Mold and Moisture Investigations

Mold growth and associated moisture problems are one of the most common—and serious—facility problems we tackle. Unresolved mold and moisture issues can pose serious risks to occupant health and inflict costly damage to facilities.

We handle mold issues that range from visible mold growth to moldy smells to hidden mold infestations to controlling microscopic spores in healthcare settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mold issues can pose serious risks to occupant health and inflict costly damages on the facility, so it is essential to stay on top of potential mold growth. However, when it comes to a mold investigation, it may feel like there are a million factors to consider. We want to clarify some of the most common concerns that people considering a mold investigation may have.

Why would I need a mold investigation?

There are many different things that may encourage you to conduct a mold investigation.

• Unexplained occupant symptoms – One thing to consider is if you are noticing that yourself or other people in the facility are experiencing unexplained symptoms such as headaches, coughing or brain fog. This may be due to mold growth inside of the building.
• Recent water event – Another situation that may prompt a mold inspection is a recent water event, such as flooding, water infiltration or a burst/leaky pipe. Mold is oftentimes the direct result of water damage, so it is important to conduct a mold investigation if a water event occurs.
• Musty odors – Musty odors could also be a clue that mold is growing inside your building.

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What causes moisture problems?

Moisture problems occur when excess moisture accumulates or becomes trapped in a part of a building that should be dry. They can happen in just about any building, new or old, and usually occur because of poor design, faulty construction practices, or improper maintenance.

What does a mold investigation include?

A typical AMI mold investigation starts with a site visit to conduct a visual inspection of your property. During this inspection we will not only pinpoint possible locations of mold growth, and also aim to identify the moisture issue(s) that caused mold growth in the first place.

Our experts use a mix of visual cues and infrared imaging to identify visible mold growth and mold hidden underneath flooring, inside walls and beyond. AMI will recommend which areas, if any, need to be tested for mold and provide a recommended sampling plan for your project’s specific needs and budget.

At the conclusion of our mold investigation, we will deliver a full report detailing the findings of our investigation, and recommendations for testing and remediation (if necessary).

When should I expect the results of my mold investigation?

You can expect a report of your mold investigation 3 to 5 days after the site investigation. This time allows for the lab to process samples and for our Industrial Hygienists to write up a report.

How much does a mold investigation cost?

A mold investigation can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 depending on the scope of work. Some factors that may influence the cost is the size of the building and the types of areas that need to be investigated. Sampling costs are determined separately depending on need.

Please contact us at 1-800-828-8487 or info@amienvironmental.com for a free estimate.

Do you conduct mold testing?

Yes, at AMI Environmental we do offer mold testing, including surface sampling and airborne fungal measurement. We can also conduct thermal imaging using infrared photography to measure moisture content and identify materials impacted by water events.

Is mold sampling destructive (will my building be damaged)?

No, in most situations there will be no damage to the building during a mold investigation.

What happens if mold is found?

If mold is found in your building, we recommend remediation of all mold-affected materials. If the cause is determined to be a water event, we also recommend removal of any affected absorbent materials. The entire affected area must also be cleaned, and active mold growth must be fully removed to ensure that no further growth occurs.

Once mold growth has been remediated, we also recommend addressing the cause of the mold growth (oftentimes a moisture event). In some situations, such as when mold growth is present in the HVAC system, thorough cleaning (rather than remediation) efforts can be the best solution.

Do I have to share mold findings with anyone?

No, you are not required to share your mold findings with anyone.

Are there federal regulations or standards regarding mold testing?

There are no federal regulations that are in place regarding mold testing. However, some states have training and certification requirements for consulting and remediation services. It is important to ensure that the professional you are using for your mold investigations and remediation have the appropriate training and certifications—especially if high-risk patients or individuals are affected.

Do you offer mold abatement?

We do provide referrals to third-party remediation companies, but we do not conduct mold removal ourselves. The services that AMI Environmental provides in terms of mold abatement is the initial detection of the growth, protocols for removal of the mold, and on-site representative during the abatement process. We also offer follow-up air quality assessments to ensure that the mold issue has been resolved.

Do you offer residential mold testing?

We do offer some residential testing. If you have any inquiries about a specific project, please reach out to us at info@amienvironmental.com.

Resources

Guide to Mold and Moisture

Hidden Mold and Moisture