Our Services
Houston Mold Removal and Mold Testing
- We don't own any part of a business that removes mold from your home - and we aren't allowed to own any more than 10% of a remediation business (we don't) - but that is good for you! To keep all the players in the mold business honest, the Texas Department of State Health Services divided us into two very distinct areas: Mold Assessment (us) and Mold Remediation (them). Separate entities that are for the betterment of the business. Licensed mold remediators can't perform without a Protocol for Remediation document from us that explains where and how to remove it.
- Why is that good for you? First, we are trained in the proper testing and assessment of your property for conditions that can lead to excessive mold. Second, if you do have excessive mold, we can write he Protocol, which you can give to as many mold remediatiors as you desire and they can bid right off the document, it is THAT specific. Bids will come back "apples to apples"
- An assessment is very much like an inspection - we look over the entire home or business for reasons mold growth can occur - plumbing, roof, grading, etc. Included in the cost of mold testing is the assessment and report - but not the Protocol for Remediation.
Many clientscall with health problems such as headaches, sore or tickly throats, more head colds, kids out of school with ear infections. A healt care professional may even have suggested to have the house tested. When we receive the call, we come to their house and thoroughly inspect it to determine where any moisture was or is able to penetrate. Why? Because mold growth depends upon chronic water penetration. We may also recommend that you allow us to perform allergen testing, since common allergens are all around us - you may not realize that exposure to these allergens over time can lower the body's resistance.
Mold is everywhere but it is excessive mold growth that is worrisome and dangerous to one’s health.
- Mold needs air, moisture and a food source to grow. Among the most common reasons for mold growth are plumbing leaks, roof leaks, (self) flooding or a/c duct leakage and EIFS or masonry stucco exterior
- Why is there more mold nowadays? Since the 80’s energy crisis, houses have been constructed more air –tight so that interior air is stagnant – circulating again and again through the cooling or heating system, with little or no fresh outside air. This overexposure to the same polluted air is possibly an underlying cause of respiratory, allergy and a host of other potential health problems.
- What about humdity? In addition, Houston's extreme humidity can overwhelm a home's air conditioning system, causing the relative humidity to increase - therefore increasing the likelihood of mold. Other sources for humidity, such as water penetration from the outside or sudden water discharge inside can also add to the humidity, which is vital for mold growth.
- Mold can grow on or in just about anything. But it is the hidden mold, with a constant source of moisture that can allow the most dangerous mold situations to grow and exist. Even when dead, mold spores can still be toxic.
- An experienced home inspector like Fernando, of Preferred Home Inspections, can assess a structure and determine where moisture penetration is, or was occurring. An experienced Mold Assessment Consultant like Fernando knows where and how to test to get the most reliable result
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET RESULTS FOR MOLD TESTING?
- On site, Indoor Air Quality tests do not take long – depending upon how many areas need to have air drawn. For instance, the taking of one indoor and one outdoor test (required) would take approximately 45 minutes.
- Normally tests taken are packaged and sent by Federal Express overnight, included in the cost, to the lab along with the Chain of Custody form. Once received, they are put into the lab testing queue and wait to be diagnosed by lab technicians. Next Day results are standard ** after lab receives cassettes
- Results are forwarded to the inspector via email. We then analyzes the results and incorporate them into a mold assessment report. The results and reports are forwarded to the client (you) with instructions on how to read the user-friendly lab reports.
- **If faster turnaround time is needed, we can provide, however, it is a small added expense
- WHERE DO WE GO? How FAR?
We have worked in towns such as College Station, Brenham, Austin, Lufkin, Livingston, Madisonville, Kingwood, Beaumont, Galveston, Houston, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Sugarland, Missouri City, Pearland, League City, Brazoria County, Huntsville, Walker County, Montgomery County, Harris County and all places in betwee
MOLD TESTING: THINGS TO KNOW
- Visible mold is not necessarily the dangerous type! Some surface molds are considered “cosmetic” molds, easily killed with the right cleaning product. This type doesn’t normally have to be tested. Invisible mold spores ARE in the air – testing will tell if they are abundant, indicating a problem.
- An Indoor Air Quality specialist cannot reliably identify a mold genus or species growing on a building surface by the naked eye – he or she must do a MOLD TEST
- Using basic testing methods, an experienced, licensed mold professional can
screen a home or building for excessive mold; pre-screening a home for mold is not expensive.
- “Dead” mold, mold that has "dried up" due to the lack of moisture, can spore into the air, which may be allergenic or toxic. Testing the air is the only way to determine if and what types of mold spores exist in large amounts, or if toxic dangerous mold is present.
- Sensitive or immune deficient people, infants, children, the elderly and even pets can be affected. Of course, health and allergy screening tests performed by health care professionals are essential.
- Your air conditioner could be a breeding ground for spreading mold spores throughout your home. The heating and air conditioning system allows humid and moist air passing through it. Moisture is one of the elements needed for mold growth. If it is not functioning properly or has ducting problems, mold can grow at the air return and distribution plenum and the evaporator coil and ducts.
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