Mould Removal Blog

Why Is Mould Testing Important For New Home Buyers?

Suppose you are purchasing a new home; it’s essential to conduct mould testing before moving in. Moulds are common in old houses but have been increasing their presence in new homes too. This increase can be attributed to poor building practices, even in luxury homes. That’s why it’s crucial to connect with a certified moulds Brisbane team for the fastest mould identification.

What Are The Common Signs Of Moulds?

Moulds can play tricks on you by remaining invisible. But some signs show moulds infesting your home. 

  • Peeling or cracking paint
  • Stains or discolouration on walls
  • Soft walls
  • Musty odours

Besides, many people complain about respiratory issues due to mould presence. However, these are not clear indicators of mould inside your property.

What To Do If You Have Moulds?

Moulds are a serious concern that requires urgent attention. DIY works to some extent, but it’s better to contact a professional mould removal for large infestations. Experienced mould inspectors conduct tests that include air sample testing, kit testing, and direct sampling that easily detects the presence of moulds. Once you get the results, the company will provide an estimate of the costs that include cleanup.

What Causes Mould Growth?

Mould spores may exist anywhere inside your home. But it spreads under certain specific conditions and includes:

  • Moulds can grow on any organic substance like foods inside your cabinets and wood in your walls.
  • Moulds love warmth and darkness. That’s why it grows extensively in the attic or basement. Besides, moulds can’t survive in places that receive high levels of UV.
  • Moulds require moisture to grow and spread inside your homes. That’s why you require dehumidification after flood damage.
  • Time is essential for checking mould growth. The longer you take to detect and eradicate, moulds will continue to play spoilsport inside your building.

What Are The Types Of Mould Testing?

The process of removing moulds Brisbane starts by connecting with a professional inspector. Besides, moulds can hide from plain sight. That’s why professionals use modern tools like infrared cameras and UV sounds devices to detect mould presence inside your home. Moreover, you shouldn’t breathe mouldy air as it can affect your respiratory tracts. There are many ways to detect moulds, and some of them are:

  • Moisture Meter Test

The Moisture Meter Test is one of the best ways to detect moulds inside your house. The device measures elevated levels of moisture that are hidden from your sight. Besides, it is capable of detecting rising moisture levels in windows, doors, and drywall.

  • Thermal Imaging Tests

Thermal imaging tests are the newest ways to detect moulds. It works similar to a camera, but instead of colours, it picks up temperature differences. Moreover, it will show you exactly where the mould is and eliminates tearing walls that do not have moulds inside them. 

  • Air Sampling Test

Air Sampling Test or indoor air quality testing compares the air inside your home with the outdoors. That’s because outdoor air has lower levels of mould. If your indoor air quality is similar to outdoors, then moulds Brisbane inspector concluded their examination. However, if the air sampling shows an elevated result, the company will begin the remediation process.

What Is Air Sampling For Mould Inspections?

Measuring air samples during a mould inspection is essential for several reasons. One of the reasons is that moulds are invisible to the naked eye. That’s why professional inspectors analyse air qualities to arrive at a consensus. Besides, inspectors use air samples to gather data about mould spores inside your home. It uses a pump to collect samples and then sends them to a laboratory for analysis. 

There are several devices used to collect air samples inside a home with mould presence. But the most common ones are:

  • Disposable or one-time-use cassette samplers that use forced air into a collection kit
  • Impaction samplers that use a collection air pump to gather samples into a microscopic slide
  • Inspectors also use an airborne particle collector to trap spores directly into a culture dish.

How to Clean Moulds Inside Air Conditioners?

Moulds can reduce the air quality inside your home and trigger allergies. Besides, moulds growing inside your aircon system can quickly spread to other areas of your home. That’s why prevention is the best remedy for checking the onward march of moulds. 

Moulds love the aircon system because it helps them to survive in a moist and humid environment. There are a few signs that show that you have moulds inside the air duct. 

  • Musty Odour

When moulds grow inside the air ducts of your AC unit, it emits a musty odour. But you might not notice the odour through your room as it restricts itself to only one room. If you leave it unattended, the fungus will spread throughout the HVAC unit. 

  • Allergy Symptoms

One of the biggest concerns about mould is the negative effect on your health. Breathing mouldy air can induce coughing, sneezing, headaches, and other allergy-like symptoms. If you are suffering from any of these signs, contact a professional mould removal today.

A regular schedule of air conditioner maintenance should tackle the problem of moulds. But if you already have the problem, it is best to contact a qualified inspector. That’s because over the counter chemicals can damage your HVAC unit. Besides, accessing the potential mould hiding spots can be painstaking and can compromise your health. Moreover, you will also need the right tools to handle the AC Unit. A certified inspector knows the best way to tackle the mould issues and make your home breathable again. 

What Is Covered Under A Mould Inspection?

Whether you have recently experienced a flood or smelling musty odours inside your home, it is always prudent to contact a moulds professional. When you book a mould assessment, your inspection will include:

  • Inspection of sub walls and wall cavities
  • Removing flood water from your home
  • Preventing moisture leaks
  • Correcting ventilation system
  • Removing moulds from HVAC units
  • Performing air sampling testing
  • Complete mould remediation 
  • Contents restoration after mould removal
  • Removing contaminated carpets, furniture, and other items.

