The apartment you live in had a leak in the kitchen ceiling that your landlord had repaired, but you know that leaks and cause mold, and you are now concerned that there may be mold in your apartment due to this leak. Even though the leak was fixed, there is still the possibility that there is mold growing in that area if some never got cleaned out. Many are unaware that before repairing a leak, they should check for mold and ensure that it is remediated before completing the repair, as the mold will keep growing with the right amount of moisture.
How to test for mold
Fortunately, you can do a mold test yourself. You can buy yourself a mold test kit from a local hardware store or online, and then when you have finished collecting the samples, you can turn them over to the mold testing lab that makes the kit. The lab will charge you a separate fee for the results. When taking your samples, you will need to follow their instructions carefully to get the most accurate results. You may also cut a 3 square inch piece of the material with visible mold, take a cotton swab sample, or use a piece of clear adhesive tape that you will press against the surface with visible mold, and slowly remove the tape to get a model.
The mold testing lab will examine the pieces you send them under Phase Contrast Microscopy and send you the results that will show mold spore count, type, and a glossary of fungi. Depending on the mold testing kit you buy or which lab you use, they should also interpret the results.
Mold testing cost
When you perform the work yourself, you can save several hundred dollars in the process. The mold testing cost is around $50 per sample. But if you were to hire a professional to do the job, they will charge about $200 for their service, plus the cost per sample. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. The professional will perform a thorough inspection and provide valuable advice.
Mold testing lab
5 Microns Inc offers mold inspection and testing. We can come to you, or you can send us your mold samples for testing. We offer a standard 2-day turnaround time, as well as 24-hour and same-day service. Please don’t hesitate to call us for details at 425-440-8787 or send us an email at clientservices@5microns.tech.
Where to send mold samples for testing
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
IMPORTANT-MUST READ FIRST: All mail-in samples must have a tracking number and include our general chain of custody form to be processed. If the chain of custody form is missing, your sample(s) will not be accepted and processed. Drop-offs MUST have the COC form inside your package but not in the sample bag. DO NOT MAIL YOUR SAMPLES BY FIRST CLASS MAIL. Send your sample(s) via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, and FedEx. It is essential to closely follow these directions so our asbestos testing lab can promptly process your sample(s).
*PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL DROP-OFFS: All samples must be dropped off at the back of the office building located at 7100 Fort Dent Way Tukwila WA outside the Tabor 100 Office and placed inside the black drop-box pictured below. Do not take your samples to the front desk. The front desk will not accept drop-offs over the counter, NO EXCEPTIONS!
