Buying a Building? 4 Signs You Need a Mold Inspection First

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Mold inspection in a Broadview, MT building

Be On The Lookout For These Warning Signs

If you’re buying a building, you may wonder whether you need a mold inspection. These inspections can be costly; however, you don’t want to unwittingly buy a building with a mold problem. Be on the lookout for these warning signs that you may need to call a mold inspector.

1. Interior Humidity Levels Are High
Damp spaces are ideal breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. A hygrometer, which measures relative humidity, is inexpensive and can be purchased in any hardware store. An interior humidity reading above 50% indicates that excessive mold may be present, especially if there’s also a musty odor: Mold only emits a smell while it is actively growing.

2. There Are Visible Signs of Water Damage
If water damage is not cleaned up quickly and thoroughly, the remaining moisture can lead to mold growth. Visible signs of past water or mold damage, such as stains, peeling paint, or warped walls or floors, indicate that past cleanup efforts were inadequate or untimely -- a major warning sign that a mold inspection may be necessary.

3. Records Disclose Past Water Damage
When a plumbing leak or burst pipe causes water damage, moisture can remain, leading to mold growth. Mold consumes and destroys the surface upon which it grows, which can cause hidden structural damage. Visible mold is not the only sign of a mold problem: Even if no obvious signs of damage remain, mold could be lingering behind the scenes.

4. An Ordinary Inspection Indicates Leaks
A general building inspection typically costs less than a mold specialist and can call attention to issues other than mold. If possible, choose a Broadview, MT, inspector who uses a thermal imager as part of his or her inspection. Thermal imaging can indicate hidden leaks or damp areas, which are red flags for mold growth.
Latent mold damage is specifically excluded from most commercial insurance coverage, meaning that if there’s a problem, you’ll be paying for mold remediation yourself. If you notice one of these warning signs, a professional mold inspection may be well worth the cost.