Mold will grow anywhere there is moisture, warmth, and oxygen. It can also survive in cold and dry places. Areas of high humidity and condensation are good places to find mold and mildew. Interior walls of a home or facility near the areas of moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and near windows are common places to find mold problems. If you suspect your commercial building or industrial facility may have mold: Contact us immediately for an assessment and the appropriate testing.

Mold and mildew thrive where moisture and heat can not be adequately ventilated, such as: closets, laundry rooms, utility rooms, equipment rooms, and kitchens. These places often have heat producing equipment that provide the conditions for mold to flourish.

Exposure to mold can affect people in different ways. Irritation of the skin, eyes, or digestive issues are a few examples that could result from exposure to mold. Fever, headache and even asthma attacks could be triggered by mold.

People with weakened immune systems and those at the extremes of age may be more likely to develop infections from mold.  If your immune system cannot keep the mold spores in check that are inhaled, the spores can bloom and rapidly divide, creating a pneumonia.

U.S. EPA’s web portal on mold

New York Times Article on Mold

Exposure to biological pollutants such as mold can cause an allergic reaction, which can range from minor to severe. Other pollutants that could cause a reaction are house dust mites, pets, protein-containing furnishings to name just a few. Pinnacle Property Inspections can test for all of these allergens in your building or workplace. Contact us for more information and pricing. In commercial and industrial facilities, including multi-family housing (i.e. apartment buildings, dorms, military barracks), more unusual allergens are found (i.e., bacterial enzymes, algae) and have caused asthma epidemics. Probably most proteins of non-human origin can cause asthma in a certain part of the population.

Mold can be hidden in places such as wall cavities, insulation, behind paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, carpets and pads, and where any kind of condensation forms. A building that has water damage may smell moldy. Residents may report health issues.

Hidden mold problems should be investigated by a independently consulting mold testing professional such as Pinnacle Property Inspections. The homeowner should not disturb potential sites of mold growth especially by cleaning with the use of harsh chemicals. We have the ability to test inside walls, in most cases without drilling a hole.  If you suspect that you have a hidden mold problem contact us immediately.

1. During humid months use an air conditioner or dehumidifier. The only way to control mold is to control moisture.
2. Increase circulation by opening doors, letting in fresh air, and using fans.
3. Do not install carpet in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, screened porches, or utility rooms.
4. When installing carpet over concrete it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier between carpet and concrete.
5. After proper testing and results, remediate by cleaning all hard surfaces with water and detergent and completely dry. Materials such as ceiling tile, carpets and insulation that are moldy will need to be professionally cleaned or replaced.
6. Reduce indoor humidity level (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: installing ventilation in bathrooms and utility rooms and other locations that generate heat.
7. Health effects and symptoms associated with mold contact and exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.
8. If mold is a problem in your residence or place of work, you should have it tested by a professional immediately.
9. Cover dirt in crawlspaces with plastic to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Crawlspaces should be well ventilated.
10. It has been reported that up to 75,000 species of mold exists and possibly up to a million unidentified. Mold growth can be found on vertical or horizontal surfaces as long as there is condensation or moisture present.

A variety of conditions could be the cause of moisture in commercial and industrial buildings. Leaky roofs, problems with plumbing, mechanical leaks, and high levels of humidity could cause moisture issues. Delays in having these issues repaired due to lack of skilled labor or budget cuts can increase the effects of these issues. Temporary structures used around schools and workplaces, such as portable classrooms are highly acceptable to moisture issues. Pinnacle Property Inspections can test in any size location day, night and weekends.