Real talk: mold is gross. While this isn’t a particularly hot take, it’s still as true as ever. Yet more than just being icky to look at, untreated mold can quickly turn into a major problem, especially in public buildings. Whether it’s your local library, a school basement, or even the breakroom in a city building, mold presents a real health risk and a liability for city officials.
At West Coast Fire & Water, we’ve helped cities across California clean up after floods, leaks, and yes, mold outbreaks. From mold tucked behind wallpaper to entire HVAC systems pushing spores through buildings, we’ve seen the worst of the worst and we know how to deal with it!
So, if you’re responsible for managing public buildings, here’s a practical, real-world guide to mold remediation in California, and how to handle it without losing sleep.
Why Does My Building Have Mold?!
Unlike other blemishes or disasters, mold’s insidious nature requires only two resources to survive and thrive: moisture and time. Here in CA, our coastal humidity supplies the moisture that can make many public buildings vulnerable to mold infestation.
In many cases, leaking or burst plumbing, proximity to sinks or faucets, or uncleaned spills can lead to mold growth. Before you know it, subtle signs of a mold outbreak, like gross smells and allergy symptoms, can arise.
Have a Plan Before Mold Shows Up
This one’s huge. You don’t want to be figuring things out on the fly when staff are already complaining about odors or allergies. Every facility should have a go-to plan for mold situations. That means:
- A simple way for employees to report mold or water issues.
- A point person (or team) who knows what to do next.
- A trusted remediation company already on speed dial, like West Coast Fire & Water.
A plan gives you a head start when time matters most.
Get Pros to Check It Out (Not Just a Quick Peek)
Even if you can see some mold, you’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Mold hides. It loves walls, floors, and anywhere dark and damp.
That’s why bringing in licensed pros is key. We use specific, professional equipment like moisture meters, thermal cameras, and other testing implements find the extent of the damage.
That’s the level of certainty you need before making decisions that will affect staff and visitors.
The Importance of Containment
If mold is present, the last thing you want is for it to spread while cleanup is underway. Professional containment is a must, especially in public areas.
That usually looks like:
- Sealing off the affected rooms with heavy-duty plastic barriers.
- Using machines that pull air out of the space so spores don’t float around.
- Turning off HVAC systems in those areas to avoid spreading mold through the vents.
We also post clear signage so everyone knows to stay clear while work is being done. Safety first.
Clean It Up the Right Way
This is where mold remediation in California really gets serious. Proper removal means more than just spraying bleach and hoping for the best (spoiler alert: that doesn’t work).
Here’s how it should go:
- Any materials that can’t be cleaned, like drywall or carpet, get removed.
- HEPA vacuums and industrial air scrubbers are used to clean surfaces and air.
- We apply eco-friendly, hospital-grade antimicrobial treatments to stop mold from coming back.
And because we work in public buildings all the time, we make sure all cleaning agents are safe for use around children, seniors, and people with sensitivities.
Fix the Problem That Caused the Mold
Cleanup is only half the job. If you don’t fix what led to the mold, whether it’s a leaky roof, poor ventilation, or a busted pipe, it’s just going to come back.
So part of every remediation job should include:
- Repairing water damage or replacing mold-prone materials.
- Upgrading ventilation or sealing foundations, if needed.
- Running follow-up air quality tests to make sure the space is safe.
Our team handles all of this from start to finish, so you’re not juggling multiple contractors or dealing with a drawn-out process.
Quick Recap: Mold Remediation Best Practices for Cities
- Plan ahead—don’t wait until there’s a musty smell.
- Bring in pros—don’t rely on a visual check.
- Contain and clean—do it the right way, not the quick way.
- Fix the root cause—stop future mold before it starts.
We’re Here When You Need Us – West Coast Fire & Water
If you’re managing a public building and think mold might be creeping in, don’t wait. Give West Coast Fire & Water a call. We’re here 24/7 and can be on-site fast, ready to help you protect your people and your buildings with expert, friendly service. Call us today at 888-617-3786 or contact us online today.
