How To Test for Mold

12/2/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial mold damage in Leander,TX

If you believe you may have found mold in your place of business then you may have contacted a Leander,TX, indoor environmental specialist to perform a mold test. There are three types of tests they may choose to use based on the type of mold being analyzed. Here’s what you need to know about each of them.

The Surface Test

In many cases if the mold can be seen then there’s no reason to test. However, there may be a few cases where the surface test is helpful.

• During early stages when mold is unidentifiable
  
• When the substance may be something other than mold growth
  
• When checking other areas for contamination
  

After cleaning to ensure no mold remains

A mold remediation professional will know when to use this test and what areas should be examined.

The Air Test

An indoor environmental specialist may also perform an air test to determine if mold is present. These tests calculate the amount, if any, of spores present in the air. They may be used if it is believed there is a mold problem, but the mold is not yet visible. This type of test can also show ventilation or moisture issues which could exacerbate a mold problem.

The Bulk Test

The third mold test method used by inspectors is the bulk test. This test is used to determine if mold is growing on a surface, but unlike a surface test involves taking a sample of the material itself. In this case it is possible to see how far the mold has penetrated the material. This test is most commonly used when looking for possible hidden contaminants.

An indoor environmental specialist can use testing to determine if, and what type of, mold may be in your company building. The results of these tests can allow you to take appropriate steps to remedy the situation.