Preventing Mold Growth in Your Business

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Is your Pensacola, Cantonment, or Century business in need of mold remediation? Give SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County a call at 850-466-3089!

Mold, in general, is a very common occurrence in Florida. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. Commercial mold growth could also take a toll on your staff's health if not taken care of properly.

Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your business:

#1: Keep the Kitchen Clean

Refrigerators are a prime breeding ground for mold due to the high humidity.  When left sitting for long periods of time, containers of leftover food inside the refrigerator may sprout mold which can them spread to shelving, seals, and even outside of the refrigerator.  Kitchen trash cans also offer a prime location for mold growth to begin, as food particulates and liquids often seep through the liner into the container.  Institute a kitchen cleaning schedule to help combat mold generation.

#2: Watch for Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, and roofs can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you aren’t regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unnoticed until they create a larger, more costly problem. Common signs of leaks to watch for include decreased water pressure, discoloration or staining of ceilings and walls, and unexplained puddling of water on the floor.

#3: Run a Dehumidifier

High humidity levels can lead to moisture retention and mold growth.  Humidity is an extremely common cause of mold for businesses in Florida. To combat this issue, run a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the building.  Dehumidifiers work much like air conditioners—warm, moist air is drawn into the dehumidifier by a fan. The moist air then crosses over the dehumidifier's refrigerant cooled coils, causing the moisture in the air to condense on the coils within the machine.

#5: Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture can condense inside HVAC ducts which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts. Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. And, don’t forget to replace your filters as needed.

If you suspect mold has infiltrated your property, call SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County at 850-466-3089, We’re Here to Help.