How to Test for Mold in Walls
Mold is a natural substance that is present in all homes, both new and old. The level of mold contamination determines whether or not its presence is an issue. Homeowners may be concerned about health issues or simply want to rid their homes of the musty smell that accompanies mold. Testing for mold is relatively simple and requires a testing kit.
Items Needed:
- Drywall cutting tools
- Mold testing kit
- Identify the areas suspect to mold growth. A musty smell or discoloration in your walls are two tell-tale signs of mold.
- Search for home mold testing kits online. Look through government resources for reputable home testing companies, as these tests are crucial to determining what sort of mold problem is in a home.
- Order a testing kit and follow the instructions included. To test inside walls, a homeowner must make a hole in the suspect wall big enough to fit the testing kit. This kit is typically a Petri dish, so a hole 1 inch high by 4 inches wide is big enough to fit a Petri dish. Cut a hole along the floor line so you can rest the Petri dish on the floor within the wall.
- Fill the Petri dish with the testing solution and place it in the hole. Leave the Petri dish in the hole for an hour to collect a sample of the air.
- Seal the dish and let it sit for 48 hours. If mold grows, send the kit into a lab for further testing. The lab will test for mold types to let homeowners know if the mold is a dangerous strain.
- Consult with a mold remediation company if you find high levels of dangerous mold in your home. Although most people can live in homes with moderate to high levels of mold, it can be dangerous to individuals with asthma or other breathing conditions.