Expert Mold Inspections ME for Your Safety

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Over the years, I’ve compiled answers to common mold questions. If you have a question not covered here, feel free to reach out to me at JRGrappone@gmail.com .

I think I may have a mold problem. What should I do first?

This question is often asked because the answer is seldom clear. The best first step is to schedule an inspection with a certified IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional). Grappone Environmental is a certified IEP, qualified to locate and document all sources of mold—whether hidden or visible. Using a combination of specialized technology and professional experience, we evaluate the home for signs of past or present water intrusion and areas of elevated moisture within building materials.

Following the inspection, a comprehensive report is prepared. This report outlines all identified sources of mold, provides test results confirming the presence of microbial growth, and details the recommended steps for remediation. Remediation should be performed by an IICRC-certified company in accordance with industry standards.

Our reports enable you to obtain bids from multiple remediation contractors with clarity and confidence, eliminating guesswork and avoiding conflicts of interest. Our responsibility is strictly to identify sources of microbial growth and to outline the steps necessary to address them directly. We work solely on behalf of the client, helping you understand the scope of the issues present and the measures required to resolve them. This process ensures you are able to make informed decisions for both your home and your family’s health.

Why not just have a Remediator come and look around for free and give me a qoute?

Because remediation contractors are also the ones performing the repair work, they may have a natural interest in expanding the scope of a project. By contrast, Grappone Environmental works solely as a certified IEP and does not perform remediation. Our role is completely independent and focused only on identifying sources of microbial growth and documenting the necessary corrective steps.

This independence ensures there is no conflict of interest. Our inspections and reports provide you with an unbiased evaluation of the actual conditions in your home, giving you the clarity you need to seek competitive bids from remediation companies. This way, the scope of work is based on objective findings—not on guesswork or the incentive to enlarge a project.

What is a "PRV" and why is it important?

“PRV” stands for Post-Remediation Verification. A PRV is performed shortly after remediation work is completed but before containment is removed, encapsulant is applied, and final payment is released to the remediation company. The homeowner hires back an IEP—often the same one who performed the original inspection—to evaluate the quality of the remediation work.

This inspection includes a detailed visual assessment as well as testing (such as air and surface samples) to ensure that no traces of microbial contamination—such as mold spores or fragments—remain. The IEP does not work for the remediation company and represents only the interests of the homeowner, ensuring that the job was completed properly and in accordance with industry standards.

Even professional remediators acknowledge that details can sometimes be overlooked. Having an independent IEP conduct a PRV provides an extra layer of protection for the client, confirming that the home is safe for re-occupancy and that their family’s health and investment are protected.

“Is mold really that bad? Since mold is everywhere, why is it so important?”

Mold is a natural part of the environment, and small amounts are present almost everywhere. However, when mold grows indoors on building materials, it becomes concentrated and can cause significant problems. Indoor mold growth indicates that excess moisture is present, which can damage building materials, reduce property value, and create conditions that may affect health.

While outdoor exposure is normal, prolonged exposure to elevated indoor mold levels can contribute to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and other health concerns—particularly for children, the elderly, or individuals with asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems. Over time, chronic exposure to high concentrations of mold spores and fragments has also been associated with more complex conditions such as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), which can have long-term impacts on health and quality of life.

Addressing mold is therefore not just about removing visible growth—it’s about correcting the underlying moisture source, protecting the structure of the home, and ensuring a safe and healthy indoor environment for you and your loved ones.

Mold has been around forever, so why is it now suddenly a problem?

Mold has always been recognized as a concern. In fact, even the Bible references mold and provides instructions on how to identify and remedy it, showing that people have long understood the risks of living with microbial contamination.

What has changed is the way our homes are built. Older homes tended to “breathe” more, allowing moisture to escape naturally. Modern homes, on the other hand, are built to be more energy-efficient and airtight. While this improves heating and cooling performance, it also means that when moisture or water intrusion occurs, it becomes trapped inside—creating the perfect environment for mold to grow.

