Mold spores exist everywhere in our environment and having mold in your commercial building is a fairly common occurrence. However, it is important to recognize the symptoms of mold growth that may indicate you have a mold problem that needs to be addressed.
You may think that since you do not see mold, there is no problem, unfortunately, high levels of mold can be present and can begin causing health issues before you discover evidence of its growth. That is why it is important that if you have symptoms of mold growth, you have them evaluated immediately to not only minimize the damage but protect your employees’ health as well.
How To Recognize The Signs Of Mold
Mold is an unsightly and potentially dangerous problem that can crop up in any home or business. To keep your property safe and clean, it's important to know how to recognize the signs of mold. Visible signs of mold include discoloration on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces; a musty smell; visible growths or patches; damp or water-damaged areas; peeling paint; and water stains. You should also be mindful of allergies, asthma attacks, and other breathing problems that arise unexpectedly. If you suspect mold is present on your property, contact a professional mold remediation company as soon as possible for an inspection and assessment.
It is always important to be on the lookout for possible signs of mold, as early detection is important.
Signs of a Mold Problem
A Strange Musty Odor
Mold growth is often hidden by wallpaper, tiles, or other flooring and therefore the smell may be your only way to identify it. Mold will have a very strong musty smell that is usually stronger around the area where mold is hiding. If you notice an odor and cannot identify the source it is possibly mold and you should call for an inspection.
Health Problems
Since mold is often hidden, your first signs may be health issued experienced by you and your employees. These type of symptoms are collectively known as sick building syndrome, which is where multiple people will experience a range of acute symptoms that appear to increase or begin when being in the building.
Symptoms Associated with Mold Problems
Sick building syndrome combined with a musty odor is typically a red flag that there is a mold problem present and should be investigated immediately.
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Increase in Allergy Symptoms
- Headaches
- Asthma Complications
Visible Mold or Mildew
It is important to be on the lookout for any visible mold or patches or mildew. While mold can occur anywhere in the building, there are common places that mold likes to hide.
Check your Building for Mold by Inspecting:
- Window Sills
- Ceiling Corners
- HVAC Drip Pans
- Wall Switch Plates
- Tile Grout
- Wall Paper Seams
- Anywhere There has Been Water Damage or Leaks
Checking for mildew can be a little more difficult as it has a lighter texture than mold. The texture of mildew is often white and powder-like on commercial buildings. If you notice any white powder on the floors or furniture it should be further inspected.
Water Stains
You will want to investigate any stains on carpets that seem to spread, dark spots on walls and ceiling tiles, and areas on wallpaper where there appears to be bubbling present. Most often mold is associated with consistent water damage that often occurs from roof leaks or leaking pipes. If you have any of these problems in your building they should be repaired and the water damage should be professionally cleaned to prevent the growth of mold.
If your building has had a flood or severe water damage in the past you should notify your inspector as this may help the to determine the root of the mold problem more quickly.
Get a Quote From a Mold Remediation Specialist in SLC, UT.
While mold may be very dangerous to your building and your health, proper steps can be taken to clean up the mold and make your workplace healthy for you and your employees to return.
If you See Mold in the Workplace, Contact Utah Flood Cleanup to Schedule a Free Inspection for Water Damage Incidents Covered by Insurance!
Steps Involved in Mold Remediation:
- Visual inspection to check for any dampness on walls, floors, or ceilings
- Laboratory testing of mold samples and air quality check
- Mold type determination
- Removal of mold contaminated items
- Disinfection of the area
- Final inspection
Mold remediation is a detailed process that requires careful planning and execution. The first step is to identify the source of any mold infestation. This can include checking for leaky pipes, condensation, or other sources of water intrusion. Next, all affected materials including carpets, furniture, and drywall should be removed and discarded properly. After all contaminated materials have been removed, the next step is to clean all surfaces with an effective antimicrobial solution in order to kill existing mold spores. Finally, any remaining mold must be dehumidified and monitored until a safe humidity level has been reached. By following these steps, our customers can rest assured that their homes are free from mold infestations and can enjoy a healthy indoor environment.
Need Commercial Mold Remediation Services Near Salt Lake City?Call Utah Flood Cleanup for a Free Quote!
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