the walls and basement material could also be letting moist air get in without you knowing it.

Mold is resilient and doesn’t take much to form and spread. It can easily breed on paper, cardboard, dust, paint, vents, roof, wet cellulose, wood, tiles, wall and upholstery, among other materials in your home. This means virtually any surface in your home or property has the potential to be a breeding ground for unwanted mold. Left unchecked, mold might affect the health of anyone living in your house and damage your belongings in the process. This is why it is important to find the best mold inspection and testing in Atlanta at RGI. 

How does Mold Inspection and Testing Work? 

You may not be able to see mold spores with the naked eye, but you can see the filaments wherever this invasive allergen is growing. You may also begin to experience asthma-like, mold-related allergies such as sneezing, wheezing, coughing, skin irritations and mental disturbances. Because it is hard to tell if you have mold, it is important to learn more about mold inspection and testing in Atlanta. 

Anytime you breathe air contaminated with mold, the spores will attach themselves to your throat, nasal mucous membranes and even lungs. This can lead to persistent dry cough, asthmatic reactions, nasal congestion, and headaches. Insomnia and anxiety can also result from mold toxicity. It is important to note that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect you might have mold to call a professional right away. A routine mold inspection done early can save you time, money and unwanted illnesses. For more information on mold-related illness, visit the CDC website. 

Mold inspection and testing can be simple or complex, depending on the level of mold infestation and damage. For instance, a dirty mark on the wall, carpet, or ceiling, as well as a musky odor, is the first sign of mold growth and can be tackled rather quickly. However, if the mold has been growing inside insulation or in hidden corners of the basement, you will not be able to tell.

A professional mold inspector will comb your house for mold and uncover the cause. Whether it is poor drainage, porous walls and floor, condensation from your appliances, moisture from the bathroom, leaks, sewage spills, or recent flooding, they will go ahead and recommend solutions that will ensure mold does not grow in your home again.

Mold testing will determine the exact mold species that are growing in your home. Sometimes, we pair it air quality testing to see if your living space has mold spores circulating throughout the air. Sample analysis can take anywhere between 24 and 48 hours before you know the outcome of a mold inspection. However, the most important step in mold remediation is its removal. To find the top mold inspection and testing in Atlanta, call the professionals at Remediation Group, Inc. 

Mold Remediation Process

After a flood or leak in your house, it will take about 21 days for signs of mold infestation to start showing. If the affected area is small, it is easy to clean it up, fix the cause of the mold and dry it up. Without moisture, it is hard for mold to thrive in a house. However, if mold was already growing, drying up the place only pacifies the mold without killing it. Mold contamination can affect the value of a house or property in addition to affecting the health of any inhabitants of the home. Because of this, it is important to hire the services of a professional who are well versed in mold inspection and testing. 

The first step in the mold remediation process is a thorough inspection and testing of the potentially infected area. This involves a comprehensive assessment of all places where mold could be growing, from all the way up to the roof down to the basement. All water pipes are inspected for leaks, while air quality testing is conducted to establish whether or not there are active spores.

At the end of the inspection, experts will give you a report of all the problem areas, levels of damage and recommendations to fix the issue. If the mold was caused by damage to the roof, vents, basement floor, insulation, pipes or gutters, it is necessary to fix the source of moisture. Without stopping the moisture from getting into the property, mold will continue to grow and spread. After fixing the damage, the affected area is thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent a recurrence. Professionals, like those at RGI who offer top mold inspection and testing in Atlanta, use antimicrobial chemicals to kill the mold and keep it from returning.

Although dealing with mold can be a hassle, it is an extremely important job for property and home owners. Prospective buyers will walk away from a home or property with a history of mold infestation within the past five years. In Atlanta, landlords and homeowners have a duty to disclose this information to new tenants or homebuyers. If you have mold problems, you must treat your property to prevent future growth.

Encapsulating your basement and crawl space is another way of ensuring mold does not grow back. Dehumidifying and proper ventilation of the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area also helps control moisture and prevent mold growth. If you do suspect mold, be sure to reach out to a mold inspection and testing company in Atlanta. 

DIY Mold Control Tips

Professional mold removal can be costly. Because of this, tenants and owners should do their part to keep the conditions for mold growth at a minimum. It is advisable to take charge and keep your home mold-free if possible. A few simple DIY tips can help you keep the mold out until it is necessary to call the professional mold inspection and testing group. The following measures will help you to control moisture levels in your home and keep mold at bay:

• Keep humidity levels in your home between 30 and 50 percent
• Do not use carpet or upholstery in moisture-prone areas such as the basement or bathroom
• Open the windows when cooking or taking a shower
• Change your ceiling fan to operate clockwise in winter and counterclockwise in summer to prevent condensation of moist air.
• Direct downspouts and exhaust fans from the kitchen and bathroom away from the house
• Get rid of compost piles and standing water in the compound

It is important to note that mold is resilient. Even with the best preparations and efforts to keep the mold away, it sometimes still finds a way into a home or onto the property. If this is the case, it is important to call the top professionals for mold inspection and testing in Atlanta as soon as you notice signs of mold.

Top Mold Inspection and Testing in Atlanta, Ga

When choosing a mold removal company, it is important to look at reviews from past clients, ratings, service offerings, availability and mold removal cost. While many mold inspection and testing companies have the necessary qualifications to remediate your property, not all of them practice professionalism and offer a high quality of work.

If you are looking for top mold inspection and testing services in Atlanta, Ga to help you resolve a long-standing mold problem, look to Remediation Group, Inc. Give us a call, and we will always respond promptly and professionally. We have experience in all types of projects, and our team can get rid of you mold problems whether it is in an apartment, home or business.

We offer a wide range of services from water damage control to plumbing repair and professional cleaning services, ensuring no conflict of interest. As a result, you can get top-notch service quickly and efficiently. Do not waste time, call the professionals at RGI who are the experts in mold inspection and testing in Atlanta today for a consultation or to book a mold inspection appointment. You can also visit our website at www.remgroupinc.com for more information.