The Effects of Mold on Commercial Buildings

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

It is not uncommon to find water damage in commercial buildings. If left unattended, this will provide mold the conditions it needs to grow. Any areas that provide moisture, nutrients, and darkness will give fungus an environment where it will thrive, causing damage to building materials. To prevent mold, it is important to check consistently for:

• Water damage
• Leaks
• Moisture retention in HVAC systems
  
  

What Is Mold?

Mold is a member of the fungus kingdom. This species is an essential member of the ecosystem with the role of decaying natural materials. Mold spores are microorganisms that travel through the air and attach themselves to materials that provide them the right nutrients and living conditions. Given these, they develop into colonies, feeding off of and decomposing their host.

Why is Mold Dangerous for Buildings?
Mold's function in the wild to decompose waste favors greatly for the ecosystem. However, it can cause severe damage in commercial buildings in Potowomut, RI, where it will gradually decompose natural building materials. If left unattended, mold damage will make some materials irreparable. Fungus should not be allowed to dwell on building materials to prevent damage costs from adding up.

Is Mold Preventable?
You cannot prevent mold from traveling into buildings, but there are ways to minimize the potential for its growth. Mold prevention includes controlling the moisture levels in a building to reduce favorable environments for mold, especially in areas where running water is frequent. Inspecting HVAC drip pans regularly to ensure they are not plugged will also help to minimize its growth. Regularly search commercial buildings for any leaks and repair them immediately to prevent damages.
If your building has been affected by water damage and unattended mold growth, a mold remediation service will help to clean and restore the property. It is important to clear buildings of any mold upon finding it to prevent unexpected costs for repairs.