What to expect with a mold air test.
With our end goal of providing accurate and unbiased test results, our reports are quite detailed. We also do not believe in showing up and only taking samples. Every mold air test involves a limited inspection to better serve our clients. When a client calls us scheduling an appointment we first want to gauge the potential severity of a mold problem. To us, this begins with some history of the property, we want to know of any possible moisture intrusions, visible mold and any persistent adverse health effects presenting by occupants. We take great care in when and how we obtain our samples, going above and beyond the industry standard. In 90%+ of our testing we take 2 outdoor samples. We avoid testing during rain, snow or wind events except in time sensitive situations. This is to give you the most accurate results possible and eliminate risk of skewed results. If you need a test now, regardless of weather events we will make sure you understand the risks fully. We will also go into more detail on how we make adjustments to the testing process to maintain accurate testing.
Once on site, a standard air test will take 1-2 hours. We like to do a general walk through and walk around of a property. We have a few forms to fill out, including information about you and your property, common areas of high mold growth to inspect close and chain of custody documents for the laboratory samples. Be advised, for real-estate transactions, some of this information isn’t always available to us.
We prefer a minimum of 5 air samples for a standard sized home, I say prefer because we will work with you to tailor testing to meet your exact needs. Averaging 2 outdoor samples, gives us clearer control samples. Indoors, the more testing that can be done the clearer the overall picture will be. We attempt to strategize with you testing in common problem areas and areas you are concerned about. We will spend as much time on site with you answering any questions you may have and we encourage our clients to be apart of the testing process along with us.
Once the testing has been completed, we overnight your samples to an AIHA laboratory, unfortunately there is not a certified lab locally. The lab will usually have results in 1-3 days. Guaranteed same day testing is available but does cause a price increase. We will let you know as soon as we have the results in hand, we can also provide you a quick findings, forward you the lab results and let you know when to expect the final results and interpretation. The final report from us will usually be same day we receive the lab results but can take longer in special situations.
Your final report will be a compilation of our visual findings, metrics from monitors on site, a direct copy of the laboratory results. The interpretation will include a breakdown of genus type, counts, comparison with both control samples and regional averages. If we determine a mold problem is present, we will show a breakdown of how we arrived at that conclusion, possible sources, recommendations for remediation and prevention. We also include information on the type of mold we found, how it grows and what health effects it is known to cause.
With the report finalized and in the hand’s of our client. We offer a second phone or in person consultation to make sure that all questions and concerns have been answered and addressed. We take our testing seriously and strive to provide you with every tool and resource you need to make important decisions on the wellbeing of yourself and your property.