How To Prevent Mold Growth in Commercial Facilities

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth after flooding in Flint, TX.

Mold Prevention Plan

To keep your Flint, TX, facility running smoothly, you need to practice mold prevention strategies. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. That is because mold is common in commercial facilities. These properties typically feature the four ingredients that mold needs:

• A surface
• Darkness
• Moisture
• Organic nutrients
  
  

Any lingering dirt or dust in your building provides the nutrients mold loves. Combine that with a dark room and a small leak, and you could quickly end up with a mold problem. Below are some common location for mold growth in facilities and how you can limit the spread of the fungus in those areas.

Electrical Equipment

Mold can appear in the electrical conduit following a flood. However, even just inviting warm, moist air near outlets, lighting fixtures and switches can cause the fungus to appear. Any water near electrical equipment should be dried right away. You should also seal and caulk the spaces around outlets to block moist air.

Carpets

Keeping carpets dry is another key part of mold prevention. Carpets can get wet following a major water damage or a minor spill. If a carpet is soaked for less than 48 hours, experts should be able to remove the water with a wet vacuum. However, a carpet that has been contaminated by sewage water should be replaced.

Drain Pans

Drain pans should collect condensation from the HVAC system. However, if the pan clogs, mold could quickly develop. Clean the pan regularly to prevent dirt from blocking the drain line.
Humidity can also cause a carpet to get moist. If you suspect that this is happening, increase the temperature or airflow in the room so the moisture evaporates.

You can limit mold growth in your facility by reducing moisture and cleaning up any excess water immediately. As part of your mold prevention plan, you should check dark and dirty locations regularly for signs of wetness and address them quickly. If you do notice any mold during your inspections, have commercial restoration experts clean the area immediately before the fungus spreads.