| Got Mold? |
HOW WE TEST FOR MOLD
The best way to get an accurate “snapshot” of the
mold situation in your home or office is to combine
a thorough visual inspection with one or both of
two mold sampling techniques – surface sampling
of visual mold and biological air sampling. Only
this comprehensive combination can accurately
identify and quantify molds in any environment.
The best way to get an accurate “snapshot” of the
mold situation in your home or office is to combine
a thorough visual inspection with one or both of
two mold sampling techniques – surface sampling
of visual mold and biological air sampling. Only
this comprehensive combination can accurately
identify and quantify molds in any environment.
| About Mold Inspections 321-626-8840 |
| 1. THE VISUAL INSPECTION: The Visual Inspection reveals obvious molds on surfaces and helps determine hidden mold problems that may go unnoticed to an un-trained eye. Using state-of-the-art electronic detection equipment, the visual inspection also reveals existing and potential moisture problems in construction materials. Wet or damp wood, drywall, and even concrete may not be a mold problem now, but will be if ignored. Catch problems before they start. |
| Surface Mold Growth |
| What you can't see inside the wall |
2. SURFACE SAMPLING:
Surface samples are taken by a swab or bulk samples of a surface for
laboratory analysis. The primary purpose of a direct microscopic examination
of a surface is to determine what kinds of molds are present and to reveal
indoor reservoirs of mold spores which have not yet become airborne. While
surface sampling is the most reliable way to determine exactly what type of
mold is on a surface, i.e. walls, furniture, floors, etc., it is not a direct indication
of what may be in the air.
Surface samples are taken by a swab or bulk samples of a surface for
laboratory analysis. The primary purpose of a direct microscopic examination
of a surface is to determine what kinds of molds are present and to reveal
indoor reservoirs of mold spores which have not yet become airborne. While
surface sampling is the most reliable way to determine exactly what type of
mold is on a surface, i.e. walls, furniture, floors, etc., it is not a direct indication
of what may be in the air.
| 3. BIOLOGICAL AIR SAMPLING: Biological air samples are the only way to accurately determine how much mold is in the air at your home or office. Using specialized equipment, We are able to sample measurable amounts of air, which traps airborne mold spores for later analysis. Only with a quantifiable number of spores in a measurable amount of air, is an accurate representation of the indoor air quality possible. Bell Inspection air samples are taken using specialized equipment that both identifies and quantifies all mold types so you know exactly what is going on with the air you breathe. |
Both surface and air sampling techniques are widely recognized as the best
processes for achieving accurate evaluations of both indoor air quality (IAQ)
and the specificity of surface mold types. However, the use of one without the
other may result in an inaccurate characterization of the area sampled. For
example, Stachybotrys (a known toxic mold) has shown up in surface
samples but not air samples in the same property. Often times there can be
certain types of mold on a surface that are not airborne... YET. For that
reason it is prudent to sample both air and surface molds.
processes for achieving accurate evaluations of both indoor air quality (IAQ)
and the specificity of surface mold types. However, the use of one without the
other may result in an inaccurate characterization of the area sampled. For
example, Stachybotrys (a known toxic mold) has shown up in surface
samples but not air samples in the same property. Often times there can be
certain types of mold on a surface that are not airborne... YET. For that
reason it is prudent to sample both air and surface molds.
| Bell Inspection Service Serving all of Central Florida |
| Inspection and Sampling Fees |
BASIC RESIDENTIAL MOLD INSPECTION: $250
Includes Two Samples
BASIC COMMERCIAL MOLD INSPECTION: $350
(Properties over 2,000 sq. ft. increase by $100 for every 1000 sq.ft.)
Inspection includes:
A non-invasive¹ visual inspection of accessible locations² (exterior and
interior) for surface mold, water intrusion and other causes.
¹ "non-invasive" means without cutting walls open. Extra charges apply to
opening walls.
² "accessible locations" are defined as areas readily observed without the
need to move furniture or contents.
___________________________________________________________
OPTIONAL MOLD TESTING (SAMPLING)
SAMPLING FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS: $100 ea.
Lab analysis of samples identifies mold types and quantities. Sample
Options Include:
AIR SAMPLES:
Air Sampling tells you what types of mold in your air and tell you how much of
it is there. An air test consist of two samples, one sample from of the indoor
air, and one ambient sample from the outdoor air. The outdoor serves as a
baseline standard. An "abnormal mold condition" exists when lab results
show that the indoor air has a higher spore count than the outdoor air.
