Imagine This…
You’re looking forward to a fun day of shopping at your favorite boutiques. As you’re browsing, you spot something unsettling on the walls: mold. You wonder, “Has this damaged anything in the store?”
Or, let’s say you’re grabbing lunch with a friend at a beloved restaurant. On your way to the restroom, you see mold growing in a corner. Suddenly, your appetite is gone.
How about a family vacation in Branson or at the Lake of the Ozarks? Sounds great! But then, as you settle into your rental, you start feeling ill. You quickly realize the culprit: mold.
As a business owner, you know it’s important to keep your customers and assets safe. Don’t let mold run your business.
Understanding the Problem: Mold Indoors
Mold growth indoors can damage materials, impact air quality, and even affect the structural integrity of buildings. Molds can grow on virtually any surface and thrive where there is moisture, oxygen, and an organic source, reproducing by creating tiny spores that float unseen through the air.
When indoor moisture accumulates and isn’t addressed quickly, mold growth often becomes unavoidable. While it’s impossible to eliminate all mold spores, controlling moisture is the key to preventing indoor mold growth. Mold doesn’t need sunlight to grow – just a viable spore, a nutrient source, moisture, and the right temperature. This explains why mold is often found in dark, hidden spaces where light and air circulation are minimal. Left unchecked, mold can gradually damage building materials and furnishings. If mold growth is extensive, it can even weaken floors and walls.
Tips to Prevent Mold in Your Business
According to OSHA, here are some ways to prevent mold in your business:
- Repair leaks in plumbing and the building structure promptly.
- Look for condensation and wet spots and address moisture problems immediately.
- Prevent moisture condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing indoor humidity.
- Keep HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. Regularly inspect and maintain HVAC systems.
- Maintain indoor relative humidity below 70% – ideally between 25-60%.
- Vent moisture-generating appliances like dryers and ensure kitchens and bathrooms are vented according to local codes.
- Clean and dry wet or damp areas as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours.
- Ensure proper drainage around buildings and follow local building codes.
- Identify and address leaks quickly to prevent recurrence.
If you suspect mold in your retail space, restaurant, rental property, or other business, give the experts at Pure Air of the Ozarks a call.
We’re here to keep your business safe and mold-free!
