Having an Exton office can get hectic, especially during business operational hours. The last thing you want to worry about is mold being a nuisance. To make sure your coworkers work in a healthy indoor air environment, read more on mold prevention strategies for office buildings below.
Understanding the Causes of Mold in Office Settings
Basically, the main causes of mold all have to do with water or moisture of any kind. Mold grows in excessive amounts either on a conductive surface, so if your Exton office mold prevention space has poor ventilation, leaks, HVAC issues, or water intrusion of any kind, this is where your key culprits are. HVAC systems are big ones because not a lot of commercial property managers get them routinely inspected. They can harbor mold spores that distribute throughout the building, so everyone could potentially be breathing in mold if there ends up being any.
How Mold Can Affect Your Business
Mold doesn’t just affect your health; it can also affect your business. If you don’t get mold looked at by professionals and it continues to grow, employees throughout the entire building can feel health risks. When people get sick, they tend to come into the office less, resulting in workflow disruption. Then, once one person gets sick, it can be transferred to another having a domino affect on your workforce. Tons of people will be sick, which has a significant effect on productivity.
Reduced Productivity
Even if employees aren’t going home sick, they can still feel the effects on their workflow. Mold can make people feel tired and have trouble focusing, which can reduce their productivity. This, as a whole, can negatively impact a business and could even risk a decrease in revenue.
Property Damage
If you don’t get mold looked at as soon as it’s discovered, you can risk major property damage. Any surface that mold touches needs to be replaced or thoroughly cleaned. This can lead to expensive replacement of parts or costly repairs. Also, don’t get us started on property value.
Common Signs of Mold Growth
So, what does mold even look like? Usually, the first thing people notice about mold is the smell. If you smell rotten or musty, it’s more than likely mold growth, especially in areas with a lot of moisture. Mold can also have watermarks, discoloration, and even slimy spots on ceilings or drywall. These are key visual indicators. Then, it usually has a grey or green color and comes in splotches.
Key Mold Prevention Strategies
Now that you know what mold looks and smells like, here are some strategies for preventing it.
Improve Ventilation
Keep rooms that tend to have the most moisture well-ventilated, like kitchens, basements, or bathrooms.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Make sure you get professionals like INQ to do regular inspections and maintenance for your Exton office mold prevention buildings. Have them look out for water intrusion or leaks. Then, if they do see anything, they can fix any issues so that they don’t become bigger ones down the road.
Clean and Maintain HVAC Systems
As we’ve mentioned, HVAC systems are prime culprits for moisture accumulation. Dirt, dust, and debris can get into your vents so easily, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. Make sure your indoor air team checks airflow and equipment statuses and lowers operation costs. This way, you can save your tenants as well as your wallet.
Use Dehumidifiers
The easiest way to prevent mold is to buy a dehumidifier. These machines can help in any high-humidity environment. Place them near vents or ducts for the best results.
Educate Staff on Mold Prevention
Educating your employees on mold prevention can increase their awareness of potential issues and help them identify early warning signs. Also, it’s essential to have a plan in place for prompt and thorough mold remediation should an infestation occur.
How Professionals Can Help with Mold Remediation
Of course, professionals come into commercial buildings all over and look for any sign of moisture, but there are other ways they can assist in the remediation process. For instance, they can prevent cross-contamination by removing mold spores in the air and making sure everything is extremely clean so that it doesn’t happen again. Also, after working on mold remediation, they can give you paperwork or documentation that shows your building is free from mold. A lot of people find peace of mind in having a certification or some sort of proof for insurance purposes.
Does opening windows help air out mold?
We’ve talked about ventilation, but does opening windows help prevent mold? They can definitely help! Having windows opened here and there can help reduce moisture levels in a room, making it less conducive to mold. However, if you already have a mold problem, opening a window won’t do a lot of damage. It’s important to make sure you have experts come in and inspect before deciding what to do. They can give you their proper assessment and what steps to take next.
Conclusion
Preventing mold in your Exton office building is not just about maintaining aesthetics; it’s a crucial step in ensuring the health and productivity of your employees. By implementing these preventive mold strategies office, you can create an Exton building safety precautions more important and a more efficient workplace.
For more detailed advice and personalized solutions, reach out to INQ Indoor Air Quality today. We’re here to help you create a healthier, Exton office mold prevention environment.
