MOLD INSPECTION & TESTING SERVICES

At Lakeshore Restoration LLC, every mold inspection and testing is performed by certified professionals following the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation and recognized industry best practices. Our goal is to identify all potential contamination sources, determine the extent of the problem, and provide reliable data to guide your next steps — whether that’s remediation or preventive moisture control.

 

1. Initial Assessment & Visual Inspection

Every project begins with a comprehensive site evaluation. Our inspectors perform a detailed visual walkthrough of the property, identifying visible mold growth, water stains, or other signs of hidden moisture problems.
We use tools such as:

• Moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect elevated humidity or hidden leaks.

• Hygrometers to measure indoor relative humidity levels.

• Flashlight and inspection mirrors to evaluate hidden or hard-to-reach areas such as basements, attics, and HVAC closets.

If mold is visible, we document the findings with photos and notes to include in your inspection report.

 

2. Air Sampling & Laboratory Analysis

Because mold spores are microscopic and often invisible to the naked eye, air testing helps quantify airborne contamination levels.
We collect indoor and outdoor air samples using calibrated pumps and cassettes to measure the concentration and species of airborne spores.
These samples are analyzed by an independent certified laboratory, which identifies the type and quantity of mold spores present.
Results typically include:

• Spore count per cubic meter of air.

• Species identification (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, etc.).

• Comparison between indoor and outdoor baselines to determine abnormal growth.

Air testing is especially important when there are no visible signs of mold but there’s a persistent odor or health complaints among occupants.

 

3. Surface Sampling: Swabs, Tape Lifts & Bulk Testing

When visible mold or discoloration is found, surface sampling provides additional insight. Our inspectors may collect:

• Swab samples — to identify microbial contamination on smooth surfaces.

• Tape lifts — for textured materials like drywall or painted wood.

• Bulk samples — small pieces of contaminated material to determine the depth of mold penetration.

These samples are also sent to a certified lab for microscopic analysis, confirming the presence, type, and viability of mold growth on affected materials.

 

4. Moisture Source Identification

Mold cannot exist without moisture. During inspection, we track the source of water intrusion or humidity buildup — whether from a roof leak, plumbing failure, condensation, or poor ventilation.
Identifying and resolving these moisture sources is essential to preventing future growth and ensuring any remediation efforts are successful.

 

5. Documentation & Report Delivery

Once testing is complete, Lakeshore Restoration prepares a comprehensive inspection report that includes:

• Lab results and interpretation

• Visual findings and photographs

• Moisture readings and humidity data

• Recommendations for remediation, cleaning, or moisture correction

We explain the results in clear, easy-to-understand language and guide you through the best course of action for your home or business.

 

6. Transparent Communication & Next Steps

If elevated mold levels are confirmed, we provide a step-by-step remediation plan following IICRC S520 standards, ensuring containment, removal, and post-remediation verification are done correctly.
For clients who require it, we can also coordinate third-party post-remediation clearance testing to verify that the environment has returned to normal fungal ecology.