Mold and Moisture Control in Commercial Buildings: Expert Insights from SERVPRO®

11/13/2024 (Permalink)

We explore how to effectively control mold and moisture in commercial buildings.

Mold and moisture issues are common concerns for commercial building owners and managers in Las Vegas, NV. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, damaging the structure and resulting in unpleasant odors and costly repairs. Keeping mold and humidity under control is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of your commercial property. In this blog, we will explore how to effectively control mold and moisture in commercial buildings and provide expert tips to prevent these problems from escalating.

Why Mold and Moisture Are a Problem in Commercial Properties

Mold thrives in moist environments, and commercial buildings are especially vulnerable due to the high occupancy, large HVAC systems, and often complex plumbing networks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold can begin to grow on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours, making quick and consistent moisture control crucial in preventing mold from taking hold.

In commercial spaces, mold can be particularly problematic in areas such as basements, restrooms, kitchens, and HVAC systems. If left unchecked, mold can cause damage to walls, ceilings, and even furniture, leading to costly repairs and renovations. Additionally, the presence of mold can create an unpleasant environment for employees, clients, and tenants.

How to Control Mold and Moisture in Commercial Buildings

Preventing mold and moisture buildup requires a proactive approach to building maintenance. Here are the essential strategies for controlling mold and moisture in your commercial property:

1. Regular Inspections for Leaks and Water Damage

Water intrusion is one of the leading causes of mold growth. Regularly inspecting your commercial building for leaks, water damage, and plumbing issues is essential to catching moisture problems before they turn into mold infestations.

• Inspect plumbing systems: Regularly check for leaks in pipes, faucets, and drains. Even minor leaks can lead to moisture buildup over time.
• Inspect roofing and windows: Check for signs of water intrusion around windows, doors, and the roof, especially after heavy rain. Leaks from roofing or poorly sealed windows can allow water to seep into walls and ceilings.
• Monitor HVAC systems: HVAC systems are prone to moisture accumulation, especially in ducts and around air conditioning units. Make sure your system is functioning correctly and doesn’t show signs of excess moisture or condensation.

2. Maintain Optimal Indoor Humidity Levels

Controlling humidity is one of the most effective ways to prevent mold growth in commercial buildings. Mold typically thrives in environments with humidity levels above 60%, so it’s crucial to maintain optimal humidity levels throughout the property.

• Use dehumidifiers: In moisture-prone areas such as basements, server rooms, or storage areas, install dehumidifiers to keep the humidity level between 30% and 50%.
• Install humidity monitors: Place humidity monitors throughout the building, especially in high-risk areas, to keep track of moisture levels and ensure they remain in the ideal range.

3. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Good ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup in enclosed spaces. Poorly ventilated areas, such as restrooms, kitchens, and storage rooms, are prone to moisture accumulation, which can lead to mold growth.

• Use exhaust fans: Make sure bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-producing areas are equipped with working exhaust fans to remove excess moisture from the air.
• Regularly clean HVAC systems: Dust and debris can accumulate in your building’s HVAC system, trapping moisture and creating an environment conducive to mold. Ensure your system is regularly cleaned and serviced.

4. Quickly Address Water Intrusion and Flooding

If your commercial building experiences flooding or water intrusion, it’s critical to address the issue immediately to prevent mold growth. Mold can start growing in just 24 to 48 hours, so prompt action is necessary.

• Dry out affected areas quickly: Use industrial fans and dehumidifiers to dry out areas affected by water intrusion as quickly as possible.
• Remove standing water: Ensure that standing water is promptly removed from floors, carpets, and any other affected surfaces.

5. Use Mold-Resistant Materials

When building or renovating a commercial property, choosing mold-resistant materials can help reduce the risk of future mold growth. Mold-resistant drywall, insulation, and paints are specifically designed to prevent mold from thriving in moist environments.

• Install mold-resistant drywall: In moisture-prone areas, consider using mold-resistant drywall to prevent mold from taking root behind walls.
• Use mold-resistant insulation: Certain types of insulation are designed to resist moisture, which can prevent mold growth in wall cavities and ceilings.

SERVPRO®: Your Partner in Mold and Moisture Control

While these preventive strategies are effective in controlling mold and moisture, sometimes professional remediation is necessary, especially if mold growth has already begun. SERVPRO specializes in mold remediation for commercial properties, offering comprehensive services that include moisture detection, mold removal, and long-term prevention solutions.

