How to Address a Mold Infestation in Your Office Building

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

The possibility of a mold infestation is not usually top of mind for commercial building owners since our climate typically isn’t considered conducive to a mold threat. Unfortunately, mold infestation does happen. Learn more about mold and what to do if it strikes your place of business.

Yes, Phoenix buildings can experience mold growth

While in general Phoenix has a drier climate, the truth is that commercial mold damage can happen in any Phoenix business if there are enough moisture and a source of food such as most building materials. The temperature range for most molds to grow is 68 to 86 degrees, so SERVPRO technicians know that stopping mold by adjusting the temperature is rarely an option. Even a small amount of moisture that enters a building after a substantial rain or flood can quickly turn into a mold infestation if not properly addressed, which is where SERVPRO of Central Phoenix can help.

Addressing mold damage in commercial buildings

Removing mold damage from a facility means SERVPRO’s restoration team must find and eliminate the source of a mold, not just clean out obvious indications like a black streak in a bathroom or kitchen. The only way to prevent further growth and eliminate this threat is to remove every trace of mold spores the team can find. This isn’t as easy as it sounds, as mold spores are actually present everywhere, all the time. The challenge is to keep growth from happening and causing damage.
 
SERVPRO technicians start with finding the moisture that allowed the first spores to expand and grow. Eliminating that forces the mold to quickly return to an inactive state. Inert mold spores also stop growing across or into surfaces. That stops damage from getting worse and prevents new damage to ceilings, walls, and floors. For any building material already penetrated by mold, the most cost-effective method is to dispose of it. Drywall is often difficult to clean and digging mold out of it quickly compromises the structural integrity. The labor cost to attempt to repair it is always more expensive than buying new panels.

What happens after damaged materials are removed

After removing all damaged material, SERVPRO technicians spray the interior of the building with an anti-fungal agent to eliminate the spores. After it dries, technicians will wipe everything down to remove the now dead spores. They may also take further measures to address any lingering musty odors that were a result of mold growth so that your commercial building returns to pre- mold infestation conditions.

 
While it is impossible to eliminate all mold, SERVPRO of Central Phoenix can help you remediate damage to your business and prevent growth in the future, as well as resulting odors. If you suspect a problem in your facility, call us today at (602) 386-4268. We are here for you 24/7.