How To Prevent Mold Growth
5/10/2020 (Permalink)
You may not think about the roof of your building in Edmond, OK, very often. Besides having it inspected once or twice a year and checking for damage after particularly brutal storms, it's easy to assume it's doing its job. You may not realize a small leak is a problem until you see black mold on your ceiling tiles. There are ways to prevent this from happening, though.
Respond Quickly
It doesn't take much for a roof leak to cause significant damage. Mold only needs three things to thrive:
- Excess moisture
- Organic matter to feed on
- 24-48 hours to grow
Your best chance of preventing black mold from growing in your building is to call mold remediation experts as soon as you discover water damage in your building. They can identify the areas that are most likely to foster mold growth and resolve the underlying issues before it starts.
Inspect Often
Your roof is one of your building's main protections from the outside elements. If you see a ceiling leak, it likely means your roof has been neglected and that mold growth is almost inevitable. Building code laws are designed to set the minimum standards for commercial property upkeep. Go beyond the minimum that is required by law. You can save the professional inspections for once or twice a year, but you should be inspecting your roof as part of your monthly maintenance rounds. Look for any weak spots or loose joints where precipitation could seep in. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear so that water can drain properly instead of pooling on the roof. Frequent inspections can help you avoid not only costly roof repair or replacement but also secondary damage such as mold that is common with leaks.
Black mold growth can damage your building, but it is preventable. Remain vigilant in your inspections and get any leaks repaired as quickly as possible to avoid mold problems.