Use a mold inspection checklist for comprehensive mold testing

Perform Mold Inspection Easier With Checklist

Property managers or landowners have a responsibility to ensure that regular inspections are performed to detect mold in a timely manner. A mold inspection is the best way to detect an infestation in a building early, determine its cause(s) and eliminate it.

Mold infestations can have far-reaching consequences: The building fabric is attacked and the health of tenants is put at risk, which in turn can lead to fines and litigation.

A mold inspection checklist assist with walkthroughs of buildings and apartments. Step-by-step instructions ensure that all areas are thoroughly inspected for mold infestation. The data collected can then be used to prepare a mold assessment.

This article deals with the topics:

1. Typical signs of mold infestation

2. Areas to check with a mold inspection checklist

3. Remove mold with a checklist

4. A digital solution for mold inspection templates

Typical Signs of Mold Infestation

The spores of mold have a harmful effect on people’s health. If a large amount of the spores enter the body through inhalation, allergies, irritation and systemic inflammation, as well as infections, can occur. For a layman, mold infestation in buildings is not too easy to recognize at first glance. It is all the more important to be aware of the typical signs of mold infestation:

1. Persistent musty and foul-smelling air
   If the air in a room or building continues to smell musty and foul even after regular airing, this is a sign of mold.
2. Black spots or stains
   The mold-infested areas are often located in wall corners or at cold bridges such as window sills or behind large pieces of furniture.
3. High humidity in the room
   Molds prefer a humid environment. Here they find optimal conditions to spread. Rooms with mold infestation, are consequently particularly damp.
4. Breathing difficulties
   With an advanced mold infestation, health problems, allergic reactions or increased coughing can occur.

Areas to Inspect With a Mold Inspection Checklist

In general, mold growth is not visible to the naked eye, making it difficult to identify. The following areas should be checked with every mold inspection checklist because mold likes to there:

1. Indoor
   Interior areas such as basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, ceilings, attics, living rooms and air conditioning units are the most common areas in the home where mold grows. A visual inspection should be performed in these areas for a mold inspection, using a checklist to answer the following guiding questions:
1. Does it smell musty?
2. Do walls, floors and ceilings show visible signs of cracks or stains?
3. Is there visible water damage or moisture formation?
2. Outdoors
   

   On the exterior of a property, the foundation, windows and doors, central air system, faucets, sprinkler hose attachments, and roof are often affected by mold growth because these areas are often exposed to wetness. A mold inspection checklist should therefore answer the following questions:

1. Does it smell musty?
2. Do the surfaces have visible cracks or stains?
3. Are there water damage or moisture buildup?

If signs of mold infestation can be found, a mold test should be performed to provide clarity. It provides information about whether mold is present, can measure how high the exposure to mold is and, depending on the type of test, can also indicate which genus of mold is involved.

Such mold tests can usually be done without a professional. However, for a more detailed examination or if there is already a large mold infestation, an appraiser should always be called in to check the building or the apartment with further tests for mold.

Planning Mold Removal With a Checklist

If the mold infestation has been confirmed by a test or a mold report, it should be removed immediately to prevent damage to the substance and health. Depending on the severity of the infestation, various procedures are possible:

1. Superficial mold infestation
   If the mold is on metal, ceramic or painted wood surfaces, it can be wiped with household cleaners and then rubbed with ethyl alcohol. Then allow the spot to dry.
2. Smaller superficial stains
   This mold infestation can also be removed with appropriate means. However, there is a risk that behind it is a deeper, invisible mold infestation. Therefore, the place should continue to be observed and checked by a professional in case of recurring mold.
3. Surface infestation
   The rule of thumb is that from half a square meter of mold infestation on an area, a professional should be called in. Depending on the severity, different procedures and work must be done for mold removal.

If there are several areas in an apartment or building where mold has occurred, it is worthwhile to use a checklist for mold removal or mold remediation, so as not to forget any spot. In addition, during mold treatment, notes can be made in the checklist as to what causes the mold. It is important not only to remove existing mold, but to prevent re-infestation.

Digital Solution for Mold Inspection Checklists & Monitoring

Taking a mold inspection can be costly and tedious, as the entire area of the property must be walked – inside and outside. A mobile inspection app like Lumiform makes it easier to walk the perimeter and identify potential mold.

With the help of a digital mold inspection checklist and moisture testing , mold infestations can be identified early by making the following task easier to implement:

• Conduct a mold inspection checklist conveniently via smartphone or tablet – online and offline.
• Get started quickly and confidently with a mold inspection template from Lumiform’s extensive template library.
• Take and upload photos and add notes during the walk-through for the mold inspection.
• All mold inspection results are automatically bundled into one report and can be sent immediately.
• Comprehensive analyses provide immediate insight into the condition of the object.