Mold Removal Worx LLC

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FAQ’s

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FAQ’s

FAQ’s

General Question

A professional mold assessment provides property owners, homebuyers, sellers, and landlords with critical, actionable information about mold presence and the conditions that support its growth.

Unlike simple mold testing, which only returns lab results, a mold assessment evaluates the property in context—pinpointing why mold may be present and what to do next. Without this comprehensive evaluation, lab results alone cannot accurately define a property’s mold condition.

What a Mold Assessment Includes:

🔍 Interior Evaluation

The interior of the property is thoroughly inspected for signs of:

  • Plumbing leaks
  • Roof leaks
  • Condensation or ventilation issues
  • Water intrusion points

Walls, ceilings, cabinets, and furniture are examined for visible mold-like substances (often fuzzy in appearance), though visual evidence alone does not confirm mold. Relative humidity levels are also measured in various rooms to assess moisture conditions that could lead to mold growth.

🌬️ HVAC System Inspection

The HVAC system is a common hiding place for mold. During the assessment:

  • Random floor registers are removed to inspect inside the ducts
  • Air registers are examined for fungal growth
  • The HVAC access panel is opened to check for mold inside the unit
🏠 Crawlspace, Basement & Attic Review

These areas are evaluated for:

  • Signs of water intrusion
  • High humidity due to poor ventilation
  • Plumbing issues
  • Observable mold growth
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Collecting mold samples without a proper assessment leaves you with a lab report but no context or guidance. A full mold assessment helps determine:

  • Where samples should be collected
  • Whether a mold problem exists
  • The extent and likely source of the issue

Sampling Process and Reporting

Samples collected during the assessment are:

  • Immediately labeled with location data
  • Photographed for documentation
  • Shipped to an AIHA- or ACGIH-certified laboratory

Once lab results are received, a comprehensive mold assessment report is produced. This includes:

  • Findings from the on-site assessment
  • Certified mold lab results
  • Customized mold remediation and/or sanitization protocols

All findings and recommendations are delivered to the client, empowering you to take informed next steps to restore a healthy indoor environment.

Short answer: No — not on its own.

While fogging may kill airborne mold spores temporarily, it does not remove visible mold growth from surfaces — and that’s the real issue. Since 1998, the EPA has made it clear that successful mold remediation means physically removing all visible mold, not just treating the air.

Fogging is often referred to in the industry as the “spray and pray” method because it gives the illusion of cleanliness without truly addressing the root problem. Dead mold spores may no longer grow, but they can still trigger allergic reactions and impact indoor air quality if left behind.

If your home has only been fogged, you may not be mold-free. For a professional mold inspection or a second opinion, contact Mold Removal Worx LLC today at 540-209-6965 — let’s make sure your home is truly healthy.

At Mold Removal Worx LLC, we believe in evidence-based mold remediation. Here are the top reasons to collect air or surface samples when mold is suspected:

  • Establish a Baseline
    Set a reference point for mold spore concentration in the air before remediation — essential for accurate comparison after cleanup is completed.
  • Identify Cross-Contamination
    Determine whether a Condition 2 area (settled spores without growth) has been caused by mold spreading from a Condition 3 area (active mold growth).
  • Determine Mold Species
    Identify the type of mold present in the air or on surfaces at the time of testing — crucial for targeted treatment and risk assessment.
  • Understand Health Risks
    Learn about the health effects associated with each mold species found, helping inform medical or environmental decisions.
  • Support Medical Evaluations
    Provide lab results to your physician — a microbiologist’s analysis of mold samples may help correlate environmental exposure with toxicology results from medical labs.
  • Verify Effective Remediation
    Use post-remediation sampling to confirm that:
    • Containment wasn’t breached
    • Condition 2 and 3 areas have returned to Condition 1 (normal fungal ecology)
    • Clean areas remained uncontaminated during the remediation process

Mold exposure can trigger a wide range of health symptoms, especially in individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Common symptoms of mold exposure include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or congested nose
  • Chronic cough
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Skin rashes or hives
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Body aches and joint pain

It’s important to note that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have a mold problem. Similar symptoms can be caused by other environmental or health factors.

To accurately determine whether mold is present and affecting your indoor air quality, a professional mold assessment should be performed by an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP). This assessment will help identify:

  • The presence of mold growth
  • The extent of contamination
  • Airborne mold spore concentrations

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms and suspect mold exposure, consulting with an allergist and scheduling a professional mold assessment with Mold Removal Worx is the next best step.