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Think you might have a mold problem? You’re not alone. Philadelphia’s older homes, humid summers, and common basement moisture issues make mold a frequent concern for homeowners across the city. The question is whether that musty smell or suspicious spot is something to worry about or not.
That’s where professional mold inspection comes in. At Jefferson Restoration, we provide comprehensive mold inspection and testing services that go beyond just looking around. We use advanced equipment to detect hidden mold, identify exactly what type you’re dealing with, and most importantly, find the moisture source that’s causing the problem in the first place.
Unlike inspection only companies, we can take action on what we find. If there’s a leak causing your mold, we can fix it. If you need remediation, we handle that too. One company, one call, problem solved.
Not every situation requires a professional mold inspection. If you can see a small patch of mold on your shower caulk, you probably don't need us. But there are several situations where professional mold testing is the smart choice:
You smell something musty but can't find the source: That earthy, damp smell is often the first sign of hidden mold. If you've searched and can't locate where it's coming from, there's likely mold growing somewhere you can't see, behind walls, under flooring, or in your HVAC system.
You've had recent water damage: Even if you cleaned up after a leak, flood, or burst pipe, mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours in areas that weren't completely dried. If it's been more than a few days since water damage and you haven't had professional drying, an inspection is wise.
Had a recent leak or flood? Our water damage restoration services include proper drying to prevent mold.
You or your family have unexplained health symptoms: Persistent allergies, respiratory issues, headaches, or fatigue that improve when you leave the house could indicate mold exposure. This is especially important if you have family members with asthma or compromised immune systems.
You're buying or selling a home: A mold inspection before closing protects both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it reveals hidden problems. For sellers, a clean inspection report can be a valuable selling point in Philadelphia's competitive real estate market.
You see visible mold but don't know how far it has spread: Surface mold often indicates a much larger problem behind walls or under flooring. Professional testing tells you the full extent of what you're dealing with before you start tearing things apart.
You're dealing with an insurance claim or legal dispute: Professional mold testing with lab certified results provides documentation that stands up to scrutiny from insurance adjusters, attorneys, or courts.
You just want peace of mind. If you're worried about mold but not sure if there's actually a problem, testing gives you a definitive answer. Sometimes the best result is finding out everything is fine.
When you schedule a mold inspection with Jefferson Restoration, you're getting a thorough evaluation of your property using professional grade equipment and certified technicians. Here's exactly what we do:
Our inspector walks through your entire property looking for visible signs of mold growth, water damage, and conditions that promote mold development. We check areas most homeowners never think to look: inside cabinets, behind appliances, around windows, in closets, and anywhere moisture might accumulate.
Moisture mapping
Using professional moisture meters, we measure moisture levels throughout your home. Elevated moisture readings reveal problem areas even when there's no visible water damage. We check walls, floors, ceilings, and around plumbing fixtures to create a complete picture of where moisture exists in your home.
Thermal imaging
Our infrared cameras detect temperature differences that indicate hidden moisture behind walls and ceilings. Water holds temperature differently than dry building materials, allowing us to find leaks and moisture problems that are completely invisible to the naked eye.
We collect air samples from inside your home and compare them to outdoor air. These samples are sent to an accredited laboratory that identifies exactly what types and quantities of mold spores are present. The results tell us not just if you have mold, but what kind and how severe the contamination is.
When we find suspicious areas, we can take surface samples using tape lifts or swabs. Lab analysis of these samples identifies the specific mold species growing in your home, which helps determine health risks and the best remediation approach.
Here's what sets us apart from most mold inspection companies: we don't just find the mold, we find the water source feeding it. Our team includes leak detection specialists who can track down hidden plumbing leaks, roof issues, foundation problems, and other moisture intrusion points. This is critical because removing mold without fixing the moisture source means it will come back.
Can't figure out where water is coming from? Our leak detection services in Philadelphia pinpoint hidden leaks without tearing apart your home.
After your inspection, you receive a comprehensive report that includes our findings, lab results, photographs documenting any problems, and clear recommendations for next steps. If remediation is needed, we provide a detailed scope of work. If your home is mold free, you get documentation proving it.
Different situations call for different testing approaches. We'll recommend the right combination based on your specific concerns:
Air sampling: This is the most common type of mold testing. We collect air samples using calibrated air pumps and send them to an accredited laboratory. The lab report tells us exactly what mold species are in your air and in what concentrations. We typically take samples from problem areas and compare them to outdoor air as a baseline.
Surface sampling: When we find visible mold or suspicious areas, we can collect samples directly from surfaces using tape lifts or swabs. Lab analysis identifies the specific mold species, which helps determine health risks and guides remediation decisions.
Bulk sampling: For materials that may be contaminated, like drywall or insulation, we can collect physical samples of the material itself. The lab examines these samples to determine if mold has penetrated into the material.
Post remediation clearance testing: After mold remediation work is complete, clearance testing verifies that mold levels have returned to normal before reconstruction begins. This protects you from incomplete remediation work and provides documentation that your home is safe.
Need mold removed? Learn about our complete mold remediation services in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia's housing stock creates unique mold challenges. During our inspections, we pay special attention to the areas where we most commonly find mold in local homes:
The majority of mold problems we find in Philadelphia start in basements. Our older brick and stone foundations allow moisture to seep through, especially during heavy rains. Poor drainage, sump pump issues, and high humidity make basements ideal breeding grounds for mold. We inspect walls, floors, stored items, and crawl spaces for signs of moisture and mold growth.
