As a city in the deep south, Savannah, Georgia, is home to a particularly humid climate. The problem that such moisture brings is that it creates the ideal environment for mold growth in commercial buildings. Unfortunately, even a small outbreak of mold in your business can affect your operations, lead to structural damage, and expose you to legal consequences.
Georgia’s Mold Remediation Laws: What to Know
Georgia does not currently have any laws in place that specifically address mold growth or remediation in commercial buildings. Commercial property owners should, therefore, to federal resources to help them deal with mold. Some federal organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), offer guidelines for identifying and treating mold.
Georgia Building Codes and Moisture Damage
While the state doesn’t regulate mold remediation, Georgia’s building codes do address the general expected condition of establishments. For example, commercial buildings must have effective ventilation, which in turn reduces excessive humidity. Similarly, moisture control is an essential requirement. Building owners can install encapsulation, pumps, and additional drainage to prevent flooding and moisture damage.
What Does Your Insurance Provider Say About Mold?
Each year, you should review your commercial property’s insurance policy. In doing so, you will probably find a mold exclusionary clause that excludes coverage for losses or damages caused by untreated fungal growth. Even if mold didn’t directly cause the damage, its mere presence is enough to invalidate a claim.
How to Deal With Mold in Your Commercial Property
Whether you want to prevent winter mold or combat year-round conditions that lead to mold growth, there are plenty of steps you can take. Your approach should deal with the removal of existing mold as well as with the prevention of future outbreaks.
A comprehensive plan that includes the steps below will ensure you’re always prepared to protect your commercial building:
Control Moisture and Humidity
Humidity is one of the primary factors that promote mold growth, but you can combat it with improved ventilation by way of fans and a commercial HVAC system. If humidity remains a concern, consider installing dehumidifiers in problematic areas.
Proper building maintenance also limits moisture exposure. Keep up with roof inspections and make prompt repairs before roof leaks lead to indoor water damage. Inspect drainage regularly and install pumps if flooding is a consistent problem.
Create a Mold Remediation Plan
Even though you will take steps to prevent mold, it may still grow unexpectedly. Having a plan of action will ensure you can react promptly and limit hazards.
Your mold remediation plan should consist of the following:
- Contact numbers for professional mold remediation services
- Employee actions upon discovering mold
- Steps for containment and removal
- Routine maintenance duties to prevent mold
- Lines of communication for the remediation process
Depending on your industry, you might include more steps here, but in any case, you will know the best ways to deal with mold on your particular property. A reaction plan will look different for a retail store than a manufacturing facility, so don’t be afraid to customize your approach.
Take Advantage of Professional Water and Mold Remediation
When there’s a minor occurrence of mold, you might assign your employees to the task of cleaning the area. Make sure they are properly trained in mold cleanup and removal. They should wear protective equipment, including face masks, eye protection, and gloves, and use fans to boost ventilation during the cleanup process.
For more extensive mold growth, it’s often best to turn to a professional service that offers commercial mold remediation in Georgia. A remediation company will have the safety equipment, tools, and cleaning supplies necessary to effectively complete the task. Its workers will also offer testing to help you identify the existence of mold throughout your facility.
Keep Up With Building Maintenance
You might feel tempted to let a minor roof leak or a leaking pipe go unrepaired for a short period. However, even if you devise a way to capture leaking water in these circumstances, the moisture will dampen and likely damage any surface it touches. That will not only increase your repair costs when you do schedule them but ultimately cause mold growth in unexpected parts of your building as well.
Prompt repairs will keep your operating costs low and eliminate the conditions that mold needs to thrive. As such, your building maintenance practices will help you avoid the downtime and cost involved with mold remediation.
Guard Against Mold Growth With a Proactive Approach
Keeping up with regular building maintenance will go a long way toward fighting the conditions that promote mold growth. These are steps you’ll take to prevent other types of building damage or erosion, so mold prevention usually won’t require an additional investment. A dedication to consistent maintenance is all it takes to stay mold-free.
