If you suspect that there is mold in your home, there are a few different ways to test for it. Your remediation specialist can help determine which type of testing is best.

1. Visual Inspection

Most mold checks begin with a comprehensive visual inspection. Your inspector is looking for areas where mold is likely to be an issue, such as areas with signs of old or new water damage. These signs can include damp or stained drywall, water leaks in cupboards beneath sinks, or signs of bubbling and peeling paint. They may also check attics or basements for actual mold growth, or the dark-colored stains that indicate mold has grown in the area at some point.

2. Moisture Meters

Mold needs moisture to grow, so looking for possible sources of moisture is often the next step once likely areas have been determined. Most moisture meters feature two small prongs, which are inserted into the wall or surface that is being tested. This does leave small holes, but they can be easily repaired if no moisture or mold is found. If moisture is found, then further testing and inspection may be necessary to determine the extent of the damage.

3. Thermal Imaging

Sometimes a thermal imaging camera is used instead of a moisture meter or in conjunction with one. A thermal imaging camera is also one of the least invasive ways to check for the possibility of mold. This camera picks up the temperature difference of any water compared to the other materials in the wall. If water is present and it's not obviously flowing through a water supply line, then there is a high likelihood that mold is also growing inside the affected wall cavity. 

4. Borescopes

First, a small hole is drilled in the wall, which can be patched in the event no mold remediation is needed. Then a long and flexible tube is inserted, and on the tip of the tube is the borescope camera. This allows your inspector to visually inspect the interior of the wall for mold without completely removing the drywall and causing major damage. 

5. Mold Testing

Testing, sometimes called sampling, is often only done when mold hasn't been found but it's still suspected. There is usually no need to do testing if it has been found visually using one of the above methods. Your remediation service may also perform a test for air-borne mold after remediation is complete, just to be sure that all of the mold has been removed.

Contact a mold remediation service if you suspect that there is a mold problem in your home.