Mold – it’s a word no property owner or plant manager ever wants to hear. Mold spores spread fast making an infestation difficult to contain and nearly impossible to eradicate completely. But a mold problem must be dealt with since exposure can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory illnesses. It can also adversely affect property value as no buyer or tenant wants to occupy a mold infested space. While eliminating all indoor mold is challenging, actions can be taken to manage and prevent it.
Here are tips that property owners and facility managers can apply to prevent indoor mold and a disastrous situation.
Control Moisture
The problem with mold is that it can grow almost everywhere. Carpets, clothing, food, pipes, ceiling tiles, and the backside of drywall are all prime real estate for mold. However, this problem fungus needs moisture to survive. This is why it’s critical to immediately dry indoor spaces that come into contact with water following a flood, heavy rainfall, or a leaky pipe. Allowing water to sit in a basement or on a carpet for more than 48 hours is an open invitation for mold growth. If waterlogged carpets, furniture, and textiles can’t be completely dried, then they should be removed as soon as possible to halt the rapid multiplication of mold.
The Importance of Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation goes a long way to controlling moisture, and thus, containing mold buildup. Warm air holds more water vapor than cool air so in the summer, utilizing an air conditioner can lower temperatures and reduce the possibility of moisture from accumulating on walls and around fixtures. A dehumidifier will also help to control airborne moisture. Opening windows, turning on exhaust fans, and keeping room doors open all improve ventilation and allow cool air to circulate through a building.
Additional Measures
If your facility is in an area of high humidity, then use caulk and weather-stripping to keep humid air from infiltrating indoor spaces. Sealing bathroom sinks and toilets can prevent water from seeping into walls. And it’s important that buildings are well insulated to thwart condensation from forming on windows, piping, walls, roofs, and floors. Also, clean and repair roof gutters often, especially before winter arrives.
Mold infestation can damage human health and trying to tackle the problem after the fact can take a significant toll on the pocketbook. The safe bet is to be proactive and take preventative measures such as managing moisture and humidity. Polygon designs dehumidification solutions that are compact, easily transported, energy efficient, and quick to install. Click here to learn more about our offerings that can help you get a hold of mold.