Additionally, modern building materials are often more susceptible to mold. Lumber from new-growth trees tends to have wider growth rings, which makes it softer and more prone to decay than old-growth wood. Materials like drywall also provide mold with an easy-to-digest food source when moisture is present. In the past, even paints added protection—lead-based paints, while toxic, were highly effective at resisting mold growth. With their removal for health reasons, modern paints no longer provide that same resistance.

All of these changes in construction practices and materials make today’s homes far more vulnerable to mold growth than those of the past—so while mold has always existed, the conditions that allow it to thrive indoors are much more common in modern buildings.

About Grappone Environmental

Who We Are

The Process

Grappone Environmental is an indoor environmental specialist company dedicated to identifying both visible and hidden mold within homes and businesses. We provide clients with comprehensive reports detailing our findings, test results, and recommended remedial actions—intended to be carried out by a professional remediation company—to ef

We remain involved every step of the way to ensure that all remediation work is completed properly and in full compliance with ANSI/IICRC S520 standards for professional mold remediation. Our goal is to make sure your home or business is safe—for you and your family.

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The Process

Our Mold Inspection Process

At Grappone Environmental, we follow a thorough, step-by-step approach to ensure no source of mold goes undetected. Here’s what you can expect during a typical inspection:

Initial Consultation
We gather background information about the home, any known issues, and health concerns to aid in the inspection process.

Our Mold Inspection Process

At Grappone Environmental, we follow a thorough, step-by-step approach to ensure no source of mold goes undetected. Here’s what you can expect during a typical inspection:

Initial Consultation
We gather background information about the home, any known issues, and health concerns to aid in the inspection process.
Visual Inspection
A detailed walk-through of the property, identifying signs of water damage, staining, or visible mold growth.
Odor Detection
We use olfactory cues to help locate hidden mold, especially in areas where visual clues are limited.
Moisture & Thermal Scanning
Using moisture meters, hygrometers, and thermal imaging cameras, we detect areas with high humidity or hidden moisture behind walls, ceilings, and floors.
Invasive Tools (As Needed)
When appropriate, we use endoscopes to inspect inside walls and cavities with minimal disruption.
Air & Surface Sampling
We perform targeted sampling, including:
- Air sampling
- Wall cavity sampling
- Aggravated (disturbed air) sampling
- Surface testing

DNA-Based Mold Analysis
Samples may be sent to Envirobiomics for ERMI or HERTSMI-2 testing to provide a detailed profile of the mold present.
On-Site Review
At the end of the inspection, we go over preliminary findings and help determine the most strategic locations for the 2 included (or additional) samples.
Detailed Report
Within two weeks, you’ll receive a comprehensive report outlining:
- Room-by-room observations
- Test results
- Photos (if applicable)
- Clear, actionable recommendations for remediation

Post-Inspection Support
We stay involved to answer questions and help ensure any remediation is performed in compliance with ANSI/IICRC S520 standards—so your home is safe for you and your family.

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Experience

The Process

Experience

Jason has been working in the indoor environmental industry since 2019, with hands-on experience in both mold remediation and inspection. He has had the privilege of working alongside some of the most respected mold inspectors in the field—experts who specialize in assisting families affected by mold-related health issues.
Through this work, Jason has developed a keen eye for identifying the often-subtle signs of water damage that can indicate hidden mold growth. His ability to detect these early indicators allows him to thoroughly assess properties and help prevent long-term issues from going unnoticed.
With a strong foundation in both the science and real-world application of mold detection, his goal is to provide detailed, accurate inspections—and to support families in creating safer, healthier indoor environments.

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Expert Mold Inspection and Testing Across New England

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Our Mission

About Grappone Environmental

Who We Are

The Process

The Process

The Process

The Process

The Process

Experience

The Process

Experience

Contact Us

Grappone Environmental

Hours

Request a Quote Today

Expert Mold Inspection and Testing Across New England

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Our Mission

About Grappone Environmental

Who We Are

The Process

The Process

The Process

The Process

The Process

Experience

The Process

Experience

Contact Us

Grappone Environmental

Hours

Request a Quote Today

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