Many Philadelphia attics have inadequate ventilation that doesn't meet modern standards. During humid summers, moisture gets trapped and condenses on roof sheathing, creating perfect conditions for mold. We also see mold caused by bathroom exhaust fans improperly vented into the attic rather than outside. Our inspection includes checking ventilation, insulation, and looking for signs of roof leaks.
Constant moisture makes bathrooms prime locations for mold. We check around tubs and showers, under sinks, behind toilets, and inside vanity cabinets. We also assess ventilation because many older Philadelphia bathrooms lack adequate exhaust fans.
Under sink cabinets, behind dishwashers, and around refrigerator water lines are common problem spots. Slow leaks in kitchen plumbing can go unnoticed for months, allowing significant mold growth behind cabinets and inside walls.
Your heating and cooling system can both spread mold spores and develop its own mold problems. Condensation in air conditioning systems, dirty filters, and moisture in ductwork create opportunities for mold growth. When mold grows in your HVAC system, it gets distributed throughout your entire home every time the system runs.
Some of the worst mold problems are completely hidden. Slow pipe leaks, condensation from poor insulation, or water intrusion from outside can create mold growth inside wall cavities that you never see until it has spread significantly. This is where our thermal imaging and moisture meters prove their value.
Older windows in Philadelphia homes often have compromised seals that allow moisture infiltration. Condensation on windows can drip onto wood frames and walls, creating mold growth. We check window frames, sills, and surrounding walls for moisture damage.
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You have choices when it comes to mold inspection in Philadelphia. Here's what makes Jefferson different:
We find the source, not just the mold: Most mold inspection companies will tell you that you have mold, but leave you to figure out why. Our leak detection capabilities mean we identify the moisture problem causing your mold so it can actually be fixed.
One company for everything: Some mold inspection companies only do testing and explicitly don't offer remediation, claiming this makes them more 'independent.' But that also means they walk away after handing you a report. With Jefferson, if you have a problem, we can fix it. If you need leak repair, remediation, and reconstruction, we handle all of it.
IICRC certified technicians: Our inspectors hold IICRC certification, the industry standard for restoration professionals. This means proper training, up to date knowledge, and adherence to professional standards.
Advanced equipment: We use professional grade moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and calibrated air sampling equipment. Our samples go to accredited laboratories for analysis.
We know Philadelphia homes: We're not a national franchise sending whoever's available. We're a local company that understands the unique challenges of Philadelphia's older housing stock, from rowhouse construction to brick basements to flat roofs.
Honest assessments: We'll tell you when you don't need remediation. If that suspicious spot is just dirt or harmless surface mold you can clean yourself, we'll let you know. Our reputation depends on giving you accurate information, not selling you services you don't need.
Insurance claim support: Our inspection reports include the documentation insurance companies require. If your mold problem is covered, we help you navigate the claims process.
Jefferson Restoration provides mold inspection and testing services throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Whether you're in a Center City condo, a South Philly rowhouse, or a Chestnut Hill single family home, we're here to help.
Philadelphia neighborhoods we serve: Center City, South Philadelphia, Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond, Frankford, Manayunk, Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown, West Philadelphia, University City, and all surrounding areas.
Surrounding areas: Upper Darby, Camden, Cheltenham, Bensalem, and throughout Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks counties.
Dealing with mold in your home is not only dangerous to your health, but it can also be stressful if you don’t know how to fix it.
Trust our expert team. We will advise you on everything related to mold inspection and assessment and help you purify your home.
Mold inspection costs depend on the size of your property and the type of testing needed. A basic visual inspection with air sampling for an average sized home typically runs between $300 and $600. Larger properties or those requiring extensive testing may cost more. We provide specific pricing during your initial consultation.
Most residential mold inspections take 1 to 2 hours depending on the size of your home and the scope of the inspection. Lab results for air and surface samples typically come back within 3 to 5 business days.
Mold inspection is the visual and physical evaluation of your property for signs of mold and moisture problems. Mold testing involves collecting samples, either air or surface, and having them analyzed by a laboratory to identify specific mold types and quantities. A thorough evaluation typically includes both.
Visible mold usually doesn't require testing to confirm it's there. However, testing can be valuable to identify the specific type of mold (some are more hazardous than others), determine if the problem has spread beyond what's visible, and provide documentation for insurance claims or real estate transactions.
Home test kits are available, but they have significant limitations. They can't tell you where mold is coming from, how extensive the problem is, or what's causing it. False positives are common because mold spores are everywhere. Professional testing provides accurate, actionable results that home kits simply can't match.
A mold inspection is smart when buying any home in Philadelphia, especially older properties. Hidden mold can mean expensive repairs after you move in. A pre purchase mold inspection protects you from inheriting someone else's mold problem and gives you negotiating leverage if issues are found.
If we find mold, we explain exactly what we found, where it is, and what's causing it. We provide options for remediation, including a detailed scope of work and cost estimate. There's no obligation, but we can handle the entire remediation and reconstruction process if you choose to move forward with us.
We offer free visual inspections and estimates for properties with known or suspected mold problems. For comprehensive inspections with laboratory testing, there is a fee because of the equipment, time, and lab costs involved. Be cautious of companies offering completely free inspections and testing, as they may be more interested in selling you remediation services than providing accurate assessments.
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