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Positive Mold Test Results, What’s Next?
So, you suspect mold because of a musty smell and allergy-like symptoms at home, but you haven’t seen any visible signs yet. Getting a mold house test will tell you if there really is mold or not. But what if the mold air sampling results come back positive?
A positive mold test results mean that mold spores were detected in your sample. This could be air, surface, or dust testing. The report will show the types of mold found and how many spores were counted.
It’s important to understand what kinds of mold were found and how concentrated they are. You’ll also want to compare those levels to normal background amounts. While your mold inspector will help you interpret the results, the next steps are in your hands.
Here’s what to do if your mold test is positive.
Is It a Large, Toxic Infestation?
Check the spore count in your mold inspection result. The spore count tells you how many mold spores are in the air or on surfaces in your home.
According to the Environmental Analysis Associate, if the count is between 50 and 2,000 spores per cubic meter, it means there are some mold spores, but the amount is still low. This means mold might start to grow if conditions are right.
But if the count is between 10,000 and 1,000,000 spores per cubic meter, that’s very high, and you should get a professional to help remove the mold right away.
If it’s extremely high or if you see toxic mold, like black mold, this usually means a large infestation. Also, note where the mold was found. If multiple rooms or your HVAC are affected, it’s likely widespread.
Why is it important to know the size of a mold infestation? It’s because some homeowners attempt to remove mold themselves, which poses a health risk. Much worse, it is counterproductive as they can spread mold more.
In these cases, professional help is the safest route. Mold that spreads through vents or deep inside walls can’t be fixed with a simple cleaner.
Isolate The Affected Area
The best you can do while waiting for a professional mold remediation company is to isolate the affected area. If your mold house test tells you mold is found in your small bathroom, keep the door closed, use a towel to block the gap under the door, and turn off the vent fan to avoid spreading spores.
If it’s in a living room or kitchen, hang plastic sheeting to seal it off. Don’t run your HVAC system, this spreads spores throughout your house.
If the mold is in the HVAC system itself, shut it off immediately. Leave duct sealing and isolation to a professional mold remediation company.
Hire a Professional Mold Remediation Expert
Mold remediation is complex. Certified Houston mold remediation companies possess the necessary tools, training, and safety equipment to handle the job properly. Meaning, hiring a professional means the job gets done safely and completely. They’ll also fix the source of the moisture, not just clean the mold.
Show them your at-home mold test results. They will analyze it and develop the best and most effective mold remediation approach.
Post-remediation Inspection
After the work is done, it’s important to make sure the mold is really gone. A post-remediation inspection checks the air and surfaces again to confirm.
You should wait about 24 to 48 hours after cleanup before doing this test. This allows spores to settle and results in being accurate.
Getting this inspection gives you peace of mind. It confirms your home is safe again. It’s also helpful for insurance claims and future real estate needs.
Learn how our professionals handle testing with our article on “How to Collect Mold Samples for Lab Testing.“
Moisture Management
Part of mold prevention is moisture management. Mold won’t return if you manage moisture. Even after remediation, keeping your home dry is key.
Here are a few tips:
- Fix leaks quickly
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- Keep humidity below 50%
- Use a dehumidifier, especially in basements
- Check your roof and gutters for issues
So, now you know what to do if your mold test is positive, the next thing most homeowners ask us is How do we know which professional mold remediation company to choose? Let’s get into detail.
How To Choose a Professional Mold Remediation Company?
In the previous section, we learned that professional mold remediation companies have the capability to handle large, toxic mold infestations. But as many homeowners know, not all mold removal services are equal in terms of experience, credibility, and quality of work.
The next challenge for you, homeowners, after getting mold air sampling, is to find the best mold remediation company in Houston. Here are the things you should look for:
- Extensive Experience
Experience matters. A company that’s handled many Houston homes will understand the local climate and building types.
Ask how many years they’ve been in business. Look for reviews and ask for past project examples.
- Verify Certification
Always check for certifications. Certified mold professionals follow strict safety and cleaning rules.
In Houston, good mold remediation companies are certified by:
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) – Having the TDLR certification means the company complies with state laws and rules governing mold assessment and remediation and follows strict standards that protect public health.
- IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) – A mold remediation company bearing this certification means they are recognized for a standard of quality and professionalism in mold inspection and remediation.
- DSHS- Texas Department of State Health Services – This certification means the mold remediation company is well-trained, proficient, and prepared in managing diverse mold-related scenarios.
Each one shows they’ve passed training and follow top industry standards.
- Ensure Adherence to Industry Standards
Standards keep you safe. If a contractor cuts corners, mold may return—or worse, your health could suffer.
In Houston, mold professionals must follow the Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules (TMARR). These rules protect homeowners from shady work.
- Avoid Conflicts of Interest
The company that does the mold cleanup should not be the one doing your mold inspection or testing. Your mold inspector only gives you your mold inspection results, but a different mold remediation company removes mold guided by the lab results.
Neptune Mold Solutions believes in keeping these services separate. This keeps everything fair and avoids pressure to find (or hide) mold where it may not exist.
- Get Everything in Writing
Ask for a written contract. It should explain the scope of work, timeline, cost, and warranty.
Also, request a post-remediation report. This will confirm your home is mold-free.
Moving Forward After a Positive Mold Test
Getting positive mold test results is scary. But you’re not alone. With the right support, you can restore your home’s safety and comfort. Don’t wait or try to handle it all by yourself. Mold can grow fast and harm your health if ignored.
Neptune Mold Solutions is a professional mold inspection company trusted by thousands of homeowners in Houston. We help Houston families through mold crises every day. We understand your stress, and we’re ready to help right away.
FAQs
What are the acceptable mold levels in a home?
A normal and safe mold spore count indoors is typically between 200 and 500 spores per cubic meter. Counts up to 1,500 spores can still be considered normal if there is no visible mold or water damage. Levels above 1,500 spores may indicate a problem and might require cleaning or remediation, depending on the situation.
How to test an apartment for mold?
To test for mold, you can hire a licensed mold inspector who will take air samples and surface swabs inside your apartment. These samples are analyzed in a lab to measure mold spore counts and identify mold species. Testing is recommended if you see mold, smell musty odors, or experience allergy-like symptoms.
