Moisture exposure is a key factor in determining the risks of mold growing in your office or multifamily apartment building. Any organic surfaces in the building will absorb that moisture and suffer damage. While a thorough annual inspection is essential, checking problem areas on a monthly basis will help you take action sooner.
Stop Humidity at the Door
You can predict a moisture problem by paying attention to the outdoor environment. When the surrounding area is more humid, you should expect that heat and moisture to affect the inside of your office building or multifamily property. During these climate conditions, take steps to maintain cool and dry entryways.
Use fans, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers to reduce humidity exposure. Surfaces in foyers, lobbies, and other types of entrances will remain dry and protected when you keep the indoor environment cooler.
Catch Plumbing Problems Early
Your routine moisture inspection should include examining as much of your building’s plumbing system as you can access. Look for leaks around seals and plumbing connections. Look for dripping water from the pipes, and check the floor for puddles and water stains.
You won’t be able to see all of the plumbing equipment in your office or apartment building. Some plumbing equipment runs through the spaces between your walls, so look for signs of hidden water leaks. Bubbling or peeling paint can indicate a concealed leak. You might also hear the sound of dripping or gurgling water.
Keep Up With Your HVAC Maintenance Needs
During your moisture inspection. Spend a little extra time near the indoor HVAC air handlers. An office building might use a large, commercial HVAC unit. In a multifamily building, it’s more common to have individual units in each apartment. Make sure you conduct regular inspections and ask your tenants to report moisture leaks right away.
A common source of moisture in HVAC systems comes from the condensation that forms as a result of the cooling process. The unit has a drain pan and condensate line, but damage to these components will let water leak out onto walls and floors.
Immediate HVAC repairs can correct this problem before you need water damage or mold remediation services.
Identify Areas That Need Better Air Circulation
When looking for common office mold causes, you’ll pay closer attention to indoor humidity. Even if the outdoor climate feels mild, certain areas in your building can trap humidity.
Restrooms are common high-risk areas. Additionally, areas that store hot water tanks and similar equipment will have higher humidity. Use fans and other equipment to improve air circulation.
Focus on High-Risk Areas
Any building will have areas that face higher risks of moisture exposure. In multifamily apartment buildings, take steps to maintain a cool and dry temperature in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. In an office building, regularly inspect for moisture in restrooms, employee break areas, and crawl spaces.
If your building has an attic, check for roof leaks and moisture damage as part of your inspection.
Look for Condensation on Cool Surfaces
Condensation forms when warm air interacts with cool surfaces. This is a normal condition that occurs on windows, metal surfaces, and near refrigeration equipment. If you notice excessive or consistent condensation, take steps to eliminate the moisture.
Using fans and vents can help you boost air circulation and keep warm air from lingering too long. Checking your window and door insulation can also help you mitigate the problem of condensation and moisture exposure.
Pay Attention to Changes in the Building’s Odor
Making indoor air quality a priority will help you address several building maintenance issues. An indoor environment that smells musty will probably have a mold problem. As the mold spreads, the odor will grow stronger. Look for the source of the mold, or schedule a professional inspection to find its exact location in your building.
Inspect Showers, Sinks, and Toilets
While the restrooms in office buildings pose a risk of mold growth, the risk is greater in multifamily apartment buildings. Showers and bathtubs generate more steam and humidity, leading to a greater need for multifamily mold remediation.
Your inspections should include checking the tiling and painted surfaces in bathrooms for rot, moisture, and mold.
Know When to Schedule Professional Remediation
In addition to preventing mold growth, you should try to catch mold early. Anytime you find moisture exposure in your building, schedule leak repairs and set up a professional mold inspection. These steps will protect your building and save you from higher mold remediation costs. Contact our mold remediation specialists for the expert help your commercial property needs.
