Mold Damaged Records: Don’t Let Them Hurt Your Business

There are various kinds of damaged documents that can benefit from document restoration services – water-damaged, fire-damaged and dirt-covered documents, to name just a few examples. But one of the most common types of document damage, which is often overlooked, is mold.

When it comes to mold damaged records, you have to act fast and seek document restoration and cleanup services as soon as possible. Otherwise, the mold will spread to other documents and cause even damage. It also poses a health risk to anyone working in an office with mold damaged records.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent mold damaged records, including calling on document restoration specialists. Here are five common tips for preventing and handling mold problems:

1. Moisture Control

According to the EPA, “Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present.” Therefore, controlling and decreasing moisture levels in your office is one part of the solution. For instance, fix all water leaks and do not leave out water spills or water damaged documents.

2. Airflow

A second precondition for mold damaged records is lack of ventilation. If water and oxygen are present but there is not enough airflow, moisture levels will increase. If the weather is warm and humid, then you will want to ventilate with an air condition or a dehumidifier. If the weather is hot and dry or cold and dry, then circulate dry air in from outside. Indeed, bathrooms and basements tend to be mold growth hotbeds due to their lack of airflow.

3. Temperature

Depending on the mold type, there will be different optimal temperatures for growth. But in general, mold tends to thrive between 55-75 degrees. Often, poor air conditioning can lead to mold growth because not all parts of a building will receive the cooled air. Likewise for irregular heating systems – they may overheat some rooms compared to others. So make sure your air conditioning and heating systems are checked annually and that they heat and cool the building thoroughly. Document restoration won’t be needed if you keep your documents dry in the first place!

4. Food

Mold has to eat, too – it’s a living microorganism, after all. So what does it eat? We’ll, just about any dead or organic matter. For example, wood, wallpaper, documents, textiles and so on. Hence, your mold damaged documents are really just fuel for mold growth. Don’t take it personally; just take action and commence with document restoration.

5. Cleanup

If and when you are facing mold damaged documents, don’t worry; the cleanup is manageable. First, contact a document restoration service. They will inspect the mold growth and assess the extent of the damage. Then they will assist you in document restoration by carefully moving your mold damaged documents to a safe location (on or offsite) where your documents can be dried.

Mold can be a serious issue for any business that relies on documents – which is the majority of businesses in this day and age. Plus, mold inhalation can lead to serious health effects. Thus, be sure to perform a routine mold inspection at your business, and make sure heating and ventilation levels are optimal.

[ Photo by: ifindkarma, via CC License ]