Tips for Air Duct Mold Mitigation

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Maintain the air duct clean of your commercial building in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to avoid black mold.

Keeping the HVAC system in your commercial building in Roanoke Rapids, NC, clean should be one of your top priorities. Regular upkeep is necessary to regulate air quality and keep the vents free of black mold. If you have consistent fungus issues throughout your building, dirty ducts are the most likely culprit. 

Tips For Quick Mitigation And Prevention.

Inspection

The first step to fixing any problem is pinpointing what exactly the issue is. There are a few telltale signs to look for when you suspect there is mold growth in your air ducts:

• Musty odor
• Black spots on ceilings or walls near vents
• Poor air quality

If you notice any of these signs when you complete your regular building inspection, don't wait to call mold damage remediation specialists. The earlier they can start work on your mold problem, the easier it will be to resolve.

Mitigation

The first step that technicians will likely take is testing to see how pervasive the mold growth is. They may test not only the surfaces where patches are visible but also the concentration of spores in the air. This helps them determine the kind of mold they are dealing with and the location of the problem.

Wiping away the mold growth on the outside of the vents is not going to get rid of it for good. It will just keep coming back unless you have clean ducts. Mitigation efforts include not only cleaning and drying the ducts throughout the system but also identifying the underlying cause of the problem. For example, heavy condensation on the chillers can produce enough extra moisture to attract spores and promote growth. For long-term protection from black mold, you must resolve the problem that caused it.

Prevention

You can prevent mold growth in your building by adding a few key checkpoints to your routine maintenance list. Making sure your external drainage system, including gutters, downspouts, and trenches, is frequently cleaned protects your building from heavy precipitation. Watch for any signs of water damage in your building and, if you find them, call for remediation immediately to prevent secondary damage such as mold. Avoid installing carpet in areas that are particularly prone to excess moisture, such as the break room or any room with a sink or appliances that may leak.

When it comes to your HVAC system, moisture control and ventilation are vital to preventing mold growth. Look for wet spots from leaks or condensation during inspections. Replace air filters once a quarter and schedule a yearly system tune-up to keep the system running efficiently. Monitor the humidity level in your building and investigate to find the cause if it gets too high. Finally, it's a good idea to have your air ducts cleaned at least twice a year.

If you suspect you have a black mold problem in your commercial building, it's in your best interest to act quickly. Certified mold experts have the tools and experience to track down the cause, mitigate the damage and advise you on the best prevention methods moving forward.