Mold problems in commercial buildings can be hard to detect. As a result, it may be easy to miss or ignore mold growth without careful observation until it’s become an issue big enough to require expensive remediation measures.
Below are some signs you should keep an eye out for that may indicate the presence of mold or moisture damage in your property.
Health Concerns Caused By Indoor Mold
The presence of mold indicates that a building’s air quality is poor, which can cause a variety of health issues. For example, people suffering from allergies or asthma may begin to experience symptoms more frequently when exposed to mold.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also linked exposure to mold with chronic inflammatory pulmonary disease, or CIPD, which causes long-term breathing problems and interferes with daily living activities.
Additionally, high levels of exposure are associated with memory loss and other cognitive impairments. If you work in an area with an increased risk of developing a severe respiratory condition like CIPD, it might be time to consider relocating. However, if you still enjoy your job despite the potential dangers posed by mold, take some steps to prevent further exposure.
Common Signs of Mold
Is mold growing on your building’s interior walls? Sometimes it’s tough to tell. Some types of mold are more visible than others, such as Stachybotrys, which grows in large, black splotches and can cause illness when inhaled.
Here are some signs that might indicate a mold problem:
- Surface Changes and Deterioration
- If you see something that looks out of place, don’t ignore it—it could be a sign of water damage. Doorknobs and switch plates are two familiar places where mold can grow when water leaks or spills occur behind walls. If they look different from normal, start investigating. Light switches and outlets may also fall victim to moisture exposure over time; if these fixtures appear different than normal, there’s likely a problem nearby.
- Flooding, heavy rain, leaks, and a leaking roof are common ways for mold problems to begin. If you notice cracks or holes forming on surfaces like walls or floors that make it difficult for water to be diverted away from your building’s foundation, then you may have a hidden mold problem that could cost thousands of dollars. Check every few months on rainy days and see any leaky spots.
- Odors
The stench of must or mildew is sometimes a telltale sign of mold. If you smell anything out of place, ask someone who knows construction to look at your building’s insulation, exterior walls, roofs, plumbing, HVAC system, and windows. You may need an expert opinion- and a mold test to be sure.
- Some experts recommend opening windows when possible as ventilation can help control odors from mold and mildew. However, if that doesn’t work, try other air-quality solutions like fans or dehumidifiers (provided there aren’t any leaks). Also, check with employees about air quality; if people get sick, it could be a big clue about what might be causing the odor.
Discoloration & Stains
If you see black or blue mold (or any other kind of discoloration or stains) growing on your building, that is a problem. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is toxic and can lead to various health problems if it’s not taken care of properly.
This can be found inside walls or insulation, so make sure you keep an eye out for it. The same goes for all kinds of stains; even if they don’t look like mold at first glance, it may just mean that you need to do some investigating before deciding whether or not there’s a serious issue.New Paragraph
How Do I Approach Mold Removal? Call Insight Restoration
Not sure if your building has mold issues? Or do you need mold remediation in your business? At Insight Restoration, we specialize in commercial mold removal, and we’re happy to help. In addition, we provide inspection services to determine whether your building is infested with mold or not.
Call us today for more information about how we work.
