Asbestos, Lead, and Mold Testing and Removal in South Dakota
Mold Inspection and Testing Services in South Dakota
Mold inspection and testing can help homeowners determine the sources of indoor air quality concerns. Mold growth can typically be visually observed as staining or discoloration, and it usually emits an unpleasant odor. Mold spores in the air can result in allergic reactions by building occupants.
Where Does Mold Grow?
Mold spores are everywhere in the environment, both indoors and out. Spores can only grow and thrive, however, when they have a food source, water, and light. Mold can grow on many kinds of materials, so food is seldom limiting. Dry conditions, however, inhibit mold growth and addressing a mold issue almost always begins with identifying a moisture problem, i.e. a roof leak, cracks in the foundation, high humidity, etc. Mold thrives particularly on sheetrock paper backing and porous wood surfaces (like OSB sheeting).
What Is A Mold Inspection?
Because mold can be visually observed and (usually) smelled, a mold inspection ultimately becomes an inspection to determine the SOURCE of the mold growth. A good inspector will combine knowledge of moisture intrusion points, building science, and ventilation systems in order to pinpoint the source of the moisture issue that is leading to mold growth. NO mold remediation work should be done until the SOURCE issue is addressed.
Mold Inspection Equipment:
A good mold inspector needs testing equipment in order to adequately investigate moisture source issues. Prairie Environmental Consulting utilizes the following equipment to conduct a thorough mold inspection:
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Moisture meter (to test moisture content of building materials like wood, sheetrock, and even concrete)
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Thermometer
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Hygrometer (measures relative humidity)
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FLIR E6 Infrared Camera (greatly assists with investigation for moisture intrusion behind walls, above, ceilings, and inside roofs that an inspection would otherwise be unable to see)
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Borescope (for investigating wall cavities)
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Bio-Tape or Swabs (for bulk mold sampling)
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Air Sampling Pump and Filter Media (for sampling ambient air conditions)
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Digital Camera
Flood Post Cleanup Air Testing for Mold
Often a homeowner or business owner will want or require post-cleanup mold testing after flood events. This type of testing insures that occupants can safely work in previously flooded areas without exposure to microbial contamination.
Why Use a Third Party Mold Inspector?
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Prairie Environmental Consulting does NO actual mold remediation work, and the client can rest assured that there will be no attempt to "run up the bill" when it comes to inspecting and advising a client. The information gathered will be neutral and unbiased.
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Jason Biggins is a MICRO Certified Mold Inspector, and has extensive experience performing mold inspections AS WELL AS supervising mold remediation jobs both in commercial and residential buildings; thus, along with the ability to evaluate both common as well as less obvious moisture source problems, Jason is well aware of the costs of mold remediation jobs and can present all options to building owners.
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Jason makes every attempt to limit costs of mold inspection work. Sampling will only be done if sampling is deemed necessary or is requested by the building owner, which minimizes or eliminates extra laboratory fees associated with analyzing samples. He has conducted numerous mold inspections in South Dakota in both residential and commercial buildings.
Mold under floor boards, a common problem in crawl spaces with high humidity.