Michigan Mold Testing Services

Our Mold Testing Services

Mold is a fungus that grows virtually everywhere. Scientists aren’t sure how many mold species there are, but estimates range anywhere between tens of thousands to over a few hundred thousand. Some types of mold aren’t dangerous to human health, while others lead to chronic and severe health conditions.

Our Superior Mold Testing Process

Before Guardian Recovery Services can address any mold problem in your home or business, we must understand the type and level of infestation. Each type of mold has its own characteristics, growth patterns, and health risks. With a NAMP-certified Mold Remediator on staff, we can perform scientific mold testing that can typically find underlying issues such as mold growth in a wall cavity or behind base molding that may be hidden.

Too often, home inspection services or others perform what they label as ‘mold testing’ as a standalone service or part of a combination of services. This usually consists of a few tape strips applied to one surface to ‘show that you have mold.’ This type of test is useless and wastes the consumer’s money. Don’t be fooled into thinking that these services are adequate.

It is important to know the science behind mold and its growth patterns in order to formulate an effective strategy for remediation. GRS technicians take multiple surface and air samples from throughout your property for testing. These samples are analyzed to determine the types of mold present, as well as the locations and levels of contamination in each area.

Our Mold Testing Identifies Mold Types And Counts

At Guardian Recovery Services, our scientific testing can determine different mold types as well as specific counts, that will show us the level of infestation and health risk. Harmful molds are classified as follows:

• Allergenic Molds cause and produce allergies and allergic reactions.
• Pathogenic Molds cause health problems in those suffering from an acute illness.
• Toxigenic Molds produce toxic substances that can lead to dangerous or even deadly health conditions.

The following types of mold are commonly found in Michigan homes and businesses.

Stachybotrys, or “black mold,” is a toxigenic mold that can also cause allergic reactions. Stachybotrys mold is dark greenish or black in color and has a slimy texture. It thrives in damp, wet areas with high humidity levels that maintain these environmental conditions for weeks.

Acremonium mold is a toxigenic mold type that evolves in its appearance over time. It typically grows in household systems and areas such as condensation from humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans and window sealants.

Alternaria is the most common form of allergenic mold. It typically grows wherever dampness occurs, like bathtubs, showers, and underneath leaky sinks.

Aspergillus is a common mold found in American households. There are over 185 species of aspergillus mold, and it can appear in many different colors.

Aureobasidium is an allergenic mold that can sometimes be found growing behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces. It usually develops in a pink, brown or black color, but typically turns a darker brown as it ages.

Chaetomium mold is commonly found in water-damaged homes and buildings. It has a cotton-like texture and usually changes colors from white to grey to brown, and eventually to black over time.

Cladosporium is an allergenic mold type that can grow in both warm and cold conditions. It is often found thriving in indoor materials like fabrics, upholsteries, and carpets. It is olive-green or brown colored with a suede-like texture.

Fusarium is capable of growing and spreading at colder temperatures. It is both an allergenic and a toxigenic type of mold that grows in homes with water damage. Typically, fusarium will grow in carpeting, wallpaper and other fabrics and materials, and grows naturally on food products.

Mucor is an allergenic mold that usually grows in thick patches. It is often white or greyish in color and grows quickly near air conditioning, HVAC systems, and ducting due to moisture from condensation.

Penicillin is an allergenic form of mold. It is easily recognizable by its characteristic blue or green colored surface with a velvety texture. Penicillin mold is often found in water-damaged homes and buildings.

Trichoderma is an allergenic mold type that’s generally white in color with green patches. It grows rapidly as wooly-textured clusters and then becomes more compact over time. It’s commonly found in the home on wet surfaces including within wallpaper, carpet and other damp fabrics.

Ulocladium thrives in wetness and water. It is usually black in color and is typically found in homes and buildings that have experienced extreme water damage. It can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, as well as around windows with high condensation levels.