Testing Can Find Hidden Mold

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage led to mold growth in this Smith Village, OK building

Testing Can Find Hidden Mold

Ensuring buildings in Smith Village, OK, remain a pleasant environment is a priority for property owners and managers. Anytime a water issue pops up, it may lead to other issues that aren't always visible. If a musty odor starts rearing its ugly head but no signs of mold are found, it might be time to call an indoor environmental specialist for help.

Common Hiding Spots
Mold prefers damp locations with a food source, which could be a plethora of organic materials found in a building’s structure. That often means it will flourish in areas that aren’t frequently trafficked or behind walls. If you have any recent water damage or a persistent leak, there is a good chance that mold growth is happening behind the scenes. If the building has had previous mold or water issues that were not properly taken care of by a mold remediation and restoration specialist, the problem may have been festering for a long time. The top places to look for mold include:

• Plumping pipes and fixtures
• Air ducts
• Basements, crawlspaces and attics
• Behind furniture and appliances
• Ceilings and floors
• Insulation

Peace of Mind
If your inspection doesn’t produce any visible results, an indoor environmental specialist can perform a mold test to locate the problem area, as well as the source of the issue. They are trained to use moisture meters and particle counters to detect hidden issues and will conduct air, surface and bulk testing. Once located, they will take samples to determine the type of mold and the severity of the issue. After determining the extent of the problem, a cleanup and remediation plan can be developed to get rid of the problem once and for all.
Anytime there is visible mold, testing isn’t necessary. When the source of the problem can’t be found, contact an indoor environmental specialist to help you get your property back on track.