4 Reasons to Hold Off on Mold Testing Kits

9/9/2018 (Permalink)

Choosing the best option for mold testing is essential for planning treatment.

Mold testing is a vital part of figuring out where mold is so you can act to remove it from your Johnson City, TN, home. You may consider buying a mold kit, but those have a number of flaws that make them unreliable. Here are four reasons why DIY mold tests are inferior compared to the alternatives.

1. They Don’t Give Much Information

A mold sample only tells you that there is mold at your home. It doesn’t inform you of the species or location. You may also be oblivious to any potential water problems feeding the mold.

While it can be used to verify that there is a fungus in your home, you need more information to know if it could cause property damage and is worth removing.

2. They Are Scientifically Questionable

These mold testing kits are Petri dishes that give a place for a mold sample to grow. There is no comparison control sample to compare what’s in the air versus where you sampled.

Additionally, any that offer a service to send them off for evaluation involves sending them through the mail. Depending on shipping, the kit’s receipt could take days. This potentially taints the sample due to heat or package mishandling.

3. They Are Not Effective for Every Infestation

Dead or airborne mold spores will not show up in a test with a mold kit. Different species may settle more easily on the testing dish, so the tests tend to have dominant growths. With the other types overshadowed, you could miss finding a specific mold infestation.

4. They Don’t Compare to Professionals

An environmental hygienist has the commercial tools and methodology necessary to find all mold and identify problematic locations. Mold is almost unavoidable in your home, but only certain infestations need treatment. An expert mold damage restoration company can act on these findings to remove the mold growth and its cause.

Choosing the best option for mold testing is essential for planning treatment. By understanding these reasons against DIY mold products, you can make the right choice to protect your home. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com/.