Mold can grow anywhere—even indoors.

The thing to remember about mold is that it loves moisture, so colonies will grow quickly anywhere damp or humid conditions exist. 

If you are concerned about mold growth in your home or commercial building, keep an eye out for the following signs that likely signal a potential mold problem somewhere indoors:

• Visible spots or discoloration (mold comes in a variety of colors) on the walls, floor, furniture, or other surfaces
• An unmistakable (and often unpleasant) damp or musty odor 
• Excess condensation on windows and glass doors (indicating high humidity), peeling or bubbling wallpaper, warped wood or drywall, and damp carpets and upholstery

However, mold growth is not always that obvious. 

Is it time for mold testing?

When it comes to mold, it is always better to be safe than sorry. 

Indoor mold growth can easily become a bigger problem if left unchecked, causing damage to both the physical structure of a property and to the health of its inhabitants. For this reason, fast detection is critical. 

Professional mold testing is often used to identify the presence of mold in a home or in a commercial or industrial building. Not only can mold testing provide information about the type(s) of mold present and the extent of the problem, but a certified inspector will use the appropriate tools and lab testing methods to determine the best plan for mold removal and remediation. 

In addition to the obvious signs of mold listed above, below are some of the most common reasons to contact a mold testing technician. 

Mold Testing When Buying or selling a home or office space

Before buying a new home, testing for mold is a smart move if you suspect mold growth may be present. Likewise, if you are a realtor or a building landlord, showing proof of a mold inspection may help put potential buyers at ease. Finally, if you own a home or office space that has been vacant for a while and you are considering selling, mold testing is one of the ways you can ensure the property is safe for new occupants. 

Increased allergy symptoms (people and pets)

Is it allergies, a seasonal cold, or an indoor mold problem? All of these things share very common symptoms—from coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes to respiratory issues, skin rashes, and fatigue. Even pets can be affected by mold, which can trigger skin and ear problems as well as trouble breathing. If you suspect your symptoms may be mold related, or if your physician has detected a mold allergy in your bloodwork, mold testing is the next logical step. 

Recent water damage

When water damage happens, mold is usually never far behind. If you have recently experienced a plumbing issue, storm damage, or any kind of unexpected water leak in your home or office space, it is often a good idea to conduct a mold test just in case. Even if you 

have done a thorough job of stopping the flow of water and repairing the issue, mold growth may be lurking beyond where you can visibly see it. 

Immediately following mold remediation

When dealing with indoor mold, nothing should be left to chance. Testing for mold is often done after your mold removal and remediation service has been completed to verify that the process was successful and that it is safe to reenter your home, business, or industrial space. Mold testing at this stage is referred to as post-testing or clearance testing. 

How is mold testing done? 

While methods may vary from one provider to the next, mold testing generally involves a preliminary visual inspection followed by collecting samples of the mold. 

Both air samples (collected using an air sampling pump) and surface samples (captured via lift tape or cotton swab) will help to determine the type of mold, the indoor vs. outdoor mold levels, the scope of the mold growth, and the best approach to removal and remediation.

While home mold test kits are available, they are limited in scope and may not be as accurate as professional testing equipment. 

Pre-testing vs. post-remediation verification

In some cases, mold testing is requested by a third party—for example, a realtor prior to the sale of a home—to verify that there is no underlying or undetected mold issue. This is called pre-testing. 

Because mold growth may pose a threat to the structural integrity of a property, and because certain types of mold may exacerbate known health problems, this step may be taken as a precaution prior to mold remediation.

As we mentioned above, post-remediation verification (or post-testing) is performed after the mold removal and remediation process to ensure it was successful. 

Start with the professionals. 

Because of the potential health and safety risks of mold exposure, it is important to work with an experienced mold testing and remediation specialist if you suspect you have a mold problem. 

At CT Mold Pros, our trained technicians are able to provide both pre- and post-testing services. We use nationally accredited lab testing methods to identify the type of mold in your home or business and guide you toward the best plan of action. 

Call CT Mold Pros today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate or fill out this short form with your message to schedule an appointment.