Hidden Mold: 5 Places To Find It in Commercial Buildings

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Like a machete-wielding madman in a scary movie, you know building mold is there, but you just don’t know where it’s hiding. Mold growth is real, and gone unchecked, it can cause problems. Although mold can thrive in any damp atmosphere, it often hides in places you’d never think of and is probably lurking in many commercial buildings in Franklin, KY.

1. Carpet

Carpet in buildings takes a beating and rarely gets the TLC home carpets receive. When the dirt makes its way to the underlying pad and subfloor, high humidity and spills can spark mold growth you’ll never see unless the carpet is removed. Areas close to sinks are often more susceptible to water damage and the formation of hidden mold.

2. Paper

You’d think mold on paper would be easy to spot, but not if it’s inside a box or file cabinet. Business records are frequently stored in these containers and stowed away in closets or basements. Even if the containers are sturdy and well sealed, high humidity can seep in and cause mold. If the boxes are victims of flooding or leaks, the chance for mold increases.

3. Ductwork

During cool weather, the air is damp, and when it hits the air ducts, it can promote mold development. If the ducts have even the most minute cracks, there’s a good chance that moisture will leach into the duct linings, where more mold grows. Faulty insulation can also cause mold to grow on the outside of the duct pipes.

4. HVAC Drain Pans

As long as an HVAC system is working properly, it normally doesn’t get much attention. There’s a pan under the cooling coils that catches the condensation of the system. If the drainage system malfunctions or the drains become blocked, that moisture can soak ductwork, and hidden mold may start to grow on and around the pipes and in the drain pan.

5. Ceiling Tiles

Ever notice those unsightly stains around the heating and air conditioning vents in acoustic ceilings? They develop when moisture and water are sucked up by the porous ceiling tiles, and dirt accumulates in the dampness, causing discoloration. Mold is often hiding on the other side of that acoustical material.

If you believe mold growth is skulking in a commercial building in Franklin, KY,
contact a professional mold remediation company. It can help you make a plan to address the problem.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROchristiantoddlogansimpsoncounties.com.