If you suspect mold has gotten into your home, testing it might be the next thing you do. You can find out for sure and then take the proper remediation strategies if the results come back positive. Mold testing will go according to plan if you remember a few things.

Use a Screwdriver to Test Affected Surfaces For Rot

The effects that mold can have in a household can vary. Sometimes, the mold remains on the surface as mildew. Other times, it can progress and cause rot. To find out if the latter problem is present, get a screwdriver and touch the moldy surface with an end.

If the surface breaks down with slight force, rot has occurred and you may need to replace the surrounding area entirely. Whereas if the structure still seems strong, the mold may be mild and you might be able to just clean and disinfect the area. 

Use Multiple Testing Kits

If you believe mold is in your home, you should get a testing kit to see for sure. Just make sure you get multiple test kits so that you can verify your results are accurate. You shouldn't have to worry about false positives or negatives.

Using these kits isn't that difficult, fortunately. You'll typically collect a sample that you believe is mold and then put it in a solution that came with the test kit. If the sample turns a specific color, the sample may be positive for mold. You can perform these steps with multiple kits and then find out for sure if mold is in your home.

Send Samples to a Lab if Mold Results Are Positive

If the home test kits you used come back positive for mold, now you should send the samples to a lab that can test them further.

It's an important step that can help you find out what type of mold is in your home, which will determine what your remediation strategies should be. You can work with a lab that offers rapid testing services too, saving you a long wait to hear back. 

Mold is something a lot of homeowners eventually deal with in their properties. If you believe mold is negatively affecting your household, be sure to carry out mold testing. As long as you perform it according to the correct procedures, you can get accurate results and then know what steps to take further.

Contact a company like Pure Breathing Solutions to learn more.