Benefits of Working with SERVPRO:

• Expert inspection and remediation: SERVPRO technicians are trained to identify hidden mold and moisture problems and provide a thorough remediation process to remove mold and prevent future issues.
• Advanced moisture detection equipment: We use specialized tools to detect moisture behind walls, under floors, and in other hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that every potential mold risk is addressed.
• Ongoing maintenance recommendations: After mold removal, SERVPRO provides expert recommendations to help you maintain a mold-free environment and prevent moisture issues from reoccurring.

Trust SERVPRO for Mold and Moisture Control in Your Commercial Building

Controlling mold and moisture in commercial buildings requires ongoing maintenance and a proactive approach to addressing leaks, humidity, and ventilation. By following the expert tips outlined above, you can prevent mold from damaging your property and ensure a clean, safe environment for employees and tenants.

For comprehensive mold and moisture control solutions, contact SERVPRO today. Our expert team is ready to assess your building, remove mold, and provide long-term prevention strategies to keep your property mold-free.

SERVPRO offers industry-leading expertise in mold and moisture control for commercial properties. Trust our team to keep your building safe, dry, and mold-free with our advanced remediation services and ongoing support.

Thriving Mold Growth

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Once mold is discovered, the best practice is to remove affected materials to ensure mold isn’t hiding elsewhere.

Life throws at us many challenges as well as our home's plumbing system. Once again SERVPRO of Centennial Hills received a call about a plumbing burst from a fresh water supply line to a toilet. When we arrived, this seasonal home was in unbelievably bad shape as far as the loss goes. The water had been spraying for quite some time without warning for the homeowner. We were able to stop the water intrusion and start assessing for further damages to the home.

The picture shows excessive amounts of mold growth on the walls, ceiling and trim. The owners have not occupied this residence in four months. Mold growth can get out of hand quick with the right atmospheric temperature and water availability. Mold has the potential to destroy a home structurally and create health effects.

Going forward the best advice we can give is have a trusting friend or family member keep an eye on your seasonal dwelling in order to help prevent this kind of loss.

Mold discovery!!

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Black mold discovered!

Life throws at us many challenges as well as our home's plumbing system. Once again SERVPRO of Centennial Hills received a call about a plumbing burst from a fresh water supply line to a toilet. When we arrived, this seasonal home was in unbelievably bad shape as far as the loss goes. The water had been spraying for quite some time without warning for the homeowner. We were able to stop the water burst and start assessing for further damages to the home.

The picture shows excessive amounts of mold growth on the walls, ceiling and trim. The owners have not occupied this residence in four months. Mold growth can get out of hand quick with the right atmospheric temperature and water availability. Mold has the potential to destroy a home structurally and create health effects.

Going forward the best advice we can give is have a trusting friend or family member keep an eye on your seasonal dwelling in order to help prevent this kind of loss.

Shower door seal failure

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Shower door seal failure

Oftentimes we take things for granted, for instance a shower door seal. Day in and day out we use the shower and don’t realize how something so small can be devastating when it no longer does its job. 

Unfortunately this Las Vegas resident noticed pieces of his shower door seal flapping around every time he opened and closed the shower door. This failure caused warm water to constantly leak into the nearby wall thus causing mold damage to drywall, wood framing, wood trim/baseboards, tile and wood subfloor. The damages were pretty extensive at the cost of a cheap door seal. When you have the chance take 5 minutes of your time, check those shower door seals and any other seals that are installed to prevent water entry into your home or business. If you suspect a leak give SERVPRO of Centennial Hills a call. 702-947-0947. We provide a free water leak and moisture detection inspection. 

Air Duct and vent cleaning

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Ducting & flange vacuuming out HVAC return system.

**CLEANING YOUR AIR DUCTS REMOVES POLLEN, DUST MITES AND FUNGAL SPORES**

SERVPRO of Centennial Hills offers air duct and ventilation system cleaning services which will improve your health. We pride ourselves on relieving our customers of their allergies due to pollen, mold spores, and mites through our dust removal process. Our sanitizing process will eliminate smell and odor due to any mold or bacteria that could be in the ducts

Air filters trap some of this airborne debris if you replace your filter when it's dirty, but dust settles in the ductwork. Our team is capable of reaching those hard to get places within the HVAC duct work to Displace heavy amounts of dust buildup. 