PLEASE NOTE: Air testing requires two samples (one indoor and one
outdoor). Each sample costs $100 or $200 total. Additional air samples are
$100 each.
SURFACE SAMPLES:
Surface sampling will accurately identify all types of mold growing on a
surface, but will not quantify. Furthermore, mold found in surface samples is it
necessarily an accurate representation of what is in the air. In fact, it is
entirely possible to find specific types of mold growing on surfaces that has
not yet become airborne.
WHY IS IT USEFUL TO IDENTIFY SURFACE MOLD TYPES?
Mold produces mold spores. When surface mold is disturbed, thousands
(perhaps even millions) of tiny spores become airborne, which may ultimately
end up in the lungs of anyone nearby. It is beneficial to know whether or not
the mold growing on a surface is toxic before attempting to clean it so that
you can take adequate measures to protect yourself and others from
potentially harmful effects.
___________________________________________________________
DOCUMENTATION: Included
Documentation for mold inspections include:
Written discovery reports with complete explanations in laymen terms. Digital
photos highlighting areas of concern.
Protimeter test results showing problematic moisture content of construction
materials including wood, drywall, concrete, tiles. etc.
Computer generated reports in laymen terms for interpreting lab results when
applicable.
Guideline information for resolving mold problems.
NOTE: Inspection documents are only given to our client (the person or
company who actually pays for the inspection).
___________________________________________________________
PAYMENT:
Inspections must be paid for prior to or at the time the inspection takes place.
Bell Inspection does not bill escrow accounts. Payments of cash, personal
check, company check, certified check or money order are accepted on the
day of the inspection. Credit cards are not accepted on the job-site, however,
you can use a credit card to pre-pay for an inspection using the PayPal
Credit Card Payment Service.
Includes Two Samples
BASIC COMMERCIAL MOLD INSPECTION: $350
(Properties over 2,000 sq. ft. increase by $100 for every 1000 sq.ft.)
Inspection includes:
A non-invasive¹ visual inspection of accessible locations² (exterior and
interior) for surface mold, water intrusion and other causes.
¹ "non-invasive" means without cutting walls open. Extra charges apply to
opening walls.
² "accessible locations" are defined as areas readily observed without the
need to move furniture or contents.
___________________________________________________________
OPTIONAL MOLD TESTING (SAMPLING)
SAMPLING FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS: $100 ea.
Lab analysis of samples identifies mold types and quantities. Sample
Options Include:
AIR SAMPLES:
Air Sampling tells you what types of mold in your air and tell you how much of
it is there. An air test consist of two samples, one sample from of the indoor
air, and one ambient sample from the outdoor air. The outdoor serves as a
baseline standard. An "abnormal mold condition" exists when lab results
show that the indoor air has a higher spore count than the outdoor air.
PLEASE NOTE: Air testing requires two samples (one indoor and one
outdoor). Each sample costs $100 or $200 total. Additional air samples are
$100 each.
SURFACE SAMPLES:
Surface sampling will accurately identify all types of mold growing on a
surface, but will not quantify. Furthermore, mold found in surface samples is it
necessarily an accurate representation of what is in the air. In fact, it is
entirely possible to find specific types of mold growing on surfaces that has
not yet become airborne.
WHY IS IT USEFUL TO IDENTIFY SURFACE MOLD TYPES?
Mold produces mold spores. When surface mold is disturbed, thousands
(perhaps even millions) of tiny spores become airborne, which may ultimately
end up in the lungs of anyone nearby. It is beneficial to know whether or not
the mold growing on a surface is toxic before attempting to clean it so that
you can take adequate measures to protect yourself and others from
potentially harmful effects.
___________________________________________________________
DOCUMENTATION: Included
Documentation for mold inspections include:
Written discovery reports with complete explanations in laymen terms. Digital
photos highlighting areas of concern.
Protimeter test results showing problematic moisture content of construction
materials including wood, drywall, concrete, tiles. etc.
Computer generated reports in laymen terms for interpreting lab results when
applicable.
Guideline information for resolving mold problems.
NOTE: Inspection documents are only given to our client (the person or
company who actually pays for the inspection).
___________________________________________________________
PAYMENT:
Inspections must be paid for prior to or at the time the inspection takes place.
Bell Inspection does not bill escrow accounts. Payments of cash, personal
check, company check, certified check or money order are accepted on the
day of the inspection. Credit cards are not accepted on the job-site, however,
you can use a credit card to pre-pay for an inspection using the PayPal
Credit Card Payment Service.