How To Deal With Mold In Large Commercial Buildings Banner
A wall with mold on the wall.

How To Deal With Mold In Large Commercial Buildings

Mold is unsightly and has the potential to cause a number of health problems. Exposure to mold spores can cause sneezing, a stuffy/runny nose, watery eyes, and dry, scaly skin. Before mold gains a foothold in your commercial property, schedule mold remediation near me in Ukiah.

It’s important to deal with mold in commercial buildings as soon as possible. Left unaddressed, mold can impact the work environment. As a result, your employees may call in sick more often (which can result in more missed work days and lead to employee productivity dip). Timely mold remediation near me in Ukiah prevents mold problems from worsening and can save you money and headaches down the road.

Here are some tips to deal with mold in your commercial building.

  • Identify the source: Mold grows in moist environments. The first step to dealing with mold involves identifying the source of the problem. Inspect your pipes for leaks. Fix leaky pipes immediately. Inspect your crawlspace, attic, and basement for moisture problems and make sure they are properly ventilated
  • Improve ventilation: Ensure that your building is adequately ventilated. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove excess moisture. Also, make sure your HVAC system has HEPA filters-a type of pleated mechanical air filters designed to trap more at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles (0.3 microns in size) including mold spores
  • Promptly dry wet areas: Make sure wet areas including areas affected by spills, leaks, or flooding are dried within 24-48 hours
  • Schedule a professional mold assessment and removal: If you suspect a serious mold issue, it’s best to hire professionals to assess the situation and remove mold. Mold can be hidden in walls, above ceiling tiles, or under carpets. An experienced mold remediation professional has received extensive training which enables them to find hidden mold in buildings. They follow mold remediation guidelines and best practices, ensuring mold is removed in a responsible manner
  • Remove and replace moldy items: Mold can grow on paper products, cardboards, wood products, and ceiling tiles. If you notice mold growing on any item, get rid of it as soon as possible before mold spores can travel to other parts of your property or attach themselves to other objects
  • Educate staff: Make sure your staff knows how to spot signs of mold and moisture issues and whom to report them to. Early reporting of mold problems can lead to timely diagnosis and mold remediation near me in Ukiah

Mold Regulations

Mold regulations can vary significantly depending on the country, state, or local jurisdiction. Generally, these regulations focus on indoor air quality, especially in rental properties, commercial buildings, and schools.

  • Standards for acceptable mold levels: Some regions may have specific standards for acceptable levels of mold in indoor environments. These are often based on types and concentrations of mold spores
  • Responsibilities of landlords and property owners: The onus is on landlords and property owners to prevent mold from gaining a foothold in their properties. They must address any mold problems immediately to maintain a mold-free environment
  • Building and construction codes: Building codes may prescribe guidelines for moisture control and ventilation. Follow these guidelines to prevent mold
  • Disclosure requirements: Before selling their property, the seller may be required to disclose known mold issues to the buyer
  • Remediation protocols: Prescribe guidelines for mold remediation. Follow mold remediation guidelines to properly remove mold and repair the affected areas

Importance of Mold Prevention

Why wait for mold problems to occur and then take corrective actions when you can prevent them in the first place? To prevent mold in your property, regularly check your plumbing and fix leaks promptly. Use HEPA filters and air scrubbers to improve indoor air quality.

Here are some reasons why mold prevention is important.

  • Health benefits: Mold spores can cause various health issues, especially in individuals with seasonal allergies and immunocompromised people. By preventing mold, you reduce the risk of respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other annoying problems such as throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, coughing, and skin irritation
  • Improved indoor air quality: Mold can impact indoor air quality. By preventing mold, you ensure the air in your commercial property remains clean and odor-free
  • Preserve your building’s structural integrity: Mold can damage building materials, including wood, drywall, and insulation, affecting the structural integrity of your building. Prevent mold to keep your building in good condition
  • Increased property value: A mold-free property is more appealing to buyers and renters. By maintaining a mold-free environment, you can preserve or even increase the value of your property
  • Legal and compliance benefits: Local and federal regulatory bodies have created several health and safety regulations related to mold and indoor air quality. By preventing mold, you ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid potential legal issues
  • Reduced moisture levels: Many mold prevention strategies involve controlling moisture levels in commercial buildings. This not only prevents mold but also reduces the likelihood of other moisture-related problems, including wood rot and pest infestation
  • Peace of mind: You will have peace of mind knowing that your property is mold-free and the air inside it is fit to breathe
  • Cost savings: If you take a reactive approach, mold issues can develop over time. Unaddressed mold problems could lead to costly repairs. Prevention keeps mold problems at bay. It’s much easier and cost-effective to prevent mold than to get rid of it once mold gains a foothold in your commercial property

Why Hire a Professional for Mold Remediation?

Never try to handle mold yourself as you are likely to make mistakes and things can go from bad to worse. Mold remediation experts are trained to safely and responsibly remove mold. They use specialized equipment and effective methods to kill mold and prevent it from coming back.

West Coast Fire & Water specializes in mold remediation near me in Ukiah. 0ur expertise enables us to identify and address the root causes of mold problems. To talk to a mold remediation expert, call 707-466-6052.