What Is Mold Testing and How Is It Helpful?

Here at Elite Mold Services, we believe that mold testing should be a secondary measure to help evaluate a thorough visual inspection of the building. We perform a detailed moisture investigation of the property and then recommend testing based on our findings. Mold testing can help provide a view of the unseen particles present in the air or identify what type of mold is present on surfaces. The most common types of mold testing are air samples, surface (swab or tape lift) samples, carpet samples and bulk samples.

Is Mold Testing Reliable?

Mold testing is reliable however the answer is nuanced. Unfortunately, in our industry, mold professionals rely too much on testing and do not perform a proper inspection or provide a detailed inspection report. The client is then given lab results with no proper recommendations on what needs to be done next. Here at Elite Mold Services, we operate differently. All our inspections are performed to the highest level of detail first before samples are collected. Photos and videos are taken of any problem areas, a mold assessment report is provided to the client outlining areas of visible mold, water damage and any other indoor air quality issues. Then we will make recommendations for mold sampling based on our inspection findings. The samples will be custom tailored to our clients’ needs and to help determine the extent of any mold contamination within the property.

All samples collected will be delivered to an independent AIHA-approved laboratory for analysis. This third-party lab will analyze the samples and provide a certified mold report outlining the findings of the samples. We then personally review the report and contact you to go over the details. You will then be provided a final report from us outlining the issues and the corrective actions needed to restore the home back to health.

How Much Does Mold Testing Cost?

Mold Testing Options:

Whole House Air Sampling

Indoor air quality sampling is an inclusive type of test that will let you know what you are potentially breathing inside your property. All air samples will be completed using Zefon spore trap cassettes (Air-O-Cell) to ensure the most reliable results. The Air-O-Cell is designed for the rapid collection of a wide range of airborne aerosols including mold spores, pollen, insect parts, skin cells, fibers and inorganic particulate.

Process for collection: The home’s air is drawn through the spore trap cassette using a calibrated air pump which causes all biological particles to be impacted on to the slides surface. The standard for collecting air samples is to also collect the outside ambient air so we have a control or baseline for comparison to the inside. These cassettes are then rushed to the lab for analysis. The issued lab reports will show the type of molds present and the quantity of mold in the air (counts per cubic meter).

Elite Mold Services can even perform “Behind-the-wall” air samples that will confirm if hidden mold growth exists in the cavity space behind the surface of the wall. A small hole will need to be drilled for this type of test so approval will be needed from the property owner.