Before your older building undergoes a commercial renovation project, it might need mold remediation. This process allows professionals to dispose of or eliminate any mold on site. A modern commercial building that needs repairs after a fire might also need a mold remediation company’s services due to the large amounts of water used to extinguish the fire.
After mold remediation, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on a few things to ensure your building stays free of mold. Read our guide to learn more from Environmental Demolition Group.
Maintain Appropriate Humidity Levels
The right humidity levels for commercial buildings should range from 30% on the low end to 60% on the high end. Your commercial HVAC system can help maintain the right humidity levels at different times.
Sensors and a hygrometer can measure humidity levels in your building. If you have a commercial humidifier attached to your HVAC system, we highly recommend a control panel or environmental software platform that keeps your building in the correct humidity range.
An automated system that automatically adjusts temperature and humidity is the best way to combine sensors, measurements, and temperature for the optimal comfort level in your building.
Every once in a while, open some windows to let in fresh air. Change the filters on your commercial HVAC at appropriate intervals. Maintaining your HVAC system can help it last longer and optimize indoor air quality.
Update or Upgrade Common Moisture Sources
Moisture can come from several sources in your commercial building. It’s important to update and upgrade your building to keep moisture and water out.
Roof
If you’ve ever seen water spots or experienced a stream of water coming from your ceiling during a rain storm, you know how important a roof is to your building. Commercial roofs typically last 20 to 30 years. Make sure to get a new one after this time.
Windows
Commercial windows last 15 to 30 years, depending on the materials of the windows. Windows regulate sunlight and thermal radiation entering your building. They also keep out water. If you start to see moisture forming at the seams of your windows, it might be time to replace some or all of them. Moisture can come from precipitation or stark temperature changes between the inside and outside of the building.
Pipes and Connections
Pipes can last anywhere from 20 to over 100 years. Again, it depends on the materials and how well they are constructed. If any issues with your plumbing occur, it’s more likely to come from the connections or elbows in your pipe system.
HVAC System
Commercial HVAC systems last 15 to 20 years. In general, these aren’t major sources of moisture. However, they can cause humidity levels to change. Sometimes, moisture can form around parts of your HVAC system, like the coils or condenser, due to temperature differences between the system and the surrounding air.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation for your commercial building can infuse your building with fresh air and control the temperature and humidity levels. Air movement and ventilation can keep mold from taking root.
If possible, open the windows on temperate days. Some of your employees or customers might have seasonal allergies. Please take that into consideration before opening windows to get a cross breeze.
Commercial-grade heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) can help maintain the right temperature and humidity without spending excess energy. These systems can reduce your HVAC costs.
Address Water Leaks or Musty Smells Immediately
If you notice a water leak or musty smell, take care of it immediately. Both of these can be signs of mold growth.
A water leak, especially standing water or puddles, offers a breeding ground for mold. Black mold grows in dark, damp places without a lot of air ventilation. Plus, you don’t want the water leak to get worse over time.
Do you smell a musty smell coming from somewhere in your building? This can be a sign of a growing mold infestation. Find out the origin of the musty smell and the mold. If you can’t get to it, consider having a mold inspection.
Get Regular Mold Inspections or Testing
We highly recommend getting a mold inspection or mold test at least once a year to make sure your facility has optimal indoor air quality. Routine mold inspections can pinpoint mold problems even before you’ve noticed issues.
Mold inspections are especially important when you consider extreme temperature changes that can cause moisture to form in places you can’t see. Think basements, attics, closets, and areas that people don’t enter on a regular basis.
Contact the Qualified Mold Remediation Professionals at Environmental Demolition Group
Our team is uniquely qualified to handle commercial mold remediation projects. Talk to us about your renovation project or post-fire cleanup.
Contact Environmental Demolition Group to request a consultation.
