You Have Found Mold in Your Commercial Building, Now What?
You or someone else have discovered mold within your commercial property. This is the last thing you expected to deal with, but it should now be your top priority. Once mold gets inside and begins to grow, it spreads quickly, as mold spores attach to surfaces and the fungi start to grow in 48 hours. Exposure to damp environments causes mold to grow and spread. This can trigger health issues in some people and can affect those who work or conduct business in your commercial building.
Mold growth may occur in buildings or on building materials including carpet, ceiling tile, insulation, paper, wallboard, wood, surfaces behind wallpaper, or in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The source of moisture in buildings is commonly due to leaks, flooding, poorly vented kitchens, showers, combustion appliances and steam pipes.
OSHA regulations contain guidelines that remediation experts follow to ensure safety and full decontamination. Contact the mold remediation professionals at Utah Flood Cleanup immediately to get the mold removed and to prevent it from returning. Some molds can be extremely harmful. Let the professionals do their job and avoid unnecessary health risks. Call Utah Flood Cleanup 24/7 at 801-416-2666 and receive assistance right away.
Basic Steps of Mold Remediation
Once you contact Utah Flood Cleanup for your mold cleanup, the process will already be less daunting. All contractors will follow the basic steps outlined below, which are required by the EPA.
- A mold remediation specialist will test for the type of mold and locate the source.
- We will repair water leaks or the source of moisture to prevent further contamination.
- Utah Flood Cleanup will contain the areas where mold is growing, such as doorways, windows or entrances.
- We remove any damp articles which will have to be cleaned or discarded. This includes small items such as books and papers as well as larger, structural elements that need to be assessed, such as drywall, insulation and ceiling tiles.
- We thoroughly clean up moldy areas using chemicals that will kill the mold.
- Next, we dry the impacted and surrounding areas, which may be done with floor fans or may require specialized equipment, such as wet vacuums and HEPA vacuums, based on the level of damage. The important thing is to ensure all moisture has evaporated to prevent the mold from recurring.
- Finally, a mold removal professional will test the area to ensure the mold is gone.
Mold Effects on Health
A major reason to get rid of mold is that it can be very dangerous to the health of those occupying your commercial building. According to the CDC, some people are susceptible to mold-induced ailments. These health issues include throat irritation, nasal congestion, coughing, eyes or skin irritation. Children may be especially vulnerable and some adults can develop chronic conditions such as lung infections or obstructions. To prevent illness, the contaminated areas should be avoided until a mold remediation specialist is able to conduct the cleanup.
Safety Tips
Even with the help of professionals, some of the cleanup or restoration of items, such as sensitive documents, may fall to you or those who use the building. It is extremely important to avoid mold contact with your skin and eyes and to avoid breathing it in. For safest results, leave clean up to the experts and discard all impacted items.
Structural Damage Related to Mold
Mold can grow on every conceivable organic surface. All it requires are moisture and oxygen to contaminate wood, food, paper, insulation and carpet. Mold slowly digests what it grows on, which can compromise the material and cause structural damage. In order to control mold, you have to control moisture and humidity in your building.
- Keep humidity levels under 50 percent.
- Inspect roofs, pipes and windows for leaks and fix any leaks immediately.
- Ventilate damp areas such as laundry rooms, kitchens or showers.
- Promptly and properly repair any leaks or water damage.
- Check HVAC cooling coils to make sure that drain pans slope toward an obstructed drain.
- Seal and insulate ducts in the heating and cooling system to prevent condensation.
- Ensure that carpets and furniture are completely dried after being cleaned. How to Prevent Mold in Your Building
How to Prevent Mold in Your Building
- Check ventilation system filters regularly to check that they are seated properly. Replace filters on a routine schedule.
- Fix leaky plumbing
- Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) clean and unobstructed
- Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
- Make sure foundations are dry Provide drainage and slope away from the foundation.
Utah Flood Cleanup Remediation Professionals
Call our mold remediation professionals at Utah Flood Cleanup if you have any questions on understanding, preventing or are needing mold safely removed from your commercial property. We are available 24/7 and are so confident in our services, we offer a 100% workmanship guarantee and very affordable financing options! Contact our experienced professionals at Utah Flood Cleanup today to receive your free phone consultation and a free inspection on water damage that is covered by insurance! Dial 801-416-2666 and receive immediate service so we can help you get your business back to normal as soon as possible.
Latest posts by Utah Flood Cleanup (see all)
- Water Damage and Mold Growth: Understanding the Connection - November 19, 2024
- 7 Essential Steps in the Repair of Water Damaged Ceiling by Experts - November 14, 2024
- Top 7 Tips for Successful Mold Removal in Utah - October 9, 2024
