Routine Building Maintenance for Mold Prevention

Routine maintenance of a building is key to preventing future mold contamination. Let's go into a little more detail about maintenance issues.

Humidifiers

Furnace humidifiers are attached to your HVAC system. They need regular cleaning to prevent the growth of mold. The ducts where they are located also need to be checked to make sure that moisture has not leaked into the furnace or the filter. Standalone humidifiers need frequent cleaning, or else they become moldy and can spread spores throughout the area. Carpet surrounding humidifiers should be consistently checked to ensure that it is not wet.

HVAC Systems

HVAC systems should be maintained according to manufacturer directions. They need to be routinely checked for mold in the ventilation system, as this will quickly spread throughout the building. Drain pans, as well as condensate pans, can hold mold and bacteria growth if not drained properly. If they become blocked, or cannot drain properly, they also may allow water to enter the duct system. Filters for HVAC systems must be changed frequently as well.

Rooms Prone to Water Leaks

Toilet rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens are all prone to water leaks. They should be carefully monitored. Signs of a leak include the following:

• Rippling wall coverings
• Cracked drywall tape
• Warped drywall
• Peeling paint

Under Buildings

Water is often able to seep under buildings and into crawl spaces or basements. To help prevent these issues, a sump pump can be installed. Another option is to regrade the land around the building so that water drains away from the building.

Building Climate

Climate should be taken into consideration when determining landscaping and location for a new build, as well as when performing renovations. Buildings not suited to their environment are more likely to have mold issues.

To learn more about Mold visit our Mold Abatement, Remediation & Removal Online Training web page.