(361) 878-5665
Mold Assessment & Testing Services
Serving the Corpus Christi Metro, Rio Grande Valley, and Greater Houston Areas.
By Licenced Professionals
Our team is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation as Mold Assessment Consultants. We also have strong backgrounds in Construction Sciences that assist our inspections in determining root cause.
In order to perform “mold assessment” in the State of Texas as inspector, a person must be licensed to do so. Only Mold Assessment Technicians or Consultants are able to collect air or visible spore samples to determine the presence of mold. Any samples collected during an inspection must be sent to a licensed lab for analysis.
A licensed individual is required to carry a current TDLR license certificate with the license number. A search tool and listings of currently licensed companies and individuals can be found at the following URL:
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about mold can be found here. If you can't find the information that you are looking for, please reach out. We'd be able to talk to you over the phone.
Call (361) 878-5665 to schedule a consultation.
Our Process
Initial Assessment
During the discovery period, an Initial inspection is performed to determine the extent of elevated mold levels present and if action is needed, as required by the State of Texas. All buildings will have some background air borne molds present. Castle Home Inspections will use a combination of indoor and outdoor air samples, swab samples, tape samples, and other techniques to assess the property for mold. A written report of the initial assessment will be generated with a lab analysis of any samples collected during the inspection.
Mold Remediation
If remediation is recommended, a Mold Remediation Protocol, as well as a Mold Remediation Plan, will be provided to the property owner that describes the type of remediation procedures to be used during the removal of mold along with the post remediation clearance criteria. Note that the person assessing the property and writing the protocol is not legally allowed to remediate the property due to a conflict of interest. You will then need choose a licensed mold contractor, also called a Mold Remediation Contractor (MRC), of your choosing to remove the mold from the property.
Find a licensed MRC here: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/
Clearance
To clear the property, a final inspection will be performed. During the inspection additional samples and lab analysis will be used. Then a written report with any findings and conclusions will be provided to the property owner. If results are satisfactory and meet the clearance criteria, a Texas Department of Insurance Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation will be issued and signed by the Mold Remediation Contractor and Castle Home Inspections as the Mold Assessment Consultant. If the results are not satisfactory, additional remediation followed by inspection(s) will be required.
Mold Inspection Techniques
Visual Inspection
A comprehensive visual inspection is the first step of our mold inspection process. All inspectors are a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations (TDLR).
Moisture Measurements
Moisture meters are one of the main tools used by licensed mold inspectors to determine if conditions are favorable for mold growth. Moisture meters will provide information about potential water intrusion into the living space of the building.
Air Sampling
Not all mold can be seen. Air samples are important, as they provide us with clues about your building and help us solve potential issues with the property. All air samples are sent to a accredited mold laboratory for analysis.
Surface Sampling
Surface samples are collected by swab or tape lift in order to understand the presence and type of mold. All surface samples are sent to a accredited mold laboratory for analysis.
Bulk Samples
Bulk samples of materials may also be collected to help identify the presence and types of mold. All bulk samples are sent to a accredited mold laboratory for analysis.
Air Quality Data
In some cases, indoor mold growth may not be obvious. We use Indoor Air Quality instruments to aide in our inspection to provide clues about potential mold areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mold a concern?
Indoor exposure to mold has become increasingly a concern as the public becomes aware that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. All buildings will have some background air borne molds present.
Where can mold grow?
Mold spores are found almost everywhere on the planet and mold will grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as, moisture, oxygen, and certain temperature ranges are present. Mold can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods and even insulation.
Why is mold in my home?
When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores from an indoor environment.
What can I do?
Mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture and indoor humidity. Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Water leaks or other moisture related issues once identified should be taken care of immediately. If favorable conditions for mold growth continue to be present, the prolonged time of the conditions will worsen the situation.
My house is really humid, is it an issue?
The level of humidity in your home increases every time you cook, bathe, shower, clean, or even breathe. Humidity is the concentration of water vapor present in the air. When there is high indoor humidity, there is too much moisture in the air. Excess moisture not only causes discomfort but can quickly lead to property damage and health hazards. The goal for relative humidity for indoor environments is from 30 to 60%.
In hot coastal areas, like Southern Texas surrounding the Gulf, it may be extremely difficult to meet the indoor humidity goal of 30 to 60%. In most cases, the only way to achieve this goal is with dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from the air.
Properly reducing and maintaining humidity levels in your home is key to protecting the longevity of your property, valuables, and health.
What is the CMIS?
State rules require any licensed mold assessors and remediators to give a copy of this Consumer Mold Information Sheet (CMIS) to each client and to the property owner, if not the same person, before starting any mold‐related activity [16 TAC 78.70]. The CMIS is published by the State of Texas to describe the Texas Mold Regulations. The CMIS contains information on how to find a licensed Mold Assessment Consultants (MACs) and Mold Remediation Contractors (MRCs). The CMIS also provides information on when Texas regulations apply to mold found in a building, as well as, information on the Texas Department of Insurance Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation for property owners.
The Consumer Mold Information Sheet can be found at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mld/pdf/cmis.pdf.
Does the EPA have guidelines on mold?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets recommended guidelines to keep moisture levels at a minimum inside a building envelope. To learn more about mold from the EPA, visit https://www.epa.gov/mold.
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Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.
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Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix source(s) of moisture intrusion as soon as possible.
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Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
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Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, flowing properly and unobstructed.
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Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
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Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally 30-60%, if possible.
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Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
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Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
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Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.