Mold is a significant concern for every property owner, but as a commercial business owner, you face devastating financial consequences from undiscovered mold. By the time you realize your building has a mold problem, it has probably advanced and compromised your systems, products, and the health of your employees.
You can avoid a costly mold problem by knowing how to identify it sooner. This involves staying alert to the signs that you might have mold in your business before the spores spread. Knowing the common signs of a hidden mold problem can help you get professional help sooner.
Unpleasant Odors That Seem to Grow Stronger
One of the earliest signs of hidden mold is a musty odor. People often compare the odor to the smell of wet cardboard. The scent comes from the release of microbial volatile organic compounds. These gases obtain nourishment from organic materials, leading to visible mold. This odor is usually the first sign that mold will start growing.
Excessive and Consistent Humidity Levels
Humidity provides the ideal environment for mold to grow because it creates a hot and damp environment. You can use this knowledge to improve your mold prevention practices. Look for humid areas in your building and boost air circulation in these areas. An AC, dehumidifier, or fans can all reduce humidity, keeping your building cool and dry.
Condensation on a Variety of Surface Materials
When warm temperatures interact with cool surfaces, condensation is a common result. You’ll usually see condensation on windows or metal surfaces in the winter. If your building has refrigerated spaces, you might see condensation in those areas.
It’s important to control condensation as much as possible since that moisture can lead to water damage and mold growth. Lower the indoor temperature or improve air circulation to combat condensation.
Water Leaks or Pooling Water in the Building
You can avoid the need for emergency mold remediation by conducting regular visual checks of your commercial building. Watch for roof and plumbing leaks. If your business’s machinery uses water, inspect the surrounding area for mold.
You can reduce these conditions by conducting consistent building and machine maintenance. Fix leaks as soon as you find them.
Increased Health Issues Among Your Staff
The presence of mold can cause serious health problems even when the mold isn’t visible. The most common effects include respiratory conditions, such as allergic reactions and more severe asthma symptoms. Headaches, fatigue, and dry skin are also common signs of mold exposure.
Prolonged exposure can result in serious lung infections, such as aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and cryptococcosis.
Sinus Congestion That Fades After Leaving the Building
Aside from the more serious health effects of mold, it’s common to experience sinus blockages. The spores cause inflammation in the sinuses, resulting in stuffy noses, dry throats, and other symptoms of sinus congestion. It’s not uncommon to get the common cold as a result of mold exposure.
If your employees take frequent absences due to illness, look for mold as the underlying cause.
Water Damage That Affects Wood, Drywall, or Plaster
When you schedule repairs for a leak, make sure to inspect the nearby area for water damage. Even a small amount of moisture is sufficient to damage wood, drywall, and plaster.
As these organic surfaces retain moisture, they will rot, grow soft, or crumble. You might also see bubbling or peeling on painted surfaces. Replacing the affected materials can help stop mold growth before it starts.
Even if you haven’t repaired leaks recently, pay attention to this type of water damage. It could indicate a hidden leak.
The plumbing pipes that run through your walls can leak or burst over time. This can lead to the damage of organic materials from the inside. Often, this situation results in mold growth behind your walls. You may need a professional inspection to find this type of hidden mold.
Discolored Surfaces That Result From Moisture Exposure
Look for water stains in areas that seem dry. For example, a roof leak can expose the building’s frame to water damage. Unless you inspect the building immediately after rainfall, you won’t notice the leak.
The presence of a chalky, white substance indicates moisture exposure. Look for mold and inspect organic materials for rot when you see these stains.
Regular Inspections Can Help You Keep Mold Away
Recognizing the signs of hidden mold is only the first step in the remediation process. As soon as you notice these signs of mold, schedule a professional inspection.
A mold remediation company can confirm the presence of mold and pinpoint its exact location. This makes it easier to confine mold remediation to affected areas, so you can restore your commercial building’s normal routine. Contact our mold remediation specialists for the expert help your commercial property needs.
