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Mold Inspection in Houston, Texas

Mold Inspection in Houston Texas
Mold Inspection in Houston Texas
mold inspection houston - home inspector

At HiteTech Inspections, we check thoroughly for mold during your home inspection. Houston is one of the best places for mold growth in the country, and is not only dangerous to people, it can in extreme cases damage the home itself.

Houston’s hot humid climate produces the perfect environment, along with heavy rains, flooding,  the length of our warm seasons, and with our recent freeze that lead to pipes bursting, mold is common right now and it is everywhere.

It was not until the 1970’s that mold began to be an issue inside homes, the more air tight we make the structure, the more possibilities that mold will develop. Older homes are not as air tight and breath more, allowing moisture to escape instead of being trapped in the structure.

 
At HiteTech Inspections, we check thoroughly for mold during your home inspection. Houston is one of the best places for mold growth in the country, and is not only dangerous to people, it can in extreme cases damage the home itself.

What is Mold?

Molds are a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. They belong to the kingdom Fungi and live in moist places such as soil, plants and dead or decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, dead trees and other debris; however, indoors mold growth should be avoided.

There are many types of mold – all of them need water or moisture to grow. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth often occurs, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. Mold growth can occur on:

  • Wood
  • Paper
  • Carpet
  • Foods
  • Insulation

Health risks associated with indoor mold growth include: according to the EPA

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Red eyes
  • Skin rashes
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Asthma attacks

These risks are especially harmful for children, elderly people and those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.

When mold spores land on damp spots or surfaces, they may begin growing indoors and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Eventually molds will destroy the things on which they grow.

By controlling moisture and reducing mold growth, you can:

  • prevent damage to building materials and furnishings,
  • save money, and
  • avoid potential health risks.

How Do Molds Spread?

Molds spread by producing tiny reproductive cells called spores that waft through the air. Mold spores usually cannot be seen without magnification (ranging in size from 2-10 um) and are naturally present in both indoor and outdoor air. Some molds have spores that are easily disturbed and settle repeatedly with each disturbance. Other molds have sticky spores that will cling to surfaces and are dislodged by brushing against them or by other direct contact.

Spores may remain able to grow for years after they are produced. In addition, whether or not the spores are alive, the allergens in and on them may remain allergenic for years.

When should you test for mold?

Any signs of mold including smells.  If the client has severe allergies or respiratory issues. 

Types of mold testing – Swab or tape, when you can see mold,   Air cassettes to test the air quality.  Show the equipment used for testing.

The cost for mold testing typically starts around 495, that includes 3 samples, with one of them being outside.   If they house is larger or has lots of moisture intrusion, more samples will be needed, and they normally cost $75-$100 per additional sample.

Spores may remain able to grow for years after they are produced. In addition, whether or not the spores are alive, the allergens in and on them may remain allergenic for years.

Mold can in extreme cases damage the home itself

It consumes dead organic matter. For example mold and fungi can destroy the support beams on pier and beam homes, which is why the drainage around the home is so important. What to do when you find mold. According to the government, a home owner can remove mold themselves and do not have to report issues to anyone. They are not required to use any special equipment, or PPE.

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