How to Prevent the Spread of Mold

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

If you have mold damage in your West Dundee, IL home call SERVPRO

Preventing Mold Spread

Mold cleanup is a significant undertaking and one that is only complicated in commercial and rental properties. Beyond the threat of black mold, mold spores can spread throughout a property well beyond the initial contamination site. Therefore, to protect your property and tenants, it is essential to take the appropriate steps to reduce the risk of spread.

1. Close Doors and Windows

When you have a mold problem, ventilation can be your enemy. While ventilation is useful for preventing initial mold growth, it can actually contribute to the spread of mold when a problem already exists. Therefore, to limit exposure, you should close doors and windows in an attempt to quarantine the problem to one area.

2. Turn HVAC System Off

While not always possible in commercial properties, you should turn off the HVAC system to the building. Leaving an HVAC unit on can increase the spread of the infestation by sucking and pushing mold spores through the ducts and throughout the property; this is especially important when dealing with black mold. If it is not possible to completely turn off the unit, then you may want to adjust the temperature settings to limit how often the unit turns on.

3. Turn Off Water

If the mold issue stems from a moisture problem caused by a leaky or broken pipe, then it is wise to turn off the water to that pipe. While it may not be possible to completely shut off the water supply to the building due to tenant rights, most rental properties will have individual shut-offs for each unit, allowing you to turn off the supply to the contaminated unit.

4. Call In a Specialist

Any fungal problem should be dealt with by a mold remediation specialist in the West Dundee, IL, area. These individuals are trained and certified in safe removal practices, meaning that you and your tenants are protected.

Any mold problem, especially toxic black mold, should be handled with care. The main concern is limiting exposure by preventing the spread of mold spores. Therefore, follow the steps above and contact a specialist.