Worried About Black Mold In Basement? For Peace Of Mind, Test For Mold Today!
If you cannot see visible black mold growth in the basement but you detect musty odor then you could test the air in your house for mold (see instructions below). Air testing for mold can be performed by professionals for you or you can collect samples yourself using the same mold test kits and laboratories used by the professionals.
Causes of Black Mold in Basement
Basements are often damp most of the times. This is because the basement gets no sunlight, and very little ventilation. Mold in a basement that is not regularly used will probably go unnoticed for a long time. If your family experiences allergy symptoms you may consider testing your basement for mold. This is because if the basement has mold the spores will move to the living spaces and cause allergy symptoms when inhaled. Mold in the basement thrives on some of the building materials such as the drywall, wood and insulation.
Some of the sources of moisture in the basement include leaking pipes and intrusion of ground water into the basement through cracks in the walls. This moisture contribute to mold growing in the basement.
Signs of Mold in Basement
Signs of mold in basement include musty odor and signs of moisture damage. Because of the still air in the basement, moldy odors build up and become very noticeable. Don’t ignore a musty or moldy smell in the basement as it probably
means you have a basement mold problem. Areas where there are signs of water damage or leaks are likely spots for mold growth.
Where to look for mold in the basement
Mold grows on the surfaces of damp organic items or building materials. In the basement, these surfaces can be found everywhere such as drywall, wooden building frames, carpet, insulation, wallpaper, furniture or cardboard boxes.
If you experience persistent symptoms or musty smell, test for mold
Airborne spores produced by mold in the basement can cause symptoms of mold allergy such as sneezing; runny or stuffy nose; cough; itchy eyes, nose and throat; and watery eyes. Therefore, if you constantly experience these symptoms when inside a building, it’s possible that the building could be infested with mold in the basement. However since there are other indoor contaminants that can cause allergy symptoms mold testing is recommended.
Instructions on testing for visible mold in the basement
No special mold test kit required to collect a sample of mold. All you need is clear scotch tape.
- Cut off approximately 2-3 inches long of clear scotch tape.
- Hold tape at one end and place sticky side down onto the surface with visible mold growth and press gently.
- Remove tape and stick it onto a ziplock bag (Do not fold the tape).
- Number each tape and identify the sites sampled. For example:
- Tape 1: Basement, east wall.
- Tape 2: Window sill, master bedroom.
- Tape 3: Ceiling tile, kitchen.
- Enclose samples in an envelope or bag
Tip: If you see mold growth in more than one place (say kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and basement), we recommend taking a minimum of 3 samples. This because the black mold in the bathroom is highly likely to be different from that in the basement or kitchen or ceiling.
Submit the samples together with the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Phone
- Fax (if available)
- Email address
- The date the sample was collected
Mail or deliver samples to:
1020 Brevik Place, Unit 1A
Mississauga, ON L4W 4N7
Canada
Sample Analysis Cost…..$50 per sample
What you get:
- Complete lab report with names of molds identified
- Results interpretation
- 15-minute free consultation (if requested) with one of our microbiologists
- Turnaround Time: 2-3 working days
Tip: If you see mold growth in more than one place (say kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and basement), we recommend taking a minimum of 3 samples. This because the black mold in the bathroom is highly likely to be different from that in the basement or kitchen or ceiling.
How to test for mold in the air
If you cannot see visible mold in the basement but you detect musty odor, then you could test the air. Air testing for mold can be performed by professionals for you or you can do it yourself using the same mold test kits and laboratories used by the professionals. The advantage of air testing is that it helps to determine whether there is hidden mold growth and also whether your family is exposed to airborne black mold spores. The only difference between hiring a professional and collecting samples and sending them directly to the laboratory yourself is that you save a lot of money.
Order for Mold in Air Test Kit…..$116 + Shipping
The Package Fee Includes:
- RENTAL of a professional Air-Sampling Equipment and sampling Instructions (24 Hours rental only),
- One air sampling cartridge,
- Analysis of one Air Sample (see the “tip” below),
- Lab report,
- Results interpretation,
- 15-minute free consultation (if requested) with one of our microbiologists,
- Turnaround Time: 2-3 working days.
Tip: To be sure whether your family is exposed to airborne toxic black mold spores or not, we recommend taking a minimum of 3 air samples. One from the outdoor (control sample) and 2 from indoors (for example living room and one of the bedrooms). Each additional sample is $66.
Order Form.
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