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Mold can grow in any home - even if you're living in such a sweltering place as Dallas, TX. These microorganisms can be dangerous to you and your family's health.
If you suspect mold in your home, you may be tempted to use a DIY mold testing kit to determine if mold is present. While DIY kits are cheaper, they may not be as reliable as professional mold testing services. In this article, we will explore the differences between DIY and professional mold testing, as well as what the mold testing process looks like with the help of professionals.
Using a DIY mold testing kit is relatively easy. You typically take a sample of the suspected mold using a swab or tape and then send the sample to a lab for analysis. However, there are some potential consequences of using a DIY kit. Contact with mold, even for a regular person, can cause harm to your health. Also, a DIY kit may not be as accurate as a professional mold testing service, and you may not have the knowledge to know where to put the testing apparatus. Plus, a DIY kit is not an instant mold test.
Professional mold testing services have many advantages over DIY kits.
Certified mold inspection specialists have the experience and training to check for mold in your home. They also have specialized equipment to take accurate samples and send them to an independent lab for analysis. Furthermore, the testing process is not just about following the kit's instructions but about knowing where to test and how to interpret the results.
The mold inspection and testing process, with the help of professionals, involves several steps to identify and accurately evaluate the extent of the mold problem. Our mold inspectors use specialized equipment and techniques to detect mold, take samples, and send them to an independent laboratory for analysis. The following are the steps typically involved.
The first step is to visually inspect the property to identify any visible signs of mold. We will look for visible mold growth, water damage, and high-humidity areas.
Once the inspector has identified areas of concern, they will take samples to determine the type and concentration of mold present. The two types of samples commonly taken are air samples and surface swabs.
The inspector then sends the samples to an independent laboratory for analysis. The lab will use specialized techniques to identify the type and concentration of mold present in the samples.
Once the lab has completed the analysis, the mold inspector will receive a detailed report outlining the type and concentration of mold present and any recommendations for remediation.
If mold is present, the inspector will work with you to develop a remediation plan to be carried out by a professional mold remediation company, as well as steps for preventing further mold growth.
DIY kits offering home mold inspection and their results may not be reliable or as accurate as professional services. DIY kits may not be able to detect all types of mold, or they may not be able to detect mold that is present in small quantities. A good analogy is to compare it to taking your temperature with a DIY thermometer versus a hospital-grade thermometer.
DIY mold testing kits are cheaper and more convenient but less accurate than professional mold testing services.
Additionally, taking samples without proper training and equipment can be dangerous to your health. Certified local mold inspectors have the training and experience to identify and evaluate mold safely and accurately.
Professional mold testing services such as O2 Mold Testing of Dallas are the most accurate way to test for mold. Our certified mold inspectors have the experience, knowledge, and specialized equipment to accurately identify and evaluate mold in your home. We will also provide an effective and thorough remediation plan. What's more? Our services are available across the country - including everywhere from Dallas to Queens, NY, and Miami, FL.
If you suspect mold in your home, we recommend contacting our certified mold inspectors to perform a professional mold test. While DIY kits may seem attractive due to their lower price and apparent ease of use, they are not as effective or accurate as professional mold testing services. Remember, mold can have serious health implications. Contact us at O2 Mold Testing and allow our certified professionals to evaluate and remediate any mold problems in your home.