Mold Growth in Commercial Buildings
Mold growing uncontrolled in a commercial building can turn into the operational nightmare of all nightmares. A mold outbreak can threaten the health of employees and customers, which can lead to litigation that can cripple even the most solvent businesses. New Horizon Construction Services of Groveland, FL, would like to share some critical information about what mold is, how to spot it, where and why it grows, and what can be done to remove and prevent it.
What is mold?
Mold is a fungus made up of tiny spores. The fungus is a living organism that grows and spreads until it’s stopped. It typically appears as a splotchy stain that’s often green, greenish-blue or black.
Where mold grows
Mold thrives in damp environments that have little or no ventilation. Common places where mold can be found in commercial buildings include:
- Wood
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Paper products
- Cardboard
- Ceiling tiles
- Roofs
- Plumbing
- Carpet
- Upholstery
- Recently flooded areas
The Dangers of mold
Medical science has confirmed that many different types of mold (generally referred to as “toxic mold”) can cause moderate to severe health problems in people.
Inhalation of mold can result in a range of symptoms, many of them related to the respiratory system:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Exhaustion
- Skin rashes
- Breathing difficulty
- Nasal blockage
- Death, in the most extreme cases
Steps to prevent mold in commercial buildings
If you discover mold in your commercial building, remember that the mold you see may not be all the mold there is. The first step should be scheduling an inspection by a mold remediation company or other qualified entity that provides mold detection and removal services.
Once the problem is understood, professional mold technicians can get to work to remove the mold. It’s then your job to prevent mold from starting up again. Here are some tips.
In-house mold inspections
Perform your own regular inspections, paying special attention to the surfaces and areas we noted above. You’re not just looking for active mold growth but also for areas with high moisture levels or water leaks that could become harvesting grounds for mold down the line. Schedule the repair of any leaks you find.
HVAC inspections
Have your HVAC system inspected regularly to ensure that it’s free of active mold and excess moisture. HVAC systems are good mold habitats, and once mold begins to grow in them, they can send it throughout your facility.
Reduce moisture in the air
Consider investing in a dehumidifying system. A facility with just a few workspaces or rooms might benefit from several simple portable units. A larger commercial building may need to have a complete system installed. The goal is to keep humidity under 50%, which can be challenging in Florida.
Keep air moving
Maintain good ventilation throughout your facility. Remember: damp, poorly ventilated spaces are the places mold most often starts.
Alert your employees
Send memos or hold a staff meeting to explain the dangers of mold to your employees and ask them to bring any mold sightings to your attention.
By staying on top of the mold issue, you can dramatically reduce or eliminate its presence in your commercial facility.
Florida’s commercial construction experts
New Horizon Construction Services has served the greater Orlando, FL, region with stunning commercial building projects for more than 15 years. We custom-design facilities for hospitality, education, retail, restaurants, entertainment and more.
If you’re looking to build, we invite you to work with a professional, state-licensed contractor who will put your needs and interests first. Reach a construction consultant by calling (407) 574-2164. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.
