Mold Inspection Tools
Mold Inspection Tools Uses
When it comes to performing a mold inspection, professional home inspectors rely on quality tools to get the job done. A visual inspection is the most common tool, although sometimes a home inspector may need to use other equipment like cameras or moisture meters. These tools can help them spot issues before mold becomes visible and help homeowners find solutions for potential water intrusion problems.
During a visual inspection, home inspectors can look for areas where mold has already formed and note any musty odors or dampness in walls and floors. They can also use a moisture meter to test for dampness and determine whether there is enough humidity for mold to grow. Moisture meters are especially helpful in identifying water damage, and they work best with drywall and wood material.
While the simplest tool for finding mold is a flashlight, a thorough visual inspection can be very time-consuming. Inspectors can also use a variety of other inspection tools, including thermo- and infrared (IR) cameras to see beyond the surface of wall studs, insulation, and drywall. IR cameras can identify hidden issues with the structure of the property, and they are particularly useful in checking for hidden moisture problems and air leaks.
Home inspectors can also use a variety of sampling and test kits to perform mold testing in homes. Most of these tests require the mold samples to be sent away to a lab for analysis. The lab can then identify the Genus of this mold, which is a very good indication of its health hazards. Air pumps and tape strips can quickly sample the air for spores, but they are not as accurate as a lab-based test. Instant swab tests, which involve rubbing a swab across a surface and then placing it into a secure container to be tested, are more accurate than air pumps, but they cannot tell how much mold is present in specific discolored or stained areas of the home.
Mold Inspection Tools
Other less-common methods of detecting mold include spore traps and petri dishes. These tests usually need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis, which can take several days to receive the results. These tests are not as accurate as the swab and tape lift tests, and they can be difficult for the average DIYer to conduct correctly.
In addition to a visual and laboratory mold test, some inspectors will also perform a quick moisture survey using a hygrometer or a moisture meter. This is the most cost-effective way to detect a problem, as a moisture meter can be used to check areas that would be difficult or impossible to access with other tools. These can include sink base cabinets, wet bars, bathtubs, showers, toilets, washers and dryers, window corners, sliding glass doors, and skylights. The hygrometer can then be used to verify the meter readings and help determine if a mold issue exists in these difficult-to-reach places.
In addition to the visual inspection, a professional should also take a mold sample. A mold sample is a small piece of the suspect material. The mold is then sent to a lab for analysis. The results of the laboratory test will tell the inspector how much and what type of mold is in the sample. The inspector can then use the information to develop a plan for remediation.
