The Common Causes of Mold Growth in Commercial Properties

You — and your employees — rely on your company being open to do business. If you’re closed down for unsightly mold damage, it can be a major turnoff for customers. They won’t want to risk their own health. As such, you’ll lose customers now, but also for the foreseeable future. There’s a stigma surrounding mold.

Mold isn’t good for you. While there are some types of mold growing in commercial properties that are harmless, they’re still unsightly. And then there are molds that release mycotoxins into the air with each passing moment. These toxins cause asthma-like reactions and respiratory infections and are a workplace hazard.

In order for mold to grow inside of your business, there must be six key elements present. These include mold spores, moisture, a food source, oxygen supply, lack of sunlight, and optimal temperature. Without, say, a food source, mold won’t have any ground to grow. Reducing or removing these factors altogether can better protect your business for the foreseeable future.

• Mold Spores – It’s impossible to prevent mold spores in your commercial environment. There are spores — invisible to the naked eye — in every environment on the planet.
• Moisture – Water is key to mold growth like it is for all life on this planet. Without moisture, mold cannot survive.
• Food – Mold is a living organism, so it needs food to survive. Typically, mold feasts on organic materials, which can include wood, drywall, and paper products.
• Oxygen – You can’t prevent oxygen. Air contributes to mold growth in every way — physically, chemically, and biologically. It also helps spread mold spores through the air and into other rooms in the business.
• Sunlight – Direct sunlight exposure will kill mold. The ultraviolet rays destroy the cellular structure of mold. But with a bit of darkness, your common mold species will have no problems.
• Temperature – Temperatures between 72 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit are optimal for mold growth, especially in a damp climate. Mold cannot handle freezing temperatures, though.

We mentioned reducing or eliminating the above factors that allow mold to flourish. There are a few other ways to stop mold in its tracks, though.

• Watch for the telltale signs of mold. Mold is sneaky and tends to grow in hidden locations, like in the attic or behind the walls. Watch for signs of mold like mildew odors and wet spots.
• Repair any and all plumbing issues quickly. If you notice a roof leak or unsealed window, deal with it immediately to reduce moisture in the building.
• Clean the ventilation system regularly. Your HVAC system is the perfect breeding ground and mode of transportation for mold. On occasion, clean your air ducts to prevent mold from spreading around quickly.

At the first sign of troubling mold in your business, call Restoration 1 of Hunterdon Countyfor 24-hour mold remediation and removal. You can reach us daily at 908-364-7854 !

Jovanny Galarza is the owner of Restoration 1 of Hunterdon County, an IICRC-certified company. Jovanny has years of experience and is proud to have put together a team that works together to reach goals and serve clients with five-star satisfaction.