How To Improve The Air Quality Of Your Home?

Poor air quality is the chief culprit for mould presence inside your home. When you connect with an expert for removing moulds Brisbane, he will assess your home’s air quality and recommend steps to correct it. Various factors contribute to polluting the air quality inside your home, and some of them are:

  • Smoke and airborne particles
  • Gases emitted by cooking appliances
  • Volatile organic compounds from paints and plastics
  • Moulds, mildew and other allergens
  • Radon gases from underground
  • Poor ventilation inside your home

You can perform mould remediation from a certified inspection company to detect the presence of moulds. Further, experts will also advise you to take constructive steps to improve your living space by taking the following measures:

  • Introducing plants that are natural air purifiers
  • Removing old carpets and using hard flooring
  • Using natural household cleaning products
  • Remove and curb the menace of plastics inside your house
  • Cleaning your HVAC systems regularly
  • Performing a mould inspection once a year
  • Living a clutter-free life

What Is Mould Remediation Process?

Mould remediation involves finding the cause of the problem, diagnosing it, and ensuring it never occurs. However, you need to check certain key elements to the remediation process before hiring a moulds Brisbane team. It also covers abatement and mould removal for homeowners and property managers. 

What’s Involved In The Mould Remediation Process?

The process of mould remediation is quite complex and involves several steps for achieving the outcome. You need to contact a qualified remediation specialist for the best results. Let us understand the process by breaking it down into simple steps.

  • Assessing The Damage– The first step involved in mould remediation is understanding the extent of the damage. A trained mould remediation specialist visits your home for an inspection. Usually, mould inspectors carry sophisticated equipment like infrared cameras, ultrasound devices, and other gadgets for easy identification. During the inspection process, they will document everything and discover hidden moulds from your basement, attic, walls, and bathrooms. 
  • Using Protective Devices– The mould remediation team will dress up in special protective gear before starting the removal process. Often this involves using special gloves, high-boots, and respiratory masks and other gear. That’s because mould remediation is risky and can damage your lungs.
  • Using Moisture To Control Spread – Professionals often use moisture to control mould spores from spreading elsewhere. However, the entire process follows the guidelines established by Australian Building Codes. Sometimes, the mould inspector uses a dehumidifier to create a mist while the process continues.
  • Removing Affected Items – Removing the affected items is a crucial part of removing moulds Brisbane. It includes drywall, carpeting, ventilation and others. Damaged items are packed, sealed and sprayed down to eliminate any mould presence. From there on, the remediation team disposes the items correctly.
  • Cleaning The Area – Expert mould inspectors clean items with brushes and wipes using a special detergent. However, it is also one of the most difficult aspects of the mould remediation process.

What Are The Other Processes That Are Involved In A Mould Remediation?

Mould remediation is an extensive process and doesn’t end with cleaning the area. There are some other key activities that moulds professionals perform to keep your home clean. 

  • Restoring The Contents – Today, you don’t need to dispose of every item affected by moulds. That’s because mould inspectors use modern techniques that can salvage most of your precious items. It involves packing saveable items like textile, clothing, hard goods, photos, and more. Mould professionals will take them to a safer site for restoration.
  • Inducing Biocide – Mould inspectors introduce a special chemical called biocide to the air that helps to kill mould spores. Besides, it also stops moulds from coming back inside your property. 
  • Drying Out The Surface – Mould remediation companies use dryers to prevent moulds from coming back. It is crucial because incorrect humidity levels allow mould to grow back and defeat the entire remediation technique.
  • Clearance Testing – Once the remediation process is over, a professional mould removal inspector will reexamine the entire area. Moulds experts usually check for visual signs of mould, test airborne spore samples, and quality check the entire process. After that, they will supply a report that will contain all the details about the remedial steps taken and certify that the building is safe for occupants.

How Much Does Mould Testing Cost?

If you want to contact an inspector for removing moulds Brisbane, you should have a basic idea about hiring one. But it is also vital to understand the difference between mould “test only” and mould test and repair. On average, mould testing in Australia costs around $2500. Besides, if you need mould remediation, the costs will vary depending on the level of infestation. 

How To Choose A Mould Contractor?

Discovering that you have moulds inside your home is a nuisance. Besides, moulds can spread in as little as 48 hours quickly. So, if you suspect moulds, contact a professional without delay. Finding a good mould inspector won’t be difficult if you follow these tips:

  • Try to contact at least five inspection companies to get an idea about the entire process. 
  • Ask for the equipment that the inspectors will be using during the assessment.
  • A mould inspection firm should supply a complete report
  • What’s more, they should have extensive knowledge about biology
  • Check whether the mould professional has undergone mould certification training
  • Ask about references from reputed clients
  • Check whether they know about indoor air quality testing
  • Inquire about the overall cost of the inspection
  • Ask whether they can handle mould remediation
  • Inquire about their license and insurance
  • Don’t forget to ask about the number of samples they take

You should always perform a mould test whether you are purchasing or renting a new property. That’s because moulds can be everywhere, and even a small presence can compromise your health. But research well before hiring a professional mould removal to get the best results. If you live in Brisbane, you’ve probably heard of the top-rated The Mould Group team, which offers exceptional services. You may find contact information and an enquiry form on their website. As a result, you can contact them right now for mould removal services. You may also look at their Google My Business reviews.