Is Mold Testing a Smart Idea for Commercial Property Owners?

Nearly every single test for mold discovers mold spores. Why? Because these fungi are earth’s most important recyclers and wherever they find adequate moisture, they happily – and usually harmlessly – munch leftovers in natural and indoor environments. Unless your property is a specially built and scrupulously maintained clean room, you probably will never eradicate mold – it’s even found on the International Space Station and in the hottest deserts.

Knowing it’s so common, should commercial property owners test for mold? That depends. Mold becomes a problem only when there is too much of it. In commercial buildings, mold overgrowth occurs in places that collect too much moisture such as air conditioning ductwork, trash chutes and around water leaks from pipes, fixtures or into the building envelope. Sometimes overgrowth is obvious to the eye and nose: drawn by a moldy smell, you discover a patch of greenish mold in the bathroom under a dripping sink valve. Other mold problems flourish out of sight with faint or no odor clues: behind the wall, for example, fed by a failing roof.

If there is no reason to suspect a problem, many experts believe that commercial property owners need not test regularly for mold. They do recommend regular vigilance, however, and seeking prompt assistance if mold is suspected. Schedule professional mold inspection and testing if:

  • There is no visual evidence of mold but the smell of mold is present.
  • There has been a history of leaks or standing water issues.
  • Tenants complain of allergy or health symptoms that could be caused by mold such as sneezing, coughing and headaches.
  • Tenants suspect mold issues or are unsure whether mold may be present.
  • To support real estate transactions.

Though most types of mold aren’t harmful, confirmed mold problems at commercial properties nearly always require experts to eradicate it safely, quickly and completely in a manner that contains the infestation, restores affected areas and prevents future growth. Retain professional help for any mold infestation that is more than a few feet in diameter; related to flooding or water damage; inside ventilation or heating systems or inside walls.

Reputable, trained and knowledgeable commercial mold removal services like Paul Davis bring superior capabilities that simply aren’t attainable by building maintenance staff. Paul Davis’s highly effective approaches include industrial-grade drying equipment, containment of affected areas, removal of contaminated materials, safe disinfectants and antimicrobials to prevent future mold growth and many other related services.

Grappling with suspected or confirmed mold problems at your commercial property? Call Paul Davis because This Is No Time For Second Best®.