Mold is ugly; however, it can lower productivity, ruin health, and threaten the structural integrity of an office building. The problem is that mold can lurk beneath surfaces before you ever know it’s even a problem. Some of the most common places that mold can grow include behind walls, inside air ducts, beneath carpets, in ceilings, and under sinks. Knowing the early warning signs will help you to act quickly before things get out of control and become expensive.
Strange or Musty Odors
A musty smell that continues to hang around is one of the largest clues that a mold problem is present. Places where this odor commonly lingers include bathrooms, basements, and storage rooms. These areas usually have poor ventilation, which is what enables mold to grow and thrive. If your employees report that they notice a damp or musty smell that doesn’t seem to disappear even after thorough cleaning, you must investigate it.
Visible Stains and Discoloration
As mold growth progresses, you’ll begin to see green, black, or brown stains that sometimes look like water damage. For example, you may see ceiling tiles that have spots that weren’t present previously. Even if the stain appears small, it’s critical to act quickly before the problem gets much bigger.
Employee Health Complaints
Another red flag is that employees are developing health problems, such as worsening allergies, headaches, difficulty concentrating, sore throats, or respiratory problems. If the issue is severe enough, exposure can cause severe asthma attacks. A good way to know if mold at work is the culprit is that people feel better once they leave the office.
Moisture Problems
Water helps mold thrive. So, if your building is plagued by multiple leaks, such as those coming from roofs or pipes, this is the perfect environment for mold to grow. Even high indoor humidity can be a major contributing factor. Fixing moisture problems expeditiously can prevent the problem.
Damage to Furnishings or Equipment
Damage to furniture and equipment is another tell-tale sign that you have mold issues. For example, office chairs can consistently feel damp or carpet can smell musty. Boxes can show fuzzy growth. Even HVAC systems or electronic equipment can be compromised. This becomes expensive quickly because you must replace what has been damaged and hire mold remediation specialists.
As soon as you notice these warning signs, you must act quickly, as mold will not resolve itself. The problem only gets worse the longer it is allowed to go unchecked. If it gets severe enough, it can lead to health code violations. Employees may even be able to file claims against you if they can prove that the mold in the building has caused their illnesses. Productivity can also take a nosedive, which will hurt your business operations.
Do not allow mold to ruin your business. Get help now from an expert and get the problem under control. For commercial restoration services for your business in Troy, OH, call Complete Detail Cleaning & Restoration, and we’ll get the problem under control and keep your business and employees safe.
