Mold is a common, yet dangerous problem that will not only cause serious property damage, but also negative health effects if the problem is not addressed.
It often starts as a result of water damage or excess moisture because the mold spores that exist naturally in the air need a source of moisture to grow. Once mold colonies take hold, they will damage the affected surfaces and this damage will get worse over time. It is not unheard of for excessive mold growth to cause structural damage. Mold can also spread at any time as mold colonies release their spores.
The longer mold growth is ignored, the further it will spread and the more damage it will cause. The risk of negative health effects also increases as those within the building are exposed to the mold.
If you find mold in your commercial building, it is very important to have it taken care of by a mold remediation professional. Ignoring mold in a commercial setting can lead to expensive structural damage and it will put your employees and customers at risk for negative health effects.
What is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that can appear in various colors including black, brown, green, white, and more.
Mold spores are naturally present in the environment, but they don’t become a problem until they form into mold. Its growth is triggered when the environment offers the necessary conditions of moisture and a food source.
This is why mold growth is so commonly found in conjunction with water damage. Mold can use drywall, paper, wood, and other organic matter as a food source.
Problems Caused by Mold
Black mold in the corner of a wall. Preparation for mold removal.
When mold grows on a surface, it gradually eats away at it because it uses the surface as a food source. This is especially concerning when mold has grown on walls and other structural elements of a building because the mold jeopardizes the structural integrity.
As such, the longer mold goes unaddressed, the more it can spread to new areas and the more damage it can do.
Mold can also be very dangerous to the health of those exposed. Mold can cause irritation to your eyes, throat, or skin and it may lead to nasal issues, like congestion or coughing. These problems can be worse for people with asthma or allergies.
Health issues caused by mold can even be severe enough to cause chest inflammation, chronic lung illness, and upper respiratory tract symptoms.
Mold in Commercial Settings
Knowing the potential problems mold presents, it is especially concerning for there to be mold growth in commercial buildings.
Whether the commercial building is a setting where employees work or one in which there are many visitors or customers who interact with employees, you don’t want to expose people to mold and potentially cause them health issues.
In fact, if the mold problem becomes big enough, then your business as a whole is jeopardized, as you’ll likely have to close just to have the mold addressed.
The key to preventing mold is controlling the moisture level of the building. So, if there are leaks or wet spots in your commercial building, have them fixed. You should also have regular inspections and maintenance done on your HVAC system to help control the indoor humidity.
Mold Remediation
Mold remediation includes the removal of mold growth as well as the repair or replacement of the damaged surfaces and materials. It’s important to first contain the mold, because it prevents it from becoming a bigger problem.
Mold can spread easily, especially when disturbed which is why mold remediation professionals isolate the affected areas first.
Mold growth can also be hidden and grow behind wallpaper, so even objects and areas that look unaffected are tested, cleaned, and sanitized to prevent further mold growth.
Affected areas and objects can be cleaned and restored if the damage isn’t extensive, but if the damage is serious, the material or object may just be removed and replaced.
Professional Mold Removal
If you find mold growth in your commercial building, it is important to get help from a professional that provides mold remediation services.
While there are some do-it-yourself techniques that can be used for mold removal, this cleaning should be left to the professionals. This is especially the case with commercial mold remediation because you want the job to be done properly.
Professionals know how to properly clean up mold and prevent it from returning, and they have the necessary equipment and supplies for mold remediation. They can also test your building to uncover hidden mold growth and ensure that all mold has been removed.
At ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors, we provide complete mold remediation services to address mold growth in commercial buildings. Within these services, our technicians can test for and locate all mold growth and form a complete remediation plan to ensure that your building is mold free.
