Where Mold Collects in Buildings

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold doesn't belong on your property.

Where Mold Collects in Buildings

There are lots of commercial buildings in Virginia Gardens, FL, and all over the country, and maintaining them presents a challenge to owners and managers alike. Inspecting a building for mold growth on a regular basis can head off the need for costly and time-consuming mold remediation. Professionals know the usual areas where mold can grow because it is a remarkably predictable organism with a few simple needs: darkness, moisture, nutrients and a surface on which to grow.

Prime Areas for Mold

Mold can grow in a wide range of temperatures and can thrive in the dark on dirt, dust, and even certain building materials.

• Paper that is subject to moisture, even in the form of high humidity, can harbor mold.
• Carpet, and the padding and floor underneath, can trap moisture from floods, leaks and spills.
• Ceiling tiles subject to excessive humidity or leaks can invite mold growth.
• Wallboard and the cavities between walls can offer optimal conditions for mold colonies.
• Masonry surfaces and grout are mold-friendly surfaces.
• Wood surfaces out of direct light offer nutrients for mold to digest.
  
  

Damp Areas That Invite Mold

Besides building materials, HVAC systems, including ductwork, offer many hard-to-see spots that can be a bonanza for a mold colony. Bathrooms in a commercial building are also susceptible due to ever-present water and inevitable leaks and spills. Since water heaters are often located in basements or closets, mold can gain traction in these locations as well. And lastly, even after a water damage event such as an obvious flood has been detected and cleaned up, a surprisingly small amount of dampness coupled with the kind of organic nutrients common in most buildings can produce a new challenge in the form of mold to be remediated.

While it is true that mold growth is not the end of the world in a commercial building, it can produce significant inconvenience. Knowing and monitoring common areas susceptible to mold can help prevent significant problems.