Mold in Your Building? How MTC Investigates the Cause

mold under the microscopeMold is one of those things people feel like they understand until it shows up. It is often treated as something that can be cleaned and moved on from, but it is usually a sign of something deeper happening within a building. 

At MTC, mold testing goes beyond identifying what is visible. It is about understanding what is causing it. 

Looking Beyond What You Can See 

When MTC is called in for a mold concern, the investigation follows a structured, multi-step approach based on industry-recommended practices. Most evaluations take about two hours to complete, with reporting provided within 48–72 hours. 

The focus is on evaluating the overall conditions of the space, especially moisture levels and air quality, which play a key role in mold growth. In many cases, mold growth is tied to something small that has gone unnoticed, like elevated humidity in a specific area, limited air movement, or a past water issue that was never fully resolved. 

To get a complete picture, MTC uses a combination of testing methods, including moisture testing of materials, monitoring indoor humidity, collecting surface samples of visible growth, and performing air sampling to evaluate airborne mold levels. These methods help identify not just whether mold is present, but how it is behaving within the environment. 

Understanding the Results 

Mold is naturally present in the environment. It exists in the air we breathe every day, both indoors and outdoors. What matters is how it shows up inside a building and how it compares to normal outdoor levels. 

When reviewing results, the goal is to identify mold growth that is influenced by indoor conditions. This helps distinguish between normal background levels and conditions that may need to be addressed. 

All mold investigations at MTC are reviewed by a Council Certified Microbial Consultant and a Council Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant, helping ensure results are clearly understood and actionable. 

Why Mold Keeps Coming Back 

One of the most common misconceptions about mold is that it can simply be cleaned and resolved. Cleaning alone does not address the cause. 

If mold is present indoors, there is a condition that allows it to develop in the first place. Without addressing that condition—whether it is excess humidity, lack of air movement, or damaged materials—the mold is likely to return. 

Once mold is identified, MTC works with the property owner to review the findings and explain what is contributing to the issue. If remediation is needed, we can connect property owners with responsible firms to properly address the problem. 

If you are dealing with mold concerns or want a better understanding of your building conditions, our team can help. To learn more about MTC’s Industrial Hygiene services, reach out at info@mtc-test.com or 800.968.8378.

Picture of Tori Priebe

Tori Priebe

Tori is a Marketing Coordinator who has worked with MTC & MATECO for over 5 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from Davenport University.