What’s the Difference Between Mold Inspection and Mold Testing?

January 13, 2023/Joseph Gutierrez

Contents hide

Mold Inspection
Mold Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wrap Up

Share this Article

What'S The Difference Between Mold Inspection And Mold Testing?

You should feel safe and comfortable in your own home, especially when you consider that the average human spends 90% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, many households contain unwelcome visitors, such as mold.

Mold is an environmental hazard that can cause many serious health problems if left untreated. Not only that, but it only takes mold 24 to 48 hours to grow and spread. So, you must address any mold problems as soon as possible.

There are two primary methods for addressing mold growth in your home: mold inspection and mold testing. But what is the difference between these two services? In this post, we’ll discuss these two processes and highlight their key differences.

Mold Inspection

A mold inspection is a process in which a professional thoroughly assesses your home to identify any signs of mold growth.

During an inspection, the inspector will check for visible signs of mold and any areas that may be prone to future growth. They will also use various tools, such as moisture meters and infrared cameras, to detect moisture levels in your home. The results of a mold inspection are then compiled into a report, which will outline the inspector’s findings and recommendations.

What Does the Mold Inspection Process Include?

A professional mold inspection involves multiple steps. At GP Inspects, we utilize the following procedure:

1. Client Interviews

The first step in any mold inspection is to meet with the homeowner, tenant, or property manager to discuss their concerns. The inspector will ask questions about any symptoms you may have, the history of moisture issues in the home, and any other relevant information. This helps them to narrow down the areas they need to focus on during the inspection.

Questions that may be asked include:

Have you ever seen visible mold or moisture issues?
Are there any areas of the home that have a musty smell or are unusually humid?
Has the home ever been flooded or had water damage?
Is anyone in the home experiencing any health symptoms that could be related to mold?

Be sure to answer these questions as honestly and accurately as possible, as this will help the inspector to diagnose any potential mold issues better. If you have anything else you’d like to share beyond the questions asked, be sure to let the inspector know as well.

2. Comprehensive Visual Inspections

The next step is to conduct a comprehensive visual inspection of the property. During this step, the inspector will carefully examine any area that may have been identified as a potential source of mold growth. This includes inspecting the home’s walls, ceilings, and other structural elements.

The inspector will also look for any signs of moisture, such as condensation on pipes or walls and water stains. They will also be looking for any visible mold growth or musty odors in the home. If they find an area of concern, they will document it and recommend further testing if necessary.

3. Moisture Meter Detection

What'S The Difference Between Mold Inspection And Mold Testing? 1

In addition to visual inspections, the inspector will use specialized tools to detect any hidden areas of mold growth. The most commonly used tool is a moisture meter, which measures the amount of moisture within the building material. This includes finding excess moisture behind walls, under flooring, or within wood framing.

Using a moisture meter not only aids in the detection of mold but also helps to identify underlying issues that may be causing it.

4. Infrared Thermal Graphic Imaging

In some cases, the inspector will also use infrared thermal imaging to detect mold in a home. Thermal imaging technology uses infrared radiation to view subtle temperature differences through the lens of a camera. This helps to identify damp or wet areas that may be harboring mold growth, even if the area is hidden from view.

The inspector will take multiple images of each room that is being inspected and use the data to create a “thermal image” of the property. The images are then analyzed to determine if any further action should be taken.

One thing that sets us apart from the competition is that we use an endoscopic camera to determine if abnormal conditions exist inside walls, ceilings, or other enclosed spaces. The camera is inserted into a small hole to capture images inside the wall cavity, giving us greater insight into the home’s overall condition. This technology further ensures that any issues are identified and addressed promptly.

5. Mold Inspection Reports

Once each stage of the process is complete, the inspector will generate a comprehensive mold inspection report. The report will serve as a detailed summary of the findings, including areas in need of further testing or repair. In addition, it may provide recommendations for controlling moisture levels in the home and preventing future mold growth.

It is important to remember that a mold inspection is not a substitute for mold testing. Instead, it is only the first step in detecting and managing mold issues in a home. If more information is required, the inspector will recommend additional testing to confirm any suspicions.

Mold Testing

Unlike mold inspections, professional mold testing is a process in which samples are collected from the home and analyzed in a laboratory. The samples are tested using specialized methods that help to detect the presence of mold and its type.

This process can provide a more precise level of information than an inspection alone and can also be used to identify the source and extent of the growth. Mold testing is often recommended if a mold inspection has revealed an area of high moisture or visible growth.

What Types of Tests Are Used in Mold Testing?

There are several different mold testing methods that GP Inspects uses in order to provide our clients with the most accurate information possible. These tests include:

Indoor Air Quality Assessments

Air Quality Testing Pump Asbestos Sampling

Indoor Air quality assessments involve collecting air samples at different locations within a home and analyzing them for the presence of mold. The inspector will typically use an air pump equipped with a specialized sampling device to collect the samples from each area of the home. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory for specific types and concentrations of mold.

