Mold. Just the word conjures up mental images of black stains on walls, grout lines, drywall, wood, and other surfaces in your workplace. In addition to its ugly appearance and ability to destroy wood and other structural materials, mold is dangerous to your health.
Because mold loves warm, moist environments, providing any commercial space with proper ventilation and maintaining low humidity levels is essential. Once mold has developed, it must be removed. If mold gets into a building’s walls, floors, and ceiling materials, not only will you pay for the initial removal of the mold, but you must also consider the added expense of replacing carpets, walls, and sometimes furnishings.
Here at ServiceMaster DSI, we want to make sure you're informed about the best mold prevention strategies to keep your commercial property, employees, and customers protected.
ITEMS SUSCEPTIBLE TO MOLD GROWTH
Mold can start to grow after only a day or two after moisture is present, making it crucial that preventative steps are taken as quickly as possible. Some materials in your facility may be more prone than others to developing mold after water damage has occurred. Become familiar with the effect of water on various materials:
Upholstered furniture and wood: Porous materials can easily trap mold, so consider discarding these items. Any items that were completely submerged in water should be replaced.
Plastic, metal, and glass: Most nonporous materials can be salvaged with the proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques.
Carpets, drapery, and rugs: Simply drying out materials like carpets, drapery and rugs may not be enough to prevent mold after water damage. Items like these should be discarded and replaced.
STEPS TO PREVENT MOLD
While there may not be a way for you to eliminate all of the mold spores within your building, there are several ways you can help limit the growth of mold after water damage. Take the following steps to reduce the risk of mold growth:
- REMOVE WATER AND COMPLETELY DRY OUT ALL AREAS AFTER WATER DAMAGE
- Since mold spores grow and disperse quickly, the sooner you remove water and dry out your facility, the better. Use a wet-dry shop vacuum to remove excess water and clean materials like exposed wood framing and studs. If the air outside isn't very humid, keep all doors and windows open to allow fresh air inside.
- REMOVE MOLD-INFESTED ITEMS FROM YOUR BUILDING AFTER WATER DAMAGE
- Any materials that have been completely submerged in water should be thrown out. Some porous materials like books and papers, upholstered furniture, and drapery may be salvageable. If a material has been wet for less than 48 hours, you may be able to clean and disinfect the item to prevent mold from growing. However, if mold does begin to grow, discard the material immediately.
- Mold can begin to grow on drywall, inside wall cavities, and within insulation as well. Call in a professional to remove all wet insulation and contaminated porous materials like drywall and ceiling tiles.
- LIMIT MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY
- Reduce moisture by using dehumidifiers and fans. However, if mold is already present, don't use fans, as they can allow mold spores to travel throughout the environment.
- BE STRATEGIC ABOUT CARPET
- Try not to place carpet in places where moisture is most likely to be present, like near bathrooms or breakrooms. Carpet can remain damp long enough for mold to grow. If you experience a flood in a carpeted area, consider removing the carpet quickly and replacing it with a tile, hardwood, or vinyl floor.
- CONTACT A RESTORATION COMPANY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
- One of the most effective ways to prevent mold growth is to contact an experienced restoration company as soon as possible after a water loss or the first sight of mold. A team of mold prevention specialists will know how to adequately address any mold problems and provide you with peace of mind that your facility is safe to continue working.
If you need reliable mold detection and removal services, call the professionals at ServiceMaster DSI. With over 65 years of experience in comprehensive water damage restoration services, our team has the expertise, innovative technology, and protocols to get your business back to normal fast. Give us a call today at 844-413-3130. You can also visit our service request page here.
