Mold Inspection Checklist

A professional should be hired for a thorough examination. Mold inspection and cleanup professionals use their own established mold inspection checklist. They know where to look, and they have the tools and diagnostic equipment to detect “hidden” mold.

This mold inspection checklist is very user-friendly if you’re worried about household mold. It’s easy to understand and really relatable, so it’ll give you a sense of how professional mold inspections are done and how thoroughly they would check for mold.

On the other hand, this checklist is rather basic; if you’re doing any inspections, be wary. It’s easy to release mold spores into the air when you disturb a mold infestation (as in peeling off wallpaper).

Roof Leaks

When it comes to mold development, the roof and attic region are considered by industry experts as a major contributor. A mold examination should include searching for missing or damaged shingles and any evidence of water penetration into the house, which is sometimes overlooked. Mold thrives in attics.

Exterior Grading

Sloping away from the concrete foundation is important. This ensures effective drainage and prevents water from accumulating in the foundation. Gutters and downspouts should also be avoided to prevent mold growth. Water promotes mold formation.

Visible Cracks

A thorough assessment of the house exterior will look for any foundation cracks or fissures. Because these doors into the home may easily allow water to enter, they also provide ideal growth conditions for mold. Water intrusion can quickly lead to structural problems within the house.

Hanging Trees

Trees in residential areas have large root systems beneath the surface. This raises the possibility of damaging outside drain pipes, which may back up and cause a litany of issues in the sewage system. Again, the dark, wet drain environment is ideal for mold to thrive and develop.

Water Damage

A thorough mold inspection in Omaha will look for general water damage around the property, including the exterior siding, brickwork, and any paint coverings. Bubbling bricks are a sign of water damage. Water damage beyond the visible surface may be hidden beneath the surface.

Ceiling Stains

Checking for patches of paint discoloration or staining is one of the most important tasks on a mold inspection checklist. These are generally discovered in the bathroom or laundry room, though they may also be found in other areas. Mold stains can appear on the ceiling as a result of structural damage above if the space is severe enough.

Musty Smells

A musty aroma is one of the most common indications of mold. This is also a hint to homeowners to look further into the source and origin of the odor. A musty stench (often emanating from the basement or attic) is an indication of an issue. Mold has a musty, damp, earthy scent.

Window Frames

Mold will grow on window frames quite often. Mold thrives in an environment that is wet and warm, and it can be passed from person to person. The objective is to keep the mold from spreading, but it’s also vital to search for intrusion on the outside of the window.

Bathrooms

Mold is common in bathrooms, especially if the humidity is high. Caulking and grout are frequently susceptible to mold, particularly because they are always humid. However, mold is difficult to detect, therefore it’s critical to search everywhere in the bathroom — including the plumbing system beneath the sink, cabinets, and especially the exhaust fan.

Carpeting

Carpets made from organic materials, particularly those that have been exposed to humidity, are more prone to mold. Mold can quickly develop and spread in any case, even if the carpet is old or new. The inspection should also include all of the baseboards as.

Drywall

If the living space is not well-ventilated, it may be conducive to mold growth. Mold can grow on damp or wet drywall and hide beneath it. Any discoloration, peeling, or bubbling might indicate a more serious issue.

Attic Space

Mold thrives in the attic for the same reasons that dampness and warmth foster it. If there’s a leak in the roof or inadequate ventilation, everything gets worse. Finally, if the attic insulation is wet or even waterlogged, mold will have unlimited opportunity to develop and spread.

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchens are more prone to leaks in older homes owing to their antiquated plumbing. Even a minor leak can provide a breeding ground for mold if it is unnoticed. It’s critical to search beneath the cabinetry, adjacent drywall, under flooring tiles, and around other wooden components in this scenario.

Finished Basement

Basements are usually finished with drywall, baseboards, and flooring. The majority of basements also have a high amount of humidity. Finally, basement foundation cracks are common. In addition to that, the basement requires an extensive examination — from the roof to the walls, and down to the floor.

HVAC Ductwork

Mold thrives in an environment that is conducive to human health. Heating and cooling systems in apartments and houses provide the mold with the proper living conditions. To prevent mold growth, HVAC units (regardless of their size) must be maintained throughout the winter and summer months. Anything less may leave you vulnerable to some unpleasant surprises.

Insulation and Subfloors

Examine your attic or crawlspace for insulation and subflooring. This is where the majority of the moisture enters your house, where we would see mold if it exists.

Furniture

We always look for signs of water damage and mold inside and beneath the cracks on furniture.

Inspection and Assessment with a Professional Stance

Nothing compares to the expertise of a professional inspector for determining the severity of mold problems. Mold Removal Omaha’s professionals will perform a comprehensive and thorough evaluation of your property from top to bottom, including an attic inspection. Our mold removal specialists have our own in-depth mold inspection checklist and provide reliable reporting for each customer.

If you detect mold in any portion of your property, get Mold Removal Omaha’s advice on inspection, removal, and cleanup. We use high-tech mold testing equipment as well as environmentally friendly cleaning methods.

The finest part is that after cleaning and disposal, we can analyze the quality of your air with air testing. Learn more by calling one of our mold specialists at (402) 621–4465 or visiting our website.

Here is the Mold Inspection Checklist in a Google Sheet.

Here is the Mold Inspection Checklist in a Google Doc.

Location: Mold Removal Digital Office