Mold Assessment and Inspection in Rochester NY:

---

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold produces allergens, irritants, and potentially toxic substances. The EPA also recognizes that exposure to mold can trigger asthma attacks.  

Sustained high levels of moisture provide conditions that are conducive to wood decay and mold growth. Locating and resolving areas of prolonged moisture intrusion is one of the most important steps that can be taken to improve the air quality in your home.

Superior Inspection Services provides both residential and commercial mold inspections, assessments,  and testing in Rochester NY.  A successful mold remediation project begins with Superior Inspection Services. 

Mold assessments for residential and commercial properties have become a common occurrence to safeguard the health and well being of occupants and to protect the equity of the building owners’ investments. Assessments are usually requested when there is visible mold, after a mold inspection,  water intrusion has occurred, an unidentified musty odor is present, there are concerns by occupants, or during a real estate transaction. The assessment, or mold remediation plan, is a document prepared by a licensed NYS Mold Assessor that identifies mold and serves as a guide for the cleanup project in accordance with Article 32, Sec. 945 of the NYS Labor Law. The assessment may also include mold testing or sampling.

The Mold Assessment Report must include:

• The area or room(s) the work will be performed
• The estimated quantities of material to be cleaned/removed
• The methods to be used for remediation
• The type of personal protection to be worn
• The clearance requirements
• Method(s) used to notify occupants of the mold job in progress
• Cost estimate/time frame of project
• Identify source of moisture and type of contractor recommended to correct (if possible)

Testing for mold is not always necessary but is recommended in certain situations such as: 

• Unexplained health issues or concerns with occupants
• A strong musty odor is present but no mold is visible 
• Tenant/Landlord disputes  
• Sustained flood damage in the home
• Plumbing, roof, or other leaks are present

According to the EPA, In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.  Do not be persuaded into having unnecessary mold samples taken by other "mold experts in Rochester".  Mold is everywhere and will be present in most test results. The presence of mold does not always indicate an issue. Superior Inspection Services can help determine if and when mold testing or sampling is appropriate. 

Air Sampling for Mold:

Air samples are typically taken when no visible mold is present or prior to and after, a mold remediation project. Air samples identify the amount and type of airborne mold spores. Samples are obtained using a calibrated vacuum pump that forces a metered amount of air onto a special collection medium. The medium collects airborne particles and is analyzed by an accredited lab. The results are then compiled into an easy to read report. The 2 types of medium we use are cassettes and agar plates. 

• Cassette Sampling- This type of air sample is taken by depositing airborne particles onto a cassette with a pre-loaded slide. The standard turn around time for this type of test is 48 hours. Same or next day results are available in some cases. One limitation of this testing method is it cannot determine if viable (live active) mold  is present. 
• Agar Plate Sampling- This type of air sample is taken using an impactor that deposits airborne particles onto a culturable agar plate. The most common types are corn meal and malt extract. The benefit of this type of sample is that it can identify if viable (live active) mold is present. This type of sampling method requires an incubation period of approx 7 days before results are available. 

Surface Sampling for Mold:

Surface samples are obtained by swab or tape lift methods. Surface sampling can identify the presence of settled mold spores that may not be visible to the naked eye. Visible areas of mold can be sampled in order to identify the type of mold that is present.  

Bulk Samples:

Bulk samples are obtained by the actual removal of contaminated materials.  A section of drywall,  ceiling tiles, or other suspect building materials are delivered to the lab where they are analyzed. This is often times a destructive form of sampling.    

Serving Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Monroe County and surrounding counties.  Webster, Penfield, Greece, Irondequoit, Fairport, Pittsford, Gates, Perinton, East Rochester, Henrietta, Spencerport, Chili, and Hilton NY