Preparation
Evaluate What Needs to be Tested
Where to Test
Test areas that are known or suspected of having water leaks (e.g. – roof leaks, flooding, pipe leaks, etc.) If specific areas cause sneezing and coughing, they should be included. Include more than one mold plate in large areas or rooms.
We recommend testing each of the following areas:
Bathroom
Basement
Master Bedroom
Den/Great Room
Car
Kitchen
Child's Bedroom
Office (Home & Work)
Where it Grows
Roof and Attic
- Flashing, gutter, or canale leaks
- Bad seals around penetrations, like chimneys
Rooms
- Closets with high humidity
- Window and roof leaks
- Flooding
Laundry Room
- Washing machine mold
- High humidity
- Plumbing leaks
Kitchen
- Plumbing leaks around sink and drain pipes
- High humidity in cabinets
- Refrigerator ice maker leaks
- Decaying food and trash
Air Conditioning Systems
- HVAC systems causing condensation
- Mold inside HVAC systems (on coils and in ducting)
- Inadequate ventilation
Bathroom
- Plumbing leaks around sink, bathtub, shower, and toilet
- Elevated humidity
- Caulking that is lifted or broken
Windows
- Moisture from bad seals
Basement and Crawlspace
- Moisture transfer through cement floors and walls
- Water settling against foundation
- Dirt crawlspaces without proper ventilation
- Standing water in sump pumps
How it Grows
Mold can be found anywhere water is allowed to remain for 48 hours or more. Humidity above 60% can also lead to mold growth. Mold needs a food source, water source, and warm temperatures to grow.
Food Source
Such as wood supports, drywall backing, wallpaper, carpet, cabinetry, books, cardboard boxes.
Water Source
Such as a busted pipe, roof leak, poorly graded building site, flooding, high humidity, or other moisture causing event or conditions.
Warm Temperatures
40º – 120º F
Know the Mold Symptoms
Where it grows
Roof and Attic
- Flashings, gutter, or canale leaks
- Bad seals around penetrations, like chimneys
Air Conditioning Systems
- HVAC systems causing condensation
- Mold inside HVAC systems (on coils and in ducting)
- Inadequate ventilation
Rooms
- Closets with high humidity
- Window and roof leaks
- Flooding
Bathroom
- Plumbing leaks around sink, bathtub, shower, and toilet
- Elevated humidity
- Caulking that is lifted or broken
Laundry Room
- Washing machine mold
- High humidity
- Plumbing leaks
Windows
- Moisture from bad seals
Kitchen
- Plumbing leaks around sink and drain pipes
- High humidity in cabinets
- Refrigerator ice maker leaks
- Decaying food and trash
Basement and Crawlspace
- Moisture transfer through cement floors and walls
- Water settling against foundation
- Dirt crawlspaces without proper ventilation
- Standing water in sump pumps
How it grows
Mold can be found anywhere water is allowed to remain for 48 hours or more. Humidity above 60% can also lead to mold growth. Mold needs a food source, water source, and warm temperatures to grow.
Food Source
Such as wood supports, drywall backing, wallpaper, carpet, cabinetry, books, cardboard boxes.
Water Source
Such as a busted pipe, roof leak, poorly graded building site, flooding, high humidity, or other moisture causing event or conditions.
Warm Temperatures
40º – 120º F