On our February 8th House Talk Radio show (WHAM 1180, Sundays noon to 1pm), I mentioned something that caught my co-hosts by surprise: our environmental testing business has gone crazy this winter. Not home inspections for purchases—those are steady. I’m talking about mold testing, asbestos surveys, lead testing, and radon measurements for people already living in their homes.
Jeff Schofield asked what was driving it, and my answer was simple: “People are locked in their houses and looking at it and now they want to know.”
Let me expand on what we’re seeing and why this winter has been different from any other in my 20 years in the home inspection business. Specifically, we’ll cover the following questions:
- Why are Rochester homeowners requesting more environmental testing in winter?
- What does environmental testing cover for older homes?
- Why do older Rochester homes need environmental testing?
- When should you schedule environmental testing for a home?
- What are the legal requirements for landlords regarding environmental testing?
- How does the environmental testing process work?
Why are Rochester homeowners requesting more environmental testing in winter?
Homeowners request more environmental testing during harsh winters because they spend significantly more time indoors. This increased time at home leads them to notice sudden problems like musty basement smells from hidden mold, condensation on windows, or peeling paint, prompting them to seek professional testing for health and safety.
This isn’t the first winter I’ve seen homeowners suddenly notice issues they’ve been living with for months or years. But this February has been particularly brutal weather-wise.
What does environmental testing cover for older homes?
Environmental testing specifically identifies hidden health hazards that a standard home inspection is not equipped to measure. Comprehensive testing covers indoor air sampling for mold spores, material surveys for hidden asbestos in older building materials, surface testing for lead paint, and long-term air monitoring for radioactive radon gas.
What does mold testing cover?
Mold testing involves collecting both indoor air samples and direct surface swabs to identify the exact mold species and concentration levels. This testing is crucial for Rochester homes because seasonal freeze-thaw cycles create perfect conditions for mold growth in basements, attics, and poorly ventilated crawl spaces.
What does an asbestos survey cover?
An asbestos survey involves laboratory testing of suspect building materials safely removed from older homes. Inspectors routinely test 1950s-1970s thermal pipe insulation, old 9×9 floor tiles, pipe wrapping, and popcorn ceilings to confirm the presence of asbestos before contractors disturb the area.
What does a lead test cover?
Lead testing involves analyzing deteriorating paint, interior window dust, and exterior soil around the foundation for toxic lead levels. It is an essential safety test for homes built prior to 1978, particularly to prevent accidental lead poisoning in young children who might ingest invisible lead dust.
What does a radon test cover?
Radon testing utilizes advanced digital monitors left in the lowest livable space of a home for a minimum of 48 hours to measure average concentrations of radon gas. Rochester sits in an area with moderate to high radon potential, making this test critical for preventing lung cancer.
Why do older Rochester homes need environmental testing?
Older Rochester homes require environmental testing because they were built using materials that are now recognized as hazardous. Homes that haven’t been inspected in decades often contain aging asbestos insulation, deteriorating pre-1978 lead paint, unmaintained HVAC systems, and hidden moisture issues caused by years of DIY repair projects.
When you buy one of these homes, you ideally get a home inspection. But if you’ve lived there for 20 years? You might have never had a professional look at environmental hazards.
When should you schedule environmental testing for a home?
You should schedule targeted environmental testing before beginning any demolition or renovation projects, immediately after experiencing sudden indoor water damage or flooding, or when occupants start suffering from unexplained respiratory symptoms or allergies that improve only when they leave the house.
What are the legal requirements for landlords regarding environmental testing?
Landlords have legal obligations to provide safe, habitable living conditions for their tenants. Federal law explicitly requires landlords to disclose any known lead-based paint hazards in properties built before 1978. Conducting proactive environmental testing drastically reduces landlord liability and protects tenants from hidden dangers.
If you’re renting a place, they’re going to sell it regardless if you cooperate or not. If you’re a landlord selling a property, having environmental testing done before listing can prevent delays during the inspection period.
How does the environmental testing process work?
The professional environmental testing process follows a strict protocol to ensure accurate, legally sound results. The process includes the following steps:
- Initial Consultation: The inspector discusses your specific concerns, your timeline (such as a pending renovation or sale), and determines exactly what targeted testing makes the most sense.
- Site Visit: The inspector arrives at your home to collect the necessary physical samples, including indoor air canisters, surface swabs, or material samples for asbestos.
- Lab Analysis: The collected samples are transported to a certified, independent laboratory for professional analysis. Processing typically takes between 3 to 7 business days.
- Report and Recommendations: You are provided with a highly detailed, written report explaining exactly what hazards were found and the professional recommendations for safe mitigation.
Common Environmental Questions from Rochester Homeowners
Do I need to test for asbestos if I’m just painting?
How do I know if I have mold in my home?
Is lead paint dangerous if I don’t disturb it?
How long does an indoor radon test take?
More from House Talk
Every week on House Talk Radio, Jeff Schofield, attorney John Marchioni, and I tackle the real questions Rochester homeowners are asking. We recently discussed title insurance and zombie mortgages (John’s expertise), market timing strategies (Jeff’s specialty), and now environmental testing (my world).
Tune in Sundays from noon to 1pm on WHAM 1180 or the iHeartRadio app. Call in at 222-1180 or 1-800-295-1180.
Get Your Home Tested
If this winter has you looking around your home and wondering about potential environmental hazards, let’s talk. All County Home Inspections has been serving Rochester for over 20 years with certified testing for mold, asbestos, lead, radon, and more.
We serve all of Monroe County and surrounding areas. Whether you’re planning a renovation, buying a home, or just want peace of mind, we’ll help you understand exactly what’s in your home and what, if anything, needs attention.
Contact All County Home Inspections
Mike Reed, Owner
585-773-4000
achiwny.com
Professional home inspections and environmental testing throughout Rochester, Brighton, Pittsford, Penfield, Webster, Fairport, and all of Monroe County.
Mike Reed is owner of All County Home Inspections and co-host of House Talk on News Radio WHAM 1180. With over 20 years of experience, Mike and his team provide comprehensive home inspections and environmental testing services throughout the Rochester area.
