Molds are a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. Mold growth can affect indoor air quality and may contribute to health concerns.

Mold grows when moisture, oxygen, and a food source are present. Common causes include water leaks, flooding, high humidity, condensation, poor ventilation, and water-damaged building materials. Addressing the source of moisture is essential to preventing mold from returning.

Mold growth can negatively affect indoor air quality and may contribute to health concerns, particularly for individuals with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to mold. Mold can also cause unpleasant odors and damage building materials if left unaddressed.

Visible mold growth, musty odors, water damage, or signs of excess moisture may indicate a mold problem. However, mold can also grow in hidden areas such as behind walls, under flooring, or above ceilings. Professional inspection and testing can help identify potential mold growth and determine whether further investigation is needed.

The cost of mold testing varies depending on the size and location of the property, number of samples needed, and type of testing performed. Every property is different, so Hernick Environmental provides customized pricing based on the specific testing needs of each client. Contact us today for a free quote.

A mold inspection includes a visual inspection of areas of concern by a Hernick Environmental professional. We collect air and/or surface samples and send them to an independent laboratory for testing. After the inspection and testing are complete, Hernick Environmental provides a report with our findings and recommendations.

Mold air testing measures the species and amounts of mold spores in the air. The results can help determine if mold spore levels inside the home are elevated compared to the outdoor air and can help identify potential indoor mold concerns.

An outdoor air sample provides a baseline for comparison with the air inside your home. Since mold spores naturally occur outdoors, comparing indoor and outdoor results can help determine whether mold spore levels inside the home are elevated.

A high level of Penicillium/Aspergillus spores indoors compared to outdoors may indicate a possible indoor source of mold or moisture.

Water damage occurs when a building material has been exposed to water or excessive moisture. Mold can develop when those materials remain damp for too long. Water damage does not always mean mold is present, but moisture can create the conditions needed for mold to grow.

After flooding, remove standing water as quickly as possible and begin drying the affected areas. Remove wet or damaged materials that cannot be properly dried, and address the source of the water. If the area cannot be completely dried or you are concerned about mold growth, consider having the property professionally inspected.

If you find mold, first identify and address the source of moisture that may be causing it. Avoid disturbing large areas of mold growth, as this can spread mold spores. For larger areas or when the source is unknown, consider having the area professionally inspected to determine the extent of the problem and the appropriate steps for cleanup.

• It is generally best to have your mold inspection and mold remediation performed by separate companies. When the same company inspects your home and then performs the remediation, there can be a conflict of interest because the company is both identifying the problem and being paid to fix it.
• An independent mold inspector can provide an objective assessment of the property, document the findings, and explain what needs to be addressed. The inspection company can also provide a detailed scope of work that you can give to a qualified remediation contractor.
• At Hernick Environmental, we do not perform mold remediation. We believe keeping the inspection and remediation services separate helps protect the homeowner and keeps our findings and recommendations independent and objective.

Indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air inside a home or building. Poor indoor air quality can be caused by mold, dust, chemicals, gases, particles, and other pollutants.

Many things can affect indoor air quality, including mold, moisture, dust, chemicals, cleaning products, building materials, poor ventilation, smoke, and outdoor pollutants entering the building.

VOC testing measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. VOCs are chemicals that can be released from products and materials such as paints, flooring, furniture, cleaning products, and other household items.

Particulate testing measures small particles in the air, such as dust, smoke, and other airborne particles. These particles can come from both inside and outside the home and can affect indoor air quality.

Spore trap testing collects airborne particles, including mold spores, on a testing device. The sample is sent to a laboratory to determine the types and levels of mold spores present in the air.

Indoor air quality testing can provide useful information about what is present in the air inside your home or building. Testing can help identify potential air quality concerns and determine whether further investigation or corrective action may be needed.

• Michigan does not currently require mold inspectors to have a specific state license or certification. Because of this, it is important to ask about an inspector’s training, experience, and qualifications.
• At Hernick Environmental, our professionals have completed mold inspection and sampling certification courses and are members of the National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP). We use industry-accepted inspection and sampling practices, and samples are sent to an independent laboratory for analysis.
• Choosing an independent inspection company that does not perform the remediation can also help ensure that the inspection and recommendations remain objective.

• It is generally best to have your mold inspection and mold remediation performed by separate companies. When the same company inspects your home and then performs the remediation, there can be a conflict of interest because the company is both identifying the problem and being paid to fix it.
• An independent mold inspector can provide an objective assessment of the property, document the findings, and explain what needs to be addressed. The inspection company can also provide a detailed scope of work that you can give to a qualified remediation contractor.
• At Hernick Environmental, we do not perform mold remediation. We believe keeping the inspection and remediation services separate helps protect the homeowner and keeps our findings and recommendations independent and objective.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials because it is strong, heat-resistant, and durable. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne.

Asbestos may be found in many older building materials, including insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, siding, pipe insulation, drywall materials, and other products. The only way to know for certain if a material contains asbestos is to have it properly sampled and analyzed by a laboratory.

Yes. Homes and buildings constructed or renovated before asbestos use was significantly reduced may contain asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos cannot always be identified by simply looking at a material, so professional inspection and testing may be recommended before renovation or demolition.

The main concern with asbestos is exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Breathing asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, which is why asbestos-containing materials should be properly identified and handled.

An asbestos inspection should be considered before disturbing older building materials during renovations, remodeling, repairs, or demolition. Testing can help identify materials that may contain asbestos before work begins.

A pre-demolition asbestos survey is an inspection performed before a building is demolished. The purpose is to identify and test materials that may contain asbestos so they can be properly addressed before demolition begins.

A pre-renovation asbestos survey is performed before renovation or remodeling work begins. It focuses on materials that may be disturbed during the planned work and determines whether they contain asbestos.

Do not disturb or remove the material yourself. If asbestos is identified, a qualified asbestos professional should determine the appropriate steps for handling, removal, or containment.

Address the source of the water as quickly as possible and begin drying the affected areas. Wet materials should be dried promptly to help prevent mold growth. If significant water damage has occurred, a professional inspection can help determine the extent of the damage and whether moisture remains.

Mold can begin growing on wet materials within as little as 24 to 48 hours under the right conditions. The sooner affected areas are properly dried, the better the chance of preventing mold growth.

Moisture testing helps determine how much moisture is present in building materials and can help identify areas that may still be wet after water damage. Finding hidden moisture is important because it can lead to mold growth and continued damage.

Moisture mapping is the process of measuring and documenting moisture levels throughout an affected area. It helps identify where moisture is present and can help determine the extent of water damage.

A professional can use moisture meters and other inspection methods to locate areas with elevated moisture. These tools can help identify moisture behind walls, under flooring, around plumbing, and in other areas that may not be visibly damaged.

A water-damaged area should be inspected as soon as possible, especially if materials have remained wet or there is concern about hidden moisture or mold. Early inspection can help identify problems before they become more extensive.