How to Avoid Mold Issues in Your Facility

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses a variety of equipment to stabilize air moisture levels and prevent mold growth after storm or water damage!

Mold is a common issue in commercial buildings. Mold spores are a natural occurrence, and the only thing you can do is try to prevent mold growth in your structure in Bedford or Blair County, PA. Here are three things that you can do to avoid mold problems.

1. Keep the Building Clean

Mold needs food and moisture to survive, which is why you need to maintain a clean and dry environment. Vacuum once a week with a HEPA vacuum. However, how often you need to vacuum depends on how much and what kind of traffic your building sees. Thorough carpet cleaning should be performed at least once a year but more often if your building is highly trafficked. In addition to carpet cleaning, mats at doors for wiping feet should be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

Fix a leaky plumbing system or leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible to prevent excessive moisture and mold growth. Any condensation or wet spots need to be dried immediately as mold can grow within 24 hours. Have HVAC systems inspected regularly to detect mold or any potential for mold growth early. Part of this maintenance should also be the cleaning of air ducts. Mold can live off of the dust that collects in them and travel to other areas of the building. This is also why carpet cleaning is so important: carpets collect lots of dust.

3. Maintain a Hostile Environment

What this means is that you have to create an environment in which mold doesn’t have a chance to grow. Use a dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity level at bay, preferably below 60 percent. An ideal level would be between 30 and 50 percent. Any rooms in your building that are prone to high levels of moisture should be vented properly. Increased ventilation is also important when the outside air is cold and dry.

Because mold spores are part of our environment, it’s important to take these steps to prevent mold problems. Should you ever encounter issues with mold, a mold remediation professional can help you to successfully rid your building of mold.