The design of your commercial building plays a role in determining your risks for mold. When you learn what building features affect mold growth, you can make better design choices. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new structure, use our guide to create a design that will reduce the future need for mold remediation.
Organic Building Materials Increase the Risks
One of the first things to consider when planning a building’s design is the materials you’ll use. In addition to considering the beauty of the materials, look at the durability of each material. Since wood and drywall are organic materials, they’ll provide more mold-friendly habitats.
The key to mold prevention is to incorporate nonorganic materials into the design. Building with concrete and steel will reduce the risks of moisture damage and mold growth. You can still use modern techniques to create a style and color that appeals to you when using these materials.
Enclosed Spaces Trap Humidity
The layout of your commercial building will also affect the likelihood of mold. Even though you might choose a design with small, enclosed spaces to promote energy efficiency, those same spaces provide the ideal place for mold to grow because they will trap moisture and heat, creating a humid atmosphere that helps mold thrive.
You can still use a design that includes smaller spaces, but consider how you’ll control the climate. Make sure you run ductwork to these locations, so you can use your air conditioner to combat humidity. You can also add vents in these rooms to improve air circulation.
If you use these design options and your small spaces still feel humid, install a dehumidifier.
Flat Roofs Lead to Water Damage and Mold Growth
It’s not uncommon for a commercial building to have a flat roof. While this can simplify maintenance, a flat roof quickly becomes a nightmare when it comes to water damage and mold because water pools on a flat surface and saturates the underlying roofing materials.
As the materials absorb water, the roof will deteriorate. Mold will grow in hidden areas as a result.
There are plenty of solutions to help you control standing water on your flat roof. Several materials are specifically designed for this purpose.
For example, a PVC membrane works as a water barrier to keep moisture from seeping into the building. A silicone or acrylic coating can add additional protection. Improving the roof’s gutter and drainage can help remove water.
Hidden Pipes Make It Harder to Spot Leaks
Plumbing problems, such as leaks and burst pipes, will occur. When this type of issue affects the pipes that run through hidden areas, it can seem impossible to identify the source of the problem.
Additionally, repairs in difficult-to-reach areas can require tearing out drywall or flooring. This part of the repair process increases your maintenance and repair costs.
When designing your building, work closely with a commercial plumber throughout the planning stage. They can offer insight when it comes to creating the layout for your plumbing system.
Whenever possible, keep your plumbing system easily accessible. This might require insulating exposed pipes, but you’ll be able to spot leaks before they cause mold.
Ductwork Spreads Mold Spores
Every commercial building needs HVAC equipment and ducts to ensure a comfortable climate for people, equipment, and products. Running your ducts through untreated areas, such as attic space, will expose the ducts to humidity and moisture. Before long, you could have mold growing inside your HVAC ducts.
Avoid running your ducts through concealed areas as much as possible. You can also prevent mold growth in your ducts by air sealing and insulating the ductwork. These are important steps to take because treated air will pick up the mold spores in your ducts and carry them to the rest of the building.
Poor Drainage Lets Water Pool in High-Risk Areas
Depending on the type of equipment you use in your business, handling water or moisture might be an ongoing concern. Standing water can create a wide range of hazards. In addition to eroding your building’s materials, excess water will cause rapid mold growth.
Since mold affects health, letting this problem persist can lead to chronically sick employees and downtime.
Try to predict where you’ll place equipment that uses water. By adding extra drainage, you can divert graywater away from these areas. Your drainage system will carry that water outside to a safe location. Consider improving air circulation in problem areas since better airflow will dry surfaces more rapidly.
Lower Mold Risks With a Proactive Building Design
As you design a commercial building or plan a renovation, several factors will affect your choices. One of the most important things to consider is how your design will impact future mold growth. Creating dry, well-ventilated spaces will mitigate your mold risks and extend the longevity of the structure.
Contact our mold remediation specialists for the expert help your commercial property needs.
