Mold Inspections in Knoxville
Residential and Commercial Mold Inspections in Eastern Tennessee
Mold may present itself with obvious signs, or it may not. The only way to truly know whether there’s toxic mold around is to get a mold inspection by a trained professional. With over 35 years of experience, you can trust our team at Mold Masters to discover and eliminate any harmful mold within your home or commercial building.
Our team performs visual mold inspections, and our partners can perform mold testing. Contact us today if you feel you may have mold on your property!
I Think I Found Mold. How Do I Know If It’s the Bad Stuff?
Even the tiniest speck of black mold is a cause for concern. But how do you know whether it’s black mold or mildew? Mildew is lighter colored – usually white or gray – and is easily scrubbed away with a household cleaner. It can usually be found in your shower, tub, or toilet.
Black mold is much darker and often carries an odor. Do not try to clean it yourself! A professional will be required to remediate it. Visible black mold is often the result of a much larger infestation within the walls, floors, and ceilings of your home. You’ll need to have a mold inspection as quickly as possible once you identify the mold.
Hear From Our happy Customers
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“They responded very quickly, worked around the GC’s schedule, got the job done and we didn’t experience any delays to our construction schedule.”- Andy S.
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“They did great!! Loved working with them.”- Amy M.
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“Amazing customer service, knowledgeable, and kept in contact with me throughout the job!”- Aaron W.
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“My crawlspace was a disaster, Mold Masters made it like brand new.”- Michael B.
Just Because You Can’t See Black Mold Doesn’t Mean It Isn’t There!
The tricky thing is, most of the time, black mold isn’t even visible. It’s often hiding out of sight. That’s why it’s important to look out for the signs of poor air quality in your home or commercial building.
Even if you can’t see any mold, you may need to schedule a mold inspection if:
- There is a constant musty smell in your home or building
- You’ve recently had a plumbing issue, such as a major leak
- You’ve had an onset of unexplainable health issues linked to mold, like allergic reactions or respiratory infections
If you think you might have a mold problem, there’s no time to lose. Black mold can cause serious health issues that won’t go away without eliminating the mold. Listen to your instincts: If they tell you something is off, there’s a good chance that’s true. It’s never a bad idea to be proactive, either. You can schedule a mold inspection even if you have no visual of mold or no underlying symptoms, just to get peace of mind and confirm nothing is growing in your home.
Choosing the Right Mold Inspector
Different mold inspectors will use different methods and techniques, but you should only hire someone who is qualified, licensed, and trained to properly diagnose mold issues. If you’ve previously hired a different mold inspector who didn’t show a proper level of concern about mold in your home, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. The longer mold lingers, the more time it has to grow.
At Mold Masters, all of our technicians are highly trained and certified. Our mold inspections in Knoxville are thorough, and we are ready to get to work if we find any black mold.
How Do You Test for Mold?
Testing for mold can involve one of several methods to accurately assess the presence of mold spores and their potential health risks. The process typically begins with a visual inspection, where our professionals examine areas known for moisture issues – such as basements, bathrooms, and under sinks – for visible signs of mold growth.
If we suspect a problem, we may employ one or more of the following testing methods:
- Air sampling. This method collects air samples from the suspected area and analyzes them for mold spores. Air sampling can indicate the presence of mold in the environment and help identify the type of mold present.
- Surface sampling. This involves taking samples from surfaces that may be contaminated with mold. Techniques can include swabbing, tape lifting, or using bulk samples of materials. Each method can provide insights into the specific mold species and the extent of the contamination.
- Bulk sampling. In cases where mold is visible on materials like drywall or carpeting, we remove a section of the material and send it to a lab for analysis. This helps determine the extent of mold growth and potential damage.
- Moisture meters. While not a test for mold itself, moisture meters can help identify areas prone to mold growth due to high moisture levels. Monitoring humidity in the environment is crucial, as mold thrives in damp conditions.
What Is Included in a Mold Inspection?
Inspecting for mold isn’t as simple as looking around the interiors of a building. A comprehensive mold inspection goes beyond simple visual assessments to thoroughly evaluate the potential for mold growth within a property.
Our mold inspections in Knoxville typically include the following components:
- Visual assessment. Our inspectors start with a detailed visual evaluation, checking for visible signs of mold, water damage, or discoloration in areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and around windows. If you’ve spotted mold yourself, we’ll start at these locations and work from there.
- Moisture detection. Utilizing moisture meters and infrared cameras, our inspectors will assess building materials like drywall, wood, and carpets to determine moisture levels. Identifying areas with elevated moisture content is a key part of the inspection, as these conditions often provide an ideal environment for mold growth.
- Sampling procedures. Depending on our findings from the visual assessment, we may recommend surface or air sampling to quantify mold spores in your home or building.
- HVAC and ventilation inspection. We will often examine your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as crawl spaces and attics, to assess airflow patterns and identify hidden mold growth that may not be immediately visible.
- Identifying sources of moisture. Because moisture is the primary driver of mold growth, our inspectors will look for potential sources like leaks, poor drainage, or high humidity levels. Addressing these underlying issues is essential for effective mold remediation.
- Reporting findings. After completing our inspection, we will compile a report detailing our findings, including the extent and type of mold present, moisture levels, and suggestions for remediation. We offer a full suite of mold removal and remediation services and can get to work quickly.