Do you notice a mouldy odor in your home? There is a good chance you could have hidden mould somewhere. Another indication that you could have mould is if you are experiencing allergic symptoms such as sneezing, sore eyes, a runny nose and hair loss.

 

Mould testing can determine if you have a mould and/or moisture problem in your home.  There are three main methods for testing mould: air, surface, and bulk testing.  Each type of testing has its own strengths and weaknesses.  

 

Air sampling/testing for mould (available as an ancillary/add-on service)

 

• Air testing checks the concentration of mould spores in your indoor air.  A specialized air sampling pump is used to collect outdoor and indoor air samples which are later examined at a lab under a microscope. A detailed lab report will be provided to you within 2 business days. The main benefit of air sampling is that air testing can tell you if there is a hidden mould/moisture problem in the home.  A drawback however, is the amount and type of mould spores in the air can vary (even in a short period of time) due to various factors, giving varying results at different times. Also, obtained samples may not represent mould types/concentrations in other parts of the home. Air sampling for mould can be added to your home inspection at the time of booking or on site.

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• For the cost to have air sampling for mould performed during your home inspection, see Fees. Consider requesting air sampling/testing for mould performed in conjunction with your Home Inspection (add-on ancillary service). 

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Surface sampling/testing for mould 

 

• Surface testing involves collecting samples from home by swabbing, tape lifting, or other methods to determine the amount and type of mould by labratory analysis. Results can vary as mould growth and spores aren't usually spread uniformly across surfaces and can vary over time.  Unlike air testing, surface tests will not identify the concentration of mould spores in the home's air.  

 

 

Bulk sampling/testing for mould

 

• Bulk testing involves collecting pieces of material from the home containing possible mould growth.  The samples are then examined at a lab under a microscope.  Bulk testing results can tell you if there is a mould issue and also give you an idea of the concentration of mould particles in your home. Note: Solex Group does not perform bulk sampling/testing for mould as this form of sampling is typically destructive in nature.

 

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*Note: "mold" (American English) or "mould" (Canadian English) is commonly used interchangeably in Canada