Many people know how to keep mold under control in their homes, but dealing with it at an office or place of business can be much more complicated. Mold is just as harmful to your employees at work as it is to your family at home. Oftentimes, it’s important to hire a mold remediation specialist to help you identify the mold and determine steps to remove it. At Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas, we specialize in mold damage restoration and repair services. Here, we examine some common signs that indicate you need mold remediation for your business.
1. Your Employees Report Health Problems
If your employees are reporting adverse health symptoms that only occur while they’re on the clock, it’s worth considering if your building has a mold problem. Mold affects people in different ways, especially those with respiratory conditions. Inhaling or touching mold spores can yield allergic reactions in those with heightened sensitivity and even trigger asthma attacks. Common symptoms of mold exposure mirror hay fever and include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Skin rash
Mold spores can be tricky to find, especially if they’re in your ductwork, crawlspace, or attic. But if your building is older or has recently experienced a leak or flooding, mold could be a likely culprit for health-related issues with your employees. It’s important to take any complaints seriously by investigating likely spots where mold could grow and discussing your findings with a mold remediation specialist.
2. You Can See Water Spots
Since mold thrives in dark, moist areas, it’s often out of sight and out of mind. However, that’s not always the case. If you see signs of excess moisture anywhere in your building, it’s important to have the area examined for mold and mildew. In a business, the areas where mold typically appears include:
- Roof/ceiling: Moisture can build up on ceiling tiles and behind walls if your roof leaks, causing discoloration and mold growth in those areas.
- Breakrooms: If your office kitchen has a leaky pipe beneath the sink, mold may be growing inside the cabinet.
- Bathrooms: Like the office kitchen, leaks and standing water in the bathroom can lead to mold growth here as well. Inadequate ventilation can also be a cause of mold growth.
- Air conditioning units: If condensation from an air conditioner drips down the wall or onto a carpet in humid weather, these areas can become moldy over time.
If your commercial property has recently flooded, mold risk is usually more widespread and the signs may be more obvious. Making mold remediation part of your flood damage restoration and repair plan will help prevent costly issues down the road.
3. Your Office Smells Musty
If your coworkers report the office smells musty sometimes, this could be a sign that mold is lurking somewhere in the building. While not all molds give off an odor, many do. This smell could be damp, musty, or pungent, and stronger in certain areas than others. If your nose is telling you that something’s off, it’s worth calling a specialist to investigate.
4. Visible Mold Growth in the Building
The most obvious sign of a mold problem is when you notice it in plain sight. You might see it in a corner where the ceiling meets the wall, or it might show up in the bathroom as discoloration on the tiles. Many property managers look for black spots on drywall, but mold can be present in many different colors. It can even be fuzzy, powdery, or slimy.
Any time you notice a change in color on the walls, ceiling, flooring, or any other surface, perform a quick mold check. In many cases, it’s pretty easy to tell if it’s mold or not. If you’re unsure, consult a professional with a well-trained eye.
Call Our Team of Mold Remediation Specialists
Now that you know the signs, you may still be wondering when mold remediation is required. Mold spreads fast and only takes a few days to appear after water damage. The sooner you have it taken care of, the less likely it will be to turn into a bigger, more costly issue. The key to controlling mold is managing moisture. However, we understand that sometimes circumstances are beyond your control.
At Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas, we specialize in a variety of commercial services, including mold removal. Located in Carrollton, Texas, we serve North Dallas and the surrounding areas. For more information about mold remediation or if you suspect your workplace has an issue, contact us today.
