How is mold checked from outside the building?

Mold problems are common in many buildings, and detecting them in time is important for health and the condition of the building. Checking for mold from the outside of a building can be challenging, but it is possible with certain methods and inspections. This article discusses how to check for mold from outside the building.

1. Visual inspection

The first step in checking for mold is a visual inspection. This means carefully inspecting the exterior of the building for possible mold growth. Pay special attention to the following points:

  • Walls and facades: Check the surfaces of walls and facades. Mold can appear as dark or greenish spots, especially in shady and damp areas.
  • Windows and doors: Examine window and door jambs and the seals around them. Mold can grow at these points if the seals are damaged or incomplete.
  • Roof structures: Check roof edges, eaves and gutters. Moisture can accumulate in these places and cause mold growth.

2. Humidity measurements

Moisture is one of the most important factors for mold growth. Moisture meters can be used to measure the moisture content of structures outside the building. Humidity measurements can be made, for example, at the following points:

  • Wall structures: Measure the moisture content of the lower parts of the walls, especially near the plinth.
  • Roof structures: Measure the moisture content at the edges of the roof and gutters.
  • Foundations: Measure the moisture content near the foundations, especially if the building is located on moist soil.

3. Air sampling

Taking air samples from outside the building can help detect mold spores in the air. This can be done with special sampling devices that collect air samples for analysis in the laboratory. Taking air samples is especially useful if mold is suspected of spreading from the outside air to the inside.

4. Professional help

If checking for mold yourself seems challenging or uncertain, you should turn to a professional. Companies specializing in mold inspection can perform a comprehensive inspection and give an expert opinion on the condition of the building. They have special equipment and methods at their disposal, with which mold detection is more accurate and reliable.

5. Sources

You can find more information about checking and preventing mold from the following sources:

Checking for mold outside the building requires care and the right methods. Visual inspection, humidity measurements, taking air samples and, if necessary, the help of a professional are key means of detecting and preventing mold.