There are a number of important things to consider before hiring a company for Los Angeles mold inspections. First of all, make sure you hire a company that is not in the business of remediation. Many mold remediation companies have conflicting interests and may inflate the amount of remediation work required or recommend work for conditions that do not exist. It is well worth the additional cost to find a non-biased company to do the mold inspection for you.
Cost of mold inspections in Los Angeles
The cost of mold inspections in Los Angeles varies considerably. A basic inspection can cost between $300 and $694. Additional testing may be required if the inspector discovers additional mold. Additional tests, such as cultured scrapings, may cost additional money. The cost of mold testing may also be higher if a homeowner suspects dangerous types of mold. Testing can include air tests that can identify more than one species of mold. Mold inspectors may also use a dye to count visible spores.
A mold inspection may be needed to detect trichoderma mold, which can cause serious health problems. Fusarium mold is a fungus that occurs outdoors, and its spores can travel through the air. Once indoors, this spores can damage fabric, paper, and wood. It can also affect your HVAC system. Some types of mold may cause allergy-like symptoms. If you suspect that you may have mold, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Types of mold
If you’re in Los Angeles and suspect that your home has mold, you might be right to worry. As an allergy sufferer, you know how difficult it can be to avoid being exposed to mold spores. Not only can this cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, but some types of mold even produce toxins that can be harmful to humans. Although there are various types of mold in Los Angeles, the concentrations in indoor spaces are usually similar to outdoor levels.
Fortunately, there are several methods for dealing with this problem. Biocide is a chemical used to kill mold and spores. In the case of stone walls, the paint can isolate dead mold from its food source. If your mold infestation has spread to other areas of your house, you may need to replace carpet or drywall. The first step is identifying where the source of the mold is. The obvious cause is sewage back-up, but you should also consider other possibilities. Another likely source may be condensation from a higher floor.
Requirements for hiring a mold inspector in Los Angeles
There are several qualifications you should look for in a professional mold inspector in Los Angeles. Most of them have certification through the IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. These credentials require continuing education and are proof of the contractor’s competence. The more prestigious certifications, such as the Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) designation, go hand-in-hand with the previous qualifications.
Whether you need a complete inspection or a test-only inspection, make sure you get a contract outlining the scope of the work. A contract should list all fees and scope of the inspection. Ensure that the inspector provides a report detailing the results of the inspection, including measurements and laboratory tests of samples taken. Make sure that the mold inspector is a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
Requirements for hiring a mold testing company in Los Angeles
When choosing a mold inspection company, look for a certified one. While it’s true that many companies claim to be certified, some do not. The only way to ensure that your inspector is certified is to ask for proof. A certified mold inspector should have specialized equipment, including a moisture meter, an air sampling pump, and protective clothing. Some inspectors also have advanced thermal imaging cameras, which detect temperature differences caused by moisture.
The company must have a written pre-inspection agreement, which details fees and the scope of the inspection. Afterwards, the mold inspection company should provide a detailed report detailing the extent of the mold problem and where it’s located. The report should also contain any samples collected during the inspection that reveal mold growth. This information is important to determine whether or not you’re facing a serious mold problem.
