Why Mold Testing Is Often a Waste of Time and Money
If you have a mold problem, you usually know it because either you smell it, or you see it, or both. Many government agencies from those at the federal level to that of the counties, in which we live agree that mold testing is usually not necessary. There is a good article by three experts working with Building Sciences Corp. and it outlines the common sense approach to mold investigation. The article is located here: http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0209-mold-testing
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MOLD TESTING A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY
"Word to the wise: Do not call a mold testing company and then contract with that same company for mold remediation."
As outlined in the article, mold is everywhere and one can glean from the aforementioned article and we can certainly affirm, that it would not be difficult to obtain a positive result from testing just about anywhere. The key is that accuracy as to the existence of an active infestation is difficult to ascertain from testing. Testing is sometimes useful in matters where lawyers or doctors are involved, or real estate transactions are in the works. Still we would argue that a mold false positive or even a mold true positive result may be misleading and result in someone being hurt financially by the testing for mold.
"Government agencies warn against the danger of the conflict of interest in these cases. Use common sense in dealing with a mold problem."
We deal with known cases of mold infestation that can be seen and smelled and we find reasons for the obvious water problems that feed mold. Word to the wise: Do not call a mold testing company and then contract with that same company for mold remediation. Government agencies warn against the danger of the conflict of interest in these cases. Use common sense in dealing with a mold problem.
Our inspection is free and you will receive a comprehensive analysis from an expert. We inspect the entire structure for water problems. These areas include:
Roof Leaks
Attic Ventilation Deficiencies
Air Sealing Problems
Insulation Issues
Flashing Leaks
Gutters & Downspout Problems
Foundation Cracks
Wet Basements
High Indoor Humidity & Condensation Issues
Iron Bacteria Clogging Drain
Failed Sump Pumps
Plumbing Leaks
Exterior Grade Problems
On this website, we have warned about the use of the ?One Trick Pony? companies, the majority of which seem to "self servingly" inspect from the perspective of their own offerings. An example of this type of approach is when a basement waterproofing company is called in to remedy a wet basement situation that is caused by a failed gutter. Homeowner follows advise of the basement waterproofing company and spends many thousands of dollars on a French Drain. The result is a dryer basement, but the gutter is causing water to undermine the footings of the structure while the French Drain keeps the water moving, thereby causing the basement walls to crack. As the footings become awash in roof runoff, as what was Terra-firma below the footings, becomes eroded from the constant water movement from the failed gutters on the outside of the structure to the evacuation system installed on the inside of the basement. A call to a reliable and full-service company would have resulted in gutter repair, the real solution to the problem, saving the homeowner many thousands of dollars and much aggravation. 
Mold Testing: Wikipedia |
