What Can You Learn From a Mold Inspection?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Mold spores exist naturally everywhere.

Mold spores are everywhere, but sufficient moisture and food are necessary for colonies to form. A mold inspection can identify whether significant amounts of fungi are present in a building in Orlando, FL. Here are several important insights this inspection can provide to a prospective buyer of commercial property.

The Condition of a Building

A general building inspection should identify the presence of visible mold. Mold can also be hidden in a variety of locations:

• Around pipes
• Behind walls
• Beneath paneling
• Inside air ducts
• On top of ceiling tiles
• Under flooring
• Under wallpaper

A musty odor often indicates the presence of hidden mold. General inspectors may recommend a mold inspection, or prospective buyers can seek out this additional measure. Air or surface testing for the presence of spores or microbial volatile organic compounds released during the growth cycle of fungus will improve the accuracy of an inspection.

Whether Mold Is Active or Inactive
Once mold starts to grow in a building, the infestation will not go away without cleaning and remediation. Controlling indoor humidity can render mold inactive, but a major mold problem may be more likely if moisture levels rise again. An inspection should locate and identify fungi at any point of the growth cycle.

Potential Water Damage Problems
Timely and thorough restoration work should eliminate most of the visible signs of past water damage in a commercial building. Mold growth might still persist in areas prone to developing leaks. While inspecting a structure for mold is costly, the results may be worthwhile for determining whether a property is a sound investment.
A mold inspection is helpful for determining the condition of a commercial property in Orlando, FL, particularly if the structure has suffered water damage in the past. Mold infestations may be more likely in the future if damage has not been properly restored and underlying issues addressed.