How To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Commercial Building

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is prone to growing in a moisture environment.

Black mold is a very hardy, tiny life form that can be extremely difficult to find and eliminate once it starts growing. You could find it hiding in the tiniest crevices virtually anywhere in your Black Forest, CO, building. The key is to avoid it before it gets started. First, you must know a little about mold and what to do, and what not to do to prevent it.

Mold Spores Everywhere! What Can You Do?

1. Know the Signs of Mold

Mold may be challenging to find, but it's easy to identify; it has a unique appearance and odor. Typically, mold has a spotty look, but it can come in many different colors, depending on the variety. If you smell a musty odor, you most likely have mold growing somewhere in the vicinity of the smell. The next step is finding where it's hiding out.

2. Keep an Eye Out for Mold Growth

Mold can grow virtually anywhere; all it needs is moisture, adequate warmth, and a food source, but it doesn't take much to thrive. Mold will feed on any cellulose-based material, such as cardboard, wood, and paper. It can also survive on organic matter like textiles and leather, even dust that contains skin cells. Mold can't withstand sub-freezing temperatures, but the area doesn't have to be warm for it to live.

3. Make Repairs Immediately

Inspect for leaky pipes, a leaky roof, or condensation throughout the building. These areas can be havens for mold growth. Make repairs immediately. Then, if you see mold, clean it up right away.

4. Keep Indoor Humidity Low

Even moderately high humidity indoors can cause black mold to grow. Keep your indoor relative humidity at 50% maximum. Home improvement stores sell humidity meters. Make sure to check the humidity levels several times during one day, as these levels can vary.

5. Run Dehumidifiers

If you have a moisture problem in some areas of your building and struggle to keep the humidity level down, dehumidifiers will help remove excess moisture from the air. Attics and basements are two common locations prone to excess humidity. Be sure to watch and empty the container that collects the water before it gets full so it will keep doing its job.

6. Clean Your HVAC System

It's essential to keep your heating and air system cleaned and maintained regularly. Mold spores can travel through your ventilation system, creating poor air quality for your building and spreading mold to other areas.

7. Call the Professionals

The best action you can take when you have a mold issue is to hire mold restoration experts. These professionals have the expertise and equipment to thoroughly inspect the entire building to find signs of mold and excess moisture. Then, they can perform a comprehensive mold cleanup and ensure that it's completely eliminated.

Black mold can wreak havoc on a building before anyone even realizes it exists. Mold spores are found virtually everywhere in the world. This is one reason why it's crucial to do everything possible to prevent mold growth. Being aware of moisture issues and repairing them immediately is a great start to living mold-free.