These assessments are a great way to determine if mold levels are acceptable and if further action needs to be taken. Not only that, but they can also detect other airborne contaminants that may be present. These include dust, pollen, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This helps to provide a better understanding of the home’s overall air quality.

Surface Sampling

This mold test involves taking a sample from an area where mold is suspected to be growing. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis and identification.

However, it is not an accurate measure of the quantity of airborne mold spores present at the time of testing. Instead, it is used as a starting point for determining the type of mold present and whether or not further action needs to be taken.

DNA / ERMI Mold Sampling

DNA / ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) testing is a more comprehensive form of mold testing. It involves collecting multiple samples from different locations throughout the home and sending them to a laboratory for analysis.

The results from this type of test are typically much more precise than those from surface samples. That’s why it’s often recommended for cases where a high concentration of mold is suspected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Experience Do You Have in This Field?

Mold inspection is a complex process, and you must ensure you get people who know exactly what they’re doing. It’s better to be sure that once the inspection is over, you’ll exterminate and clear out all the mold in a way that will prevent a recurrence.

Inquire how long the mold inspection service has been in business as the more experienced they are, the more thorough the inspection is bound to be. They will be more knowledgeable in the field, about the different types of mold, all the nooks and crannies they may find mold, all the different types all mold testing that they offer, and how they do their job safely.

Can You Explain Your Mold Inspection Process?

The visual assessment of the procedure may be the most important part of mold remediation, so ensure that you understand what the inspector intends to do when they get there. Without a comprehensive inspection, they may not sample all the types of mold in your home, and you’ll run into other issues later on.

The inspection should be done in both the interior and exterior of the property. Ask what kind of technology they use to inspect the nooks that are impossible to get into, and ensure they will inspect the crawl spaces, HVAC system, attic, and all areas prone to moisture.

Are You Insured and Licensed

If an inspection company is not licensed and insured, then you don’t even have to bother with the interview. In some states, mold inspectors must have independent licenses that are not affiliated with the companies they work with. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their license and insurance policies.

If anything happens during the inspection, their insurance company should be liable and not you. It’s very important that they have a Pollution Liability Insurance policy to ensure you get a mold inspection service that carries one.

Are Employees Trained and Certified?

Having a license and insurance is not enough for the company to reassure you. A reputable mold inspection service will have trained and certified staff. At the very least, they should have building envelope science knowledge and certificates in mold inspections and infrared technology.

You may find companies with staff qualified for water damage restorations, but this is not necessary unless you’re hiring the same company for mold remediation.

What Are Your Limitations?

It’s vital for you to ask what the service will cover and what they don’t do. This will eliminate any expectations. For instance, you may expect an inspector to move furniture or open up walls to check for mold only to find they don’t once they arrive for the inspection.

This is one of the most significant reasons why it’s imperative for them to explain the mold inspection process to you. Ensure you understand all services they offer because you’ll be able to compare mold inspection fees from different companies according to what each one offers. This will help you get the most value for your money.

How Long Will the Mold Inspection Process Take?

This answer will highly depend on the scope of the work and how large your property is. However, depending on the time estimates you get from different companies, you’ll know which one is potentially going to be more comprehensive and thorough. Beyond this, inquire how long it’ll take to get the report.

How Many Mold Samples Do You Take?

The number of samples the mold inspection service takes may also depend on the scope of the work and the size of your property. It’ll also depend on whether you need the entire property tested or certain areas of your home.

To achieve the best possible result, it is always recommended to consult with your Microbial Hygienist/Inspector about how many varieties of mold testing exists, which one will be appropriate for your situation, and how many samples will be needed to properly identify the different types and levels of mold in your property.

What’s the Total Cost of the Inspection?

Different mold inspection services will give you different quotes for their work. Get a breakdown of all fees involved, from inspecting to sampling and anything else in between.

If the company can go a step further and offer remediation services, talk about the total costs of that too. If they do, it’s advisable to get a written contract before they start. It’s very important for you to get a company that offers a guarantee, in case the mold reoccurs.

The Wrap Up

As you can see, mold inspections and mold testing are both important parts of assessing the health of a home’s indoor environment. By combining the two, you can get a better understanding of the air quality in your home and determine if further steps need to be taken to ensure it is healthy and safe.

If you need to schedule a mold inspection or testing, GP Inspect is here to help. We have been offering professional mold services in Southern California for over 22 years. Our team of experts will provide you with a thorough inspection and a detailed report of their findings. We will also provide you with remediation recommendations to get your home back to normal.

If you would like to schedule a mold inspection or have any questions, contact us online or give us a call at (949) 239-3727.