The ABCs of Mold Prevention

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Floor Mold Damage

Commercial buildings in Chardon, OH, are difficult to prevent mold growth in because there are often a variety of clients, tenants, or customers with varying degrees of preferences on humidity levels. Mold loves humidity and has adapted to easily survive on the small amount of moisture on a structural wall during a humid day. For that reason, indoor molds are most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. If leaky pipes are present, or water damage has occurred, mold also loves to grow on ceilings and within walls.

Preventative Measures

Mold is a common fungus, with thousands of different types and species growing all over the world at any given time. Consequently, the only way to potentially prevent mold growth is to make the building inhospitable to the fungi life cycle. Here are a few ways to deter mold’s growth:

• Add mold inhibitors to paint before painting each area of the building, especially bathrooms and basements.
• Use dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or fans to keep humidity levels within the building to between 30 and 65 percent.
• Vent kitchens, basements, and bathrooms with exhaust fans to lower humidity levels.
• Keep the area under houseplants free from water to deter possible fungi growth.
• Remove carpets from damp rooms such as bathrooms or basements. Spores can quickly bury themselves into the damp carpet and thrive.
• Use sanitizing mold prevention products to clean areas with any water damage or mildew growth to prevent possible future contamination.
• Contact a mold remediation professional at the first sign of water leakage under appliances or in bathrooms.

Precaution Problems

Sometimes mold attacks in unseen places after a flood or pipe leak. Once this occurs, removing the rot is not enough to eliminate the fungi entirely. Mold can survive for years without water, only to awake and germinate at the first sign of liquid.

Seeking the assistance of a remediation expert may help prevent future contamination and water damage. The experts know how to disinfect infected areas and completely kill mold colonies.

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