Mold can go Commercial

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings are huge investments, which would make sense why finding the right building to invest in requires a lot of vetting. Along with inspecting the square footage for any type of water damage that might have happened in the past, the plumbing will also need to be inspected. Where ever there could have been a moisture issue, mold would have also the opportunity for growth. We want our commercial businesses to grow but mold growth is definitely a growth we want to stop. We her at SERVPRO of Longview/Kelso provide a service that can remedy mold, but first an inspection will need to be preformed.

Even though SERVPRO has offered mold inspections for a few decades, professional mold inspections in commercial buildings are a fairly new concept. Health effects brought about by mold was not advocated for until the 90s, when a light was shed on the possible consequences of mold infestations. Now, homeowners and business owners alike are meticulously inspecting for mold when purchasing a building, as they should be.

Mold can grow on virtually any surface, so long as it is presented with a damp enough climate to persist. Mold spores can be extremely apparent via smell or sight, or it can only be detected through specific testing. Mold survives on or “eats” away at materials, causing damage and change to the look, smell, or structure of whatever it is affecting. Structural changes can include the reliability or strength for a building. For an investor or building owner, this could raise working hazards and building safety.

Allowing employees to work within mold-ridden spaces is another costly situation. Due to mold’s potential health effects, employers and building owners should be weary of allowing employees, visitors, tenants or vendors to inhabit the building. Even if the mold is quarantined to one specific area, it still has the potential to travel through HVAC systems, affecting other areas.

If you are purchasing or currently own a commercial building, a mold inspection should be mandated. A commercial mold remediation company such as your locally owned SERVPRO of Longview/Kelso can perform visual assessments, sampling, and mold remediation strategies. Even if mold is not found, remediation companies can provide insight into future issues. Any situation that is a potential playground for moisture accumulation and mold growth will be addressed by a professional. This includes a leaking roof, structural characteristics that may allow water into the building, building maintenance issues or more.

Scheduling pre-move in mold inspections as well as implementing routine inspections, especially in Southwest Washington, is vital to your building and business. SERVPRO of Longview/Kelso can be reached at 360-703-3884. Call and schedule up an inspection if and when needed.