Do you need a building mold inspection? Chances are that you can't answer that question. A building mold inspection is helpful in discovering harmful mold growth in a home or place of business. So, if you don't have mold, you don't need an inspection. But, it is difficult or impossible for building owners to know whether mold is growing somewhere on their property ? unless they get a building inspection done. This makes the answer to the original question: yes, you need a building mold inspection.

Even if you were able to check every nook and cranny in your building, and you did not find any mold, it doesn't mean you don't need a mold inspection. Mold spores are constantly present in the atmosphere. Unless your building is airtight, with filtered air circulation, the air around you is full of mold spores waiting to find a damp spot where they can germinate. Your building might seem dry, but that does not mean it will remain so or that there are not unseen areas of moisture. A building mold inspection will identify potential sources of moisture, such as cracks in foundation walls, or uninsulated plumbing pipes, which could lead to mold growth in your building.

But, why should you inspect your building for mold or potential mold growth? There are many reasons that you should have a mold inspection done on your building. First, mold is not good for your health. Building mold can cause allergic reactions; irritation of the eyes, nose and lungs; headaches; fatigue; asthma attacks; and even certain infections. Airborne mold spores bounce off dry surfaces, but cling to moist surfaces. Mold will grow almost anywhere there is even minute amounts of moisture, including some of your belongings. Left unchecked, mold will damage fabrics and organic materials, like the wood used in your furniture or home's structure. Another big reason for a building mold inspection is that mold is just plain smelly.

Whatever your reason for wanting to get rid of or prevent mold growth, you need to find the right person for the job; a building inspector who is certified to inspect for mold. The problem is that there are no government enforced minimum requirements for building inspectors in Canada. Anyone can claim to be a building inspector and to know how to spot mold problems. But, that doesn't mean they know any more about it than you. For this reason, you must be careful when choosing a building mold inspector.

Fortunately, the building inspection industry has formed associations to not only certify inspectors, but create extra standards for certified indoor air and mold inspections. InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, is the largest building inspection association in the world. Only certified home inspectors who are members of InterNACHI are eligible to become IAC2 (International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants) certified and receive the IAC2 certification for mold inspections. If you find a building inspector who is IAC2 certified for mold inspections, you have the highest assurance possible that the building inspector will be able to identify mold and mold sources in your home or place of business.

A building mold inspection will not only tell you whether or not you have mold, but you will also know the extent of the mold and any damage done. Mold damage can be serious, such as in cases of advanced wood rot. However, serious damage to your possessions or buildings structure is rare. When starved of moisture, mold growth dries out and stops being active. When it dries enough, it can be wiped or brushed away. Wear a face mask or other breathing protection when brushing away mold because the process causes harmful mold particles to become airborne. Even after you clean away mold from your building, you will need to periodically do your own inspections and, from time to time, have a professional re-inspect for new growth.

Reducing damage to your belongings is not the only advantage of a building mold inspection. The improved air quality will let you, your family, friends and associates breathe easier and stay healthier. So, yes, even if you have had one in the past, you need a building mold inspection.

The building mold inspection professionals Allmax Home and Property Inspections are members of the InterNACHI and are IAC2 certified for mold inspections.