4 Steps To Limit Mold Growth In Your Business

By Author: Lovejoy ServiceMaster
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Mold is a common problem for most residential and commercial properties. It can easily develop after a water damage event, and spread to other areas of the property if left uncontained. Businesses thrive on good first impressions, so mold growth can be an aesthetic nuisance as well as a health hazard which could drive customers away.

In order to prevent this from happening, business owners should learn of ways to limit mold growth to keep employees and customers protected. In this article, ServiceMaster by LoveJoy discusses the steps to control mold growth after water damage.

What Items Are Susceptible to Mold Growth?

Mold can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. It can easily develop on the following items:

• Porous materials such as wood and upholstery. These materials can easily trap mold, so they must be discarded along with materials that have been completely submerged in water.

• Nonporous materials such as glass, metal, and plastic. While mold can grow on these items, they can be salvaged through proper cleaning and disinfection.

• Carpets, rugs, and drapery. After ...
... a water damage incident, simply drying out these items may not be sufficient to prevent mold growth. They may have to be thrown out.

How to Prevent Mold Growth After a Flood in Your Business

ServiceMaster by LoveJoy recommends taking the following steps to limit mold growth in your business following a flood:

1. Have the water extracted and the area dried out immediately
Water damage is a time-sensitive issue, so it is crucial to eliminate water as soon as possible in order to avoid mold growth. Remove excess water by utilizing a wet-dry shop vacuum and carefully clean materials like studs and exposed wood framing. If the humidity levels are low, allow fresh air to enter through open doors and windows.

2. Dispose of mold-infested items
Discard items that have been completely submerged in water, especially if mold growth has begun. Some items may be salvageable, such as books, papers, drapery, and upholstered furniture; consult a professional water damage restoration company for content cleaning and restoration service. Cleaning and disinfection may help salvage a material if it has been wet for less than 48 hours.

Mold growth can be hidden, such as within insulation and inside walls. It would be best to hire a mold inspection professional to locate this mold.

3. Control humidity and moisture
Limit moisture and humidity through the use of fans and dehumidifiers, given that electricity is safe to use, since some power sources may be affected by the water damage. However, do not use fans if mold growth has already begun, since they will scatter mold spores and contaminate other areas of the property.

4. Contact a mold remediation expert
While mold growth can be limited through the steps mentioned above, the comprehensive and complete removal of mold and its spores could only be performed by a licensed professional. Companies like ServiceMaster by LoveJoy have a team of well-trained and experienced mold remediation technicians who are equipped with the knowledge and skill for effective mold removal and utilize state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning solutions to deliver thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Mold Removal Service?

Contact ServiceMaster by LoveJoy, Roswell's Leading Property Damage Restoration Company

Identification, containment, proper protocols, and remediation are the key steps to effectively handle a mold exposure problem. At the first signs of mold growth, immediate action is necessary. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy has been providing residential and commercial properties in Georgia the highest-quality mold remediation and cleanup services since 1995. Our IICRC-certified firm has technicians who can handle small or large-scale mold problems. Our professionals follow strict mandatory guidelines when faced with mold as well as other potential environmental hazards.

Contact ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at (678) 293-0297 for customers near Conyers, GA or (770) 983-6665 for clients near Roswell, GA. You may also connect with us online to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and estimate. We are servicing Atlanta, Roswell , Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, Dekalb County, and Fulton County, Georgia and surrounding areas. Our Emergency Response Team is ready to answer your calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.