Mold Testing: Do-It-Yourself Kits vs. Professional Testing

Mold is, without a doubt, one of the worst infestations a homeowner can experience. Mold grows and spreads fast. It can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after spores attach to an item. Because of this, in most cases, mold is already a problem even before it has been discovered. 

If you suspect you have a mold problem in your home, odds are that you are contemplating whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. Making the right decision is essential, warns Alltrade Management, bearing in mind that mold can impact your health. 

This blog will help you make that decision! 

Health Effects of a Mold Infestation 

Mold thrives in places of high humidity and warmth. The more humid and warmer an area is, the better the mold will thrive. Mold spreads via the tiny spores that have a seed-like texture. In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless. But in large colonies, the impact on both your home and health can be devastating. 

Mold affects people in different ways, and it usually causes no symptoms at all. If you are sensitive to mold, the following are common symptoms. 

• Headaches 
• Memory loss
• Infant pulmonary hemorrhage
• Asthma 
• Weakened immune systems
• Sore throat
• Skin rash
• Red or itchy eyes
• Nose stuffiness
• Wheezing coughing 

The symptoms can become more severe if you have a true mold allergy. 

Why is Testing for Mold Important?

Mold rarely develop in clear sight. More often than not, mold grows in dark places. For example, between slabs of concrete, and behind home appliances. For this reason, many homeowners only discover them when they experience respiratory difficulties or notice a change in air quality. 

If you suspect you have a mold problem in your home but are unable to identify it, the best solution is to have a test done. You will have two options in this regard: to go the DIY route or to hire a professional company. 

Is a DIY Testing Kit Effective? 

A DIY mold testing kit costs much less than an expert one. A quick Google search will give you tons of online tutorials on how to go about the testing. Generally, the only things you’ll have to buy include plastic bags, tape, and carpets. 

That said, testing mold with a simple DIY kit won’t be as effective as that done by a professional. But why, you ask? First and foremost, testing for mold can be time-consuming. Secondly, you may not have the expertise to interpret the size of the colonies well. And thirdly, you risk using the wrong solutions or products to clean the infestation. 

Why Hire a Professional Mold Testing Company? 

Hiring a professional mold testing company gives you a better chance of fixing the mold problem in your home. Hiring the services of a professional, experienced, and the certified company will provide you accurate results and effective mold remediation solutions. 

What’s more, you’ll be able to know the mold source with relatively little effort and in a short period. The advantage of this is that it helps prevent the mold from spreading further in your home. 

So, if you suspect you have a mold problem in your home, contact a professional mold removal company in your area. An experienced company can help provide you with essential services such as radon testing, asbestos testing, water damage testing, air quality testing, and, of course, mold testing. 

Some of the signs you have mold in your home include:

• There are places in your home where water or moisture tends to collect. 
• You struggle with breathing or have some respiratory issues. 
• You get frequent headaches that just seem to keep getting worse. 
• You know that there is a history of flooding in your home. 
• You have recently been getting more nosebleeds.
• You feel like you have a lingering cold or are battling flu-like symptoms. 

What Mold Control and Prevention Measures Should I Take Against Future Infestations?  

Once you have gotten rid of mold in your home, taking precautionary measures is your best bet in preventing reinfestation. The following are some tips to help make your home less susceptible to mold growth. 

• Keep mold off household plants. You aren’t the only one loving your potted plants. Mold loves them too, as the moist soil provides mold with a perfect breeding ground. 
• Improve airflow in your home. Letting in the air can help reduce moisture and keep mold at bay. To improve airflow, open doors between rooms, open doors to closets, and move furniture away from walls. 
• Clean or repair roof gutters. Regularly clean your roof gutters and inspect them for damage. 
• Direct water away from your home. A foundation that slopes towards your home is a recipe for problems, including a mold problem. 
• Monitor humidity indoors. According to the EPA, the ideal indoor humidity level should be anywhere between 30 and 60 percent. 
• Dry wet areas immediately. Mold needs moisture to grow. As such, tackle wet areas as quickly as possible. 

“Prevention is better than cure” – the adage couldn’t have been truer here! 

A mold problem in a home is not an issue to be taken lightly. Therefore, if you suspect you have a mold problem, contact a professional mold inspector immediately. 

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