The Complete Guide to Tackling Mold in Commercial Buildings

Mold simply puts out a bad vibe. You can feel it in a building even if you aren't aware of it, and any occupant of the building might not want to return, or be heavily affected through health problems if they stay near mold for extended periods of time.

Mold in commercial buildings is often underestimated, as it not only affects you and your employee's health, but it affects your customer's feelings about the business. If there is uhealthy air quality, our bodies can feel that and might fee negatively towards business, even if we can't quite put our fingers on why.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why mold is particularly problematic in commercial settings, how to identify it, and the best practices for eliminating it

Why is Mold in Commercial Buildings a Concern?

1. Employee & Customer Health: Mold can cause health issues, such as respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other medical conditions.
2. Financial Costs: Ignoring the issue can lead to costly repairs from the mold spreading further, litigation, and loss of tenants or business.
3. Philly Strong: Over time, mold can weaken building materials, affecting the structural integrity of the building. Let's keep Philadelphia's aging buildings strong by treating mold before it has time to deteriorate your business' building.

How to Identify Mold in Your Commercial Space

Mold can grow in various areas of a commercial building—behind walls, in damp carpeting, and in HVAC systems. Here are a few ways to identify mold:

1. Musty Smell: Mold has a musty odor that is hard to mistake for anything else. If it smells like mold, it's probably mold.
2. Visual Inspection: Visible signs of mold include black, green, or white spores on surfaces. Often appear around air conditioning vents, pipes behind walls and ceilings, around sinks and fridges in kitchens, or bathroom walls lacking ventilation.
3. Professional Assessment: An industrial hygienist can conduct mold tests for accurate identification. Though, see point #1 on whether this is worth it.

How to Eliminate Mold in Commercial Buildings

If you've discovered mold, act immediately. Here are the steps for effective mold remediation:

1. Consult Experts: Contact a professional mold remediation service for accurate assessment and removal.
2. Isolate Affected Areas: Seal off the affected areas to prevent the spread of spores.
3. Removal and Cleanup: Mold-infested materials need to be removed and discarded under professional guidance.
4. Drying and Dehumidification: Post-removal, ensure the area is completely dried out to prevent future growth.

Check out our process, which covers all of the above and more.

How to Prevent Mold in Your Business Building

Prevention is better than cure. Follow these best practices to prevent mold:

1. Proper Ventilation: Ensure your HVAC system circulates air effectively.
2. Regular Maintenance: Inspect and repair any leaks promptly.
3. Climate Control: Keep humidity levels below 60% to deter mold growth through dehumidifiers and air conditioning.

Final Thoughts

Mold in commercial buildings is not a minor issue—it can have serious implications that can affect both the health of the occupants and the financial well-being of the business. Proper identification, prevention, and remediation are crucial for tackling this problem effectively.

For more in-depth information on how to deal with mold in commercial buildings, give us a call to schedule a free quote.