The climate in Marietta, Georgia, plays a critical role in commercial building maintenance. If you don’t make an effort to address the effects of a humid southern climate on organic building materials, you’ll eventually face a significant mold problem. Use this guide to learn how to prevent and react to mold in your commercial building.
Does Georgia Have Mold Remediation Laws?
The state of Georgia doesn’t have laws that specifically regulate mold remediation. However, commercial building owners can turn to federal resources to find accurate information about preventing and treating mold.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one resource. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also provides valuable information. Its page defines the various types of mold that could affect your building.
Georgia Building Codes: What They Say About Moisture Control
Following the building codes in Georgia can help you prevent or reduce your need for professional mold remediation. The state’s building codes regulate moisture and humidity by requiring the reasonable upkeep of commercial buildings.
Property owners can improve ventilation with HVAC equipment or fans. Sump pumps, crawl space encapsulation, and supplementary drainage systems help keep moisture under control.
Does Insurance Cover Mold Damage?
If it has been more than a year since you last reviewed your property insurance, take the time to look through the policy. You’ll probably find a clause that states the insurer won’t cover claims for damages related to mold.
In many cases, an insurance company won’t pay a claim when any fungal growth is present in the property. This is often true even when the mold didn’t cause the property damage.
Dealing With Mold in Your Commercial Property
Property owners often feel alarmed when they find mold in their commercial buildings. This usually results from misinformation and confusion surrounding the topic. Use these recommendations to prevent and prepare for mold.
Regulate Humidity and Moisture
The cycle of mold growth starts with the high humidity common in Georgia. You can address this catalyst by using your HVAC system and industrial fans to boost air circulation in your building. A dehumidifier can be helpful in problem areas.
It’s equally important to prevent rainy season flooding. Excess water will damage your property and contribute to widespread mold. If your building has a crawlspace, a vapor barrier or encapsulation will keep soil moisture from damaging your foundation.
Additionally, keep up with roof and plumbing maintenance to address other causes of water and mold damage.
Enact a Mold Remediation Plan
Most of the time, preventive measures will keep mold from becoming a problem. However, you can still prepare for the possibility of a mold problem with a good response plan.
Here are a few things to include in your mold response plan:
- Contact information for your mold remediation service
- Staff responsibilities and practices
- Steps for containing and removing mold
- Building maintenance tasks for mold prevention
- Lines of communication to use during the remediation process
The steps aren’t set in stone. You should feel free to customize this guide to suit your business. An industrial factory will have a significantly different response plan than an office building or grocery store. Create a detailed plan for optimal efficiency, safety, and effectiveness.
Know When to Schedule Professional Water and Mold Remediation
When you have a minor mold outbreak, your own employees might handle the cleanup. Make sure to provide proper training for your staff before expecting them to take on the task. Ensure they have the personal protective equipment, supplies, and tools necessary for this type of assignment.
For extensive or widespread mold, you’ll need a professional mold remediation company. An experienced team has the expertise and PPE needed to contain and remove mold. They will know how to keep the spores from spreading while removing and sanitizing the property.
Keep Your Building in Good Condition
Your building maintenance practices directly relate to your risk of mold growth. Even a minor plumbing leak can cause water damage and mold growth if you don’t repair it right away. Keep up with roof maintenance, plumbing issues, and soil saturation on your property. In addition to reducing the likelihood of mold, consistent building maintenance will reduce your future need for repairs.
Proactively Address Mold to Save Time and Money
If you spend a little time thinking about mold today, you won’t have this problem unexpectedly in the future. A proactive approach involves taking steps to prevent mold and developing a reaction plan for its occurrence. Use a comprehensive strategy to avoid the panic and confusion that is common when you find mold.
Rely on Experienced Mold Remediation Services
It’s important to trust mold treatment to a company that offers proven commercial and residential mold remediation. Professionals will respond promptly to your need for remediation, helping you minimize structural damage and health risks in your commercial facility.
Whether you’ve recently discovered mold growth or need a mold inspection, knowing who to call should be a central part of your response plan.
