Mold comes in many varieties—some are harmless, while others can trigger health concerns. Stachybotrys chartarum, often referred to as "black mold," produces mycotoxins that can be harmful to humans, especially those with compromised immune systems or respiratory issues. The only way to know for sure is to submit samples to a certified lab through professional testing. At Rock Solid Inspections, we use certified labs for precise identification and documentation.

Mold spores are everywhere—indoors and out. They enter your home through windows, doors, pets, HVAC systems, or even your clothing. However, mold needs three key things to grow: moisture, a food source (like drywall, wood, or carpet), and time. A hidden leak or poor ventilation is often the trigger.

Common causes: roof leaks, plumbing failures, HVAC condensation, foundation seepage, or flood damage.

Signs of mold may include:

• Visible discoloration on walls or ceilings (black, green, white, or even orange).

• Musty or earthy odors.

• Water stains or warped drywall.

• Increased allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or eye irritation.

Professional mold inspectors use moisture meters, thermal cameras, and air sampling to identify mold in hidden areas like inside walls or HVAC ducts.

Mold prevention is moisture control. Here’s how:

• Fix leaks immediately—plumbing, roofing, HVAC, or foundation.

• Use ventilation in high-humidity areas (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms).

• Run a dehumidifier in humid climates or rooms below grade (like basements).

• Maintain indoor humidity below 60%.

Pro Tip: Mold-resistant paints and drywall can help, but they are not a substitute for proper moisture control.

There are two main types of mold testing:

• Air sampling: Measures airborne spores to assess indoor air quality.

• Surface sampling: Tape lift or swab used on visible mold growth.

Each sample is sent to a certified lab, and results are typically available within 48 hours.

Mold cleanup depends on the material and the size of the contamination:

• Hard, non-porous surfaces (metal, tile) can be cleaned with antimicrobial cleaners.

• Porous materials (carpet, drywall, insulation) typically need to be removed.

• For areas over 25 square feet, Louisiana law requires mold remediation by a licensed contractor.

We provide guidance on next steps if remediation is required, and we can return for post-remediation testing.

Mold will come back if the moisture problem isn’t solved. After cleanup:

• Monitor humidity.

• Install or upgrade ventilation fans.

• Maintain gutters and grading around the home.

• Perform routine HVAC maintenance.

Consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier or smart humidity sensors.

Exposure varies by person and mold type. Symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion, throat irritation, coughing.

• Eye irritation or skin rashes.

• Asthma flare-ups or allergic reactions.

• Fatigue, headaches, or cognitive issues (in rare cases with mycotoxins).

Young children, elderly individuals, and those with chronic illness or mold allergies are most at risk.

Not reliably. While mold can appear as dark stains or fuzzy patches, color isn’t a good indicator of type or danger. A harmless-looking spot could produce harmful spores—or vice versa. Professional testing provides certainty for documentation.

DIY kits are available, but they often give incomplete or misleading results.

In Louisiana, to avoid conflicts of interest, the company that conducts the mold assessment cannot perform the remediation on the same project.

A mold inspection is a visual check for signs of mold or moisture issues. A mold assessment (required by Louisiana law for remediation) includes a mold evaluation and written protocol for cleanup. Mold testing collects air or surface samples to identify mold types and spore levels through lab analysis.