Moisture. Water seepage. Flooding damage. Warming temperatures. Humidity. Each of these can contribute to hazardous mould growth on your property as well as health risks to building occupants. Although mould is a year-round problem, the risks of occurrence increase after water damage occurs. There is typically excess water accumulation around the property from melting snow and ice or severe rainstorms as we enter Spring. This excess water can seep into buildings oftentimes through foundation walls into the lower levels or from roof damage into upper levels and down walls.
Protecting your commercial property from water damage is an important step in maintaining a building’s condition over time and avoiding larger and more expensive damage. Mould growth is one of the most sinister effects of water damage. Mould spores spread quickly and can go unnoticed within walls and insulation until they become large infestations. Once detected, mould damaged areas need significant repair. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent against mould growth.
ASSESSING & DETECTING MOULD AND CONDENSATION BUILD-UP.
When combatting mould, first assess your property to determine where it is coming from. Look for areas potentially exposed to condensation. A restoration professional can check for hidden pockets of moisture within insulation and wall cavities using thermal imaging cameras. It is important to immediately address the source of water and mould: Ground flooding, Sewage backups, Roof leaks, Broken pipes, Moisture, Humidity, Window leaks, Wall cracks, Standing water.
Mould Detection – Mould can appear as black, green, red, or blue in colour and fuzzy or slimy in texture. Other times, mould may be visibly undetectable – keep this in mind when there are noticeable odours in areas where moisture may have collected including drywall, paint, wood, insulation, carpet, fabric, upholstery, and wallpaper.
Mildew Detection – This fungus, closely related to mould, has a grey-yellow-white colour range and grows on organic materials including plants, wood, damp cloth, and paper. It appears either ‘powdery’ or ‘downy’. Fortunately, it can be easily removed. Both mould and mildew carry an unpleasant odour and can be harmful to humans.
PREVENTING GROWTH OF MOULD & MILDEW.
Damp weather and an accumulation of moisture contribute to mould and mildew growth. Spring weather brings rain showers and warming temperatures, both of which are conducive to creating condensation that feeds mould and mildew growth. Mould and mildew also thrive when air is stagnant. When water infiltrates your building, here are methods to reduce further damage:
Dehumidification – A professional restoration partner provides commercial dehumidification for your property when excessive moisture is present. To monitor humidity levels, consider installing an electronic moisture detector, or hygrometer.
Air Circulation & Drying – Your restoration partner can apply the correct drying measures to prevent against mould growth. Drying equipment such as fans and the building’s ventilation system are employed until the affected areas have been dried and dehumidified to industry standards. The drying process is verified through daily moisture and humidity readings.
Cleaning – Inspect walls, floors, ceilings and other surfaces for dampness and wet patches. Target areas of the building that are known to collect moisture or dampness. Also, conduct a semi-annual cleaning of HVAC equipment including diffusers, air intakes, filter boxes and drain pans. A professional restoration company can help you undertake a series of recovery operations to salvage furnishings, and documents damaged by water, before mould sets in.
FIRST ONSITE IS HERE TO HELP.
The First Onsite Property Restoration team is made up of skilled tradespeople and certified technicians who have received special training for commercial disaster emergencies of all types: water, sewer, fire, wind, smoke, mould, oil spills, and vehicle impact. Our teams have the equipment, machinery, and solutions needed to handle any disaster your business is facing. Call First Onsite to learn what a professional restoration company can do to help keep your property safe.
In case of emergency call first onsite. The only partner you’ll ever need. 24/7 Emergency Response: 877.778.6731 / firstonsite.ca
