Mold in your commercial building is a problem that will worsen over time. While it typically starts in a problem area, such as a laundry room, the ductwork will carry spores to more populated parts of the building. You can treat mold sooner and prevent its spread when you recognize the following signs.
Changes in Employee or Tenant Health
As mold grows, it releases spores that get carried through the HVAC ducts. People in your commercial building will inhale those spores and experience health changes. If you have your own business in the building, you might notice a rise in employee absences as a result.
Mold spores infect the respiratory system first. Individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions might experience more severe or frequent symptoms.
Other signs of mold exposure include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Joint/muscle pain
- Cognitive changes
It’s also common to suffer from skin or eye irritation. People with seasonal allergies often have worse reactions in the presence of mold.
The Visible Presence of Mold
A mold remediation guide can help you learn about mold. No matter what region you live in, mold will look the same in your building. Look for green, brown, or black patches. Green mold might look fuzzy or more pronounced. Black and brown mold appears flat on the surface.
While mold can grow on any organic surface, focus visual inspections on problem areas. Bathrooms, basements, and enclosed spaces are common sites where mold can grow in a commercial building. If your building has a laundry room or any warm, moist environment, regularly check that area for mold.
A Persistent Musty Odor
Even if you don’t see mold on water-damaged surfaces, you might smell it. Mold produces a musty odor. Many people think it smells like wet cardboard. If you notice this odor and it doesn’t seem to go away, schedule a mold test.
Water Leaks and Damage
Your building might have a leak or moisture damage without producing mold. In many cases, catching a water leak early gives you the chance to fix the problem before mold begins to grow. This is a primary reason mold remediation experts stress the importance of good building maintenance.
If the leak or moisture damage seems extensive, make a deeper search for mold. It’s rare for long-term moisture exposure to damage property without causing mold. You might find mold behind water-damaged surfaces. It’s also common to find mold in corners on ceilings and walls.
An Unusual Discoloration
If you see discoloration on your walls or ceiling, try cleaning it with a good cleanser and a soft rag. If the stain returns, the presence of mold is likely. Check the area for common causes of mold as a starting point. Detecting high humidity or moisture can help you focus your search.
Mold can cause stains that won’t necessarily look like typical mold. As the fungal growth worsens, it can damage organic materials from the inside. An odd and persistent color can reveal the location of mold.
Bubbling or Peeling Paint
When mold consumes organic material, the surface might feel soft or loose. It’s common for the affected surfaces to bubble or bloat. This is more likely on walls and ceilings when a water leak leaves moisture damage. Keep an eye out for peeling or cracking paint throughout the building.
Wood windows, rafters, and other parts of the building can conceal mold growth. As the surface absorbs moisture, the wood will soften or become warped. Advanced rot of this type usually precedes mold. While you should use a testing service to detect the extent of mold, replacing warped or rotted wood is always a necessary step.
Diving Employee Morale
When a person inhales mold spores, the immune system provides an immediate response. One of the ways the immune system combats a foreign threat is by producing inflammation in the affected areas of the body.
Brain inflammation leads to memory fog, depression, and fatigue. Extended exposure to mold spores will increase the brain’s reaction. Employees might be less productive along with suffering from physical health conditions. Paying attention to morale in your commercial building can offer a clue that something is amiss.
Mold Prevention: Keep Up With Regular Testing
Mold growth is a hidden hazard that affects your property and tenants without warning. In addition to spotting the signs of the presence of mold, routine testing can help you catch a problem sooner. Schedule mold testing every 6 to 12 months to avoid long-term exposure and property damage.
It’s important to trust mold testing and treatment to a company that offers proven commercial mold remediation. Professionals will respond promptly to your need for remediation, helping you minimize structural damage and health risks in your commercial facility.
