Mold Inspections

When Should I Have a Mold Inspection Performed?

Mold inspections should be performed if…

• Residents of your home experience a long-term medical condition without a known cause.
• You’re buying or selling a home.
• You want to determine if mold is growing in your home.
• You had any flooding or a water damage event.
• You have a leak that has been present for more than 24 hours.
• You smell a moldy odor but cannot locate the source of the odor.
• You find unusual stains on furniture or building material.
• You suspect mold but do not see any visible mold growth.

Molds are part of the natural environment, existing indoor and outdoor. But mold problems can develop in homes when mold grows on surfaces that are damp or wet. If your home smells moldy but you cannot see the mold source, you might need a mold inspection to locate hidden mold. In addition, you might want a mold inspection if your home had water damage or if you or your tenants are experiencing health problems. Mold could be hidden in many possible places.

You may also want a mold inspection for peace of mind that your home does not have a mold problem in the indoor environment. If you are buying a home or moving into a different home, EZ Mold Inspections can help you find out if you need to be concerned about potential mold problems inside the building. We have worked with homeowners, tenants/renters, landlords, property managers real estate agents and realtors.

What Happens During a Mold Inspection?

Here’s information about our process for mold inspections, sampling and reporting to you.

• We perform a visual inspection of the property where we look for “red flags” (visible mold growth, elevated moisture levels, moisture damage, etc.)
• We take samples (air samples, swab samples, tape lift, or bulk samples).
• The samples then go to an independent lab for analysis.
• When the results come in, we call you and explain everything.
• We email you a full, detailed report with pictures and recommendations.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that can be found everywhere, but it will grow more aggressively in moist areas without proper ventilation or in surfaces that do not dry easily. Modern building materials and methods, such as well insulated homes where outside air does not easily come into the house, allow for mold growth.

While some types of fungi may be useful (to make antibiotics, cheeses, beer), others are toxic and potentially harmful. Increased awareness of sicknesses associated with mold and weariness by insurers to insure property that is mold infested has made testing for mold almost a necessity when buying or selling a home.

Mold may or may not be visible. When it is visible, it appears as a surface stain or discoloration, or as a dark growth. At times, a musty smell is present. Mold poses a health hazard when present in large quantities called colonies.

Mold spores are divided into three groups:

1. Allergenic: Those that may cause allergic reactions such as wheezing or runny nose,
2. Pathogenic: Those that may cause suppression of the immune system, and
3. Toxic: Those that may lead to more serious health problems.

Only through mold testing can a health hazard be ruled out, as species cannot be determined by sight only.

A certified mold inspector follows a set of standards and protocols to assure clients of the quality and comparability of test results.

What Areas Do You Serve?

We currently serve select cities in Riverside County. Please check out our “Areas We Serve” page to view the list of cities we cover. Then call us to schedule your mold inspection appointment.