Showing posts with label Mold growth assessment and remediation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mold growth assessment and remediation. Show all posts

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Mold removal from commercial premises

English: Debris infested with black mold, unde...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Contamination from mold is not just limited to private dwellings, commercial properties such as offices and warehouses can succumb too. A mold outbreak is a serious risk to the health of anyone who is working in such a contaminated atmosphere and this is especially true of black mold which is the most dangerous of all molds.

Even though you may not be able to see the mold, it doesn’t mean that it is not a danger to health, mold is toxic and can contribute to what has become known as “sick building syndrome” and this in turn can make people ill. The problem with sick building syndrome is that even though no mold is visible or can be smelt, the actual building is the cause of the problem and this has a knock-on effect for the business as a whole, as it is their responsibility.

To multiply and survive mold needs a good temperature, an undisturbed spot and moisture, so an area that is suffering from the damp and the cold can expect to be susceptible to mold growth.
If you need to remove mold then it is essential that you hire a professional company that has the experience and the know how to remove mold quickly and safely. A professional mold removal company will use the latest tools and techniques to remove the mold by removing all traces of mold from behind drywall and from carpeting etc. All items that need to be removed from the premises should be done so by being placed inside sealed bags, as this will prevent contamination spreading into the rest of the building.

The affected area should be isolated in order that any mold spores that have been disturbed do not filter throughout the rest of the building, also when handling contaminated materials safety equipment will need to be worn. If the people you have hired do not follow these simple safety rules then they are not professional mold removal experts and you will need to take action to replace them.





Friday, July 27, 2012

The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Carpet Drying

View of new carpet when walking upstairs
(Photo credit: Shana Lee)

It's easy to forget that commercial property can be affected by water damage just the same as residential properties, but there are some differences that do need to be considered when dealing with flooding in a commercial properties.

One major difference is the carpeting that is usually used in the buildings. Residential properties generally have carpet that is laid over padding. This means that not only does the carpet get damaged, but also the padding. The restoration process in a residential property usually involves removing the carpet and then removing the underlying padding and finally the tack strip. The carpet can then be dried, and possibly the padding to although in many cases it might be unsalvageable depending on how long it has been underwater. In a commercial property, this process is somewhat different. The carpet is often glued directly to the floor with no padding. This is good, because the carpet padding is usually the worst affected part, but on the other hand it makes it difficult to get to the underside of the carpet and ensure proper drying.

It is common for commercial properties to make use of air movers to dry carpets, but this only deals with the surface of the carpet and meanwhile the underside could become the perfect breeding ground for mold. That is why it is best to call in a professional waterdamage restoration company who will be trained to deal with these situations rather than rely on your usually janitorial or cleaning service. Professionals will ensure that air movers are used for extended periods of time – often an additional 24 hours or more after the surface area is dry so that the underlying moisture is also sucked out and dried. They will make use of moisture meters to ensure it is dry. The last thing you want is mold forming and making your employees or customers sick.

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