SERVPRO of Centennial Hills is equipped with the tools and knowledge to create a cleaner atmosphere in your home or business. Give us a call for a quote. 

Kitchen plumbing failure

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

One of the steps we take when cleaning up mold is to use a Hepa filtered vacuum.

SERVPRO of Centennial Hills got a water loss call from a customer complaining about their kitchen faucet leaking.

When SERVPRO arrived, we empathized with the customer's concerns and quickly jumped into action. Upon closer assessment, further mold damage was noticed.

Originating from a faulty drainpipe in the kitchen sink, leaking water seemed to soak the subfloor of the second floor of this apartment.

Because of the exceedingly high moisture readings, paired with information that the downstairs garage was just below the sink, SERVPRO gained access to the garage and discovered water infiltration into the downstairs garage ceiling.

After the mold was removed in the affected areas, air movers, scrubbers and dehumidifiers were set up in the upstairs kitchen and in the downstairs garage.

With a desiccant dehumidifier placed in the garage as well as the air movers, this task was completed aggressively because the affected areas were targeted from two areas.

When Mother Nature takes hold!

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Mold contaminated bathroom

Life throws at us many challenges as well as our home's plumbing system. Once again SERVPRO of Centennial Hills received a call about a plumbing burst from a fresh water supply line to a toilet. When we arrived, this seasonal home was in unbelievably bad shape as far as the loss goes. The water had been spraying for quite some time without warning for the homeowner. We were able to stop the water burst and start assessing for further damages to the home.

The picture shows excessive amounts of mold growth on the walls, ceiling and trim. The owners have not occupied this residence in four months. Mold growth can get out of hand quick with the right atmospheric temperature and water availability. Mold has the potential to destroy a home structurally and create health effects.

Going forward the best advice we can give is have a trusting friend or family member keep an eye on your seasonal dwelling in order to help prevent this kind of loss.

Excessive mold loss

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Moldy closet

A reverse osmosis system burst while the owners of the home were out of town.

A few months later when the owners came back they had damp floors and excessive mold growth everywhere.

Pictured below does no justice in describing as to the sheer amount of non-stop water damage that affected the inside of this two-story home, for three months straight. 

They called SERVPRO of Centennial Hills for help and we quickly started the mold remediation process to get their house back the way it was.

SERVPRO set up a three stage containment area for don/doff of PPE i.e. Tyvex suits, P100 performance respirators, Nitrile gloves to be worn under heavy duty work gloves, eye protection, and duct tape to properly adhere our gloves to the Tyvex suits. 

After securing their belongings within the home, we started on the first floor by removing every square inch carpet and tile.

SERVPRO then focused on the drywall; every square foot of it on the first floor.

Easily the most daunting task was removing all of the blow-in type insulation on the first floor.

Next, nails and staples were removed from every single stud. 

SERVPRO followed this up by palm-sanding every stud-twice. 

After palm sanding, SERVPRO wire-brushed every stud-twice.

To monitor the efficacy of SERVPRO and it's services, IAQ was sprayed to check any studs that still harbored mold or bacteria. 

Following this, SERVPROXIDE was sprayed on every stud for good measure. 

SERVPRO consulted a mold inspector for the final inspection and he noted the phenomenal work, passing the inspection with flying colors. 

 The owners were so grateful that SERVPRO was right beside them during their hard times helping to make things better for them.

Water loss that became a mold loss

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Wet and Moldy drywall!

SERVPRO of Centennial Hills got a water loss call from a customer complaining about their kitchen faucet leaking.

When SERVPRO arrived, we empathized with the customer's concerns and quickly jumped into action. Upon closer assessment, further mold damage was noticed.

Originating from a faulty drainpipe in the kitchen sink, leaking water seemed to soak the subfloor of the second floor of this apartment.

Because of the exceedingly high moisture readings, paired with information that the downstairs garage was just below the sink, SERVPRO gained access to the garage and discovered water infiltration into the downstairs garage ceiling.

Along with removing the kitchen tile upstairs, we removed the drywall in the downstairs garage ceiling.

After the mold was removed in the affected areas, air movers, scrubbers and dehumidifiers were set up in the upstairs kitchen and in the downstairs garage.

With a desiccant dehumidifier placed in the garage as well as the air movers, this task was completed aggressively because the affected areas were targeted from two areas.