Mold and Indoor Air Quality Assessment in Miami, Broward and Palm Beaches
Miami, Florida is a popular place to live and visit because of its beautiful beaches and lush flora. However, one of the reasons it stays so green is because it rains so often. Places with a lot of moisture and humidity are prone to mold. A home is the biggest investment most people will ever make, hence it is a good idea to have it inspected for mold and other air quality issues before you make a purchase.
Why Mold Detection is Important
Not only is mold unsightly and horrible to smell, but it can also corrode pipes and deteriorate the interior of a home. Mold is caused when moisture becomes trapped in a home. An inspector will not only look for the mold itself, but for issues that can cause it to grow.
Leaky pipes and roofs are major causes of mold. Cracked windows can also be an avenue for high humidity issues and mold to get into a home. People can even carry mold in on their clothing and pets can carry it in on their feet.
Although air conditioning is considered to be a way to fight mold, a leaky air conditioner can actually cause it. Cardboard and paper products may encourage spores to grow and there is even some building material in which mold can thrive.
The Effect of Mold on Health
Many people have mold allergies and exposure can cause flu-like symptoms such as postnasal drip, sneezing, coughing, and red eyes. In some cases, it can cause a skin rash. In more serious cases it can cause headaches, fever, and shortness of breath. People with asthma are especially sensitive to mold.
How Mold Inspection Works
When a mold certified inspector examines a home that you are considering buying, they will examine the home for potential leaks and other problems. An inspector will use equipment such as a moisture meter and an infrared camera to look for things such as condensation and moisture sources behind walls and spores in the air. They will gather samples of any mold they find and those samples will be tested in a lab owned by a third party.
Lab tests can determine the specific spores of mold that are growing in a home. The inspector can tell you what can be done to remove a particular type of mold and how much it will cost. Once you know if a problem exists and how bad it is, you can make an informed decision about purchasing the home.
Air Quality Testing
The air quality in your home is extremely important. Our inspectors can also perform an air quality test. This involves capturing a sample of the air and testing it for things such as asbestos and other harmful materials. It can also detect allergens and contaminants that may be in the home.
Living in a clean and comfortable environment is essential to having a good quality of life. Our inspectors are certified through the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants. They can make sure a house is worth purchasing and will make the perfect place for you and your family to live for years to come.