When mold goes unnoticed or unaddressed, it can compromise structural integrity, negatively impact indoor air quality, and even pose serious health risks to building occupants. Mold thrives in damp or humid conditions, which are surprisingly easy to find in commercial buildings, multi-unit residential properties, and even hospitals.

Facility managers know that regular inspections, timely repairs, and consistent moisture control, can protect not only the building itself but the well-being of everyone inside. In this article, we’ll walk through the essential do’s and don’ts of mold control and remediation to help you stay one step ahead of this often hidden threat.

How to Find and Control Mold Growth in Your Buildings

Here are the primary suggestions FACS environmental health experts regularly provide to our clients. These are generic, so your facility may require other actions.

Perform Regular Inspections

Create and use a routine schedule to check common trouble spots such as basements, bathrooms, leaky roofs, and HVAC systems. Early detection helps you address small problems before they become big ones

Control Humidity

• Maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%.
• Ensure proper ventilation — especially in kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.

Fix Water Intrusion Issues Promptly

Immediately address roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and any form of water infiltration. Quick response helps minimize the spread of mold spores. The sooner you address the problem, the sooner you can control it.

Clean and Dry Damp Areas Thoroughly to Stop Mold Growth

• Dry wet areas within 24-48 hours whenever possible
• Employ fans, open windows, or use specialized drying equipment
• Ask all users of the facility to report leaks immediately

Ensure Adequate Ventilation

• Regularly clean and maintain HVAC systems, including filters and ducts
• Keep vents clear to allow good air circulation
• Be sure your ventilation efforts don’t allow water infiltration

Use Proper Work Practices and Controls

Provide proper training equipment and PPE (e.g., gloves and masks rated for mold spore protection) for staff who clean or inspect mold. This reduces the risk of health issues and can help prevent cross-contamination.

Document Your Mold Control Work

Keep records of inspections, repairs, mold treatments, and any communications regarding mold issues. This documentation can be useful for compliance and liability purposes. FACS experts can show you how to implement proper recordkeeping.

How to Fail at Mold Control

Some actions you take combat mold growth, and others can enhance it.Some common mold control failures are listed below.

Ignore or Delay Fixing Leaks

Small leaks can quickly escalate into larger mold problems. Postponing repairs often leads to a more expensive fix in the long run.

Rely on “Bleach Alone” as a Cure-All

Bleach can mask the problem by killing and bleaching out surface growth; however, mold particles remain and can elicit allergic health effects. Proper mold clean up involves removal of mold particles, not just killing them. Consider professional mold remediation for larger amounts of mold growth.

Overlook Ventilation

Poor airflow lets moisture linger, creating an ideal mold environment. Regular filter changes and duct cleaning are key to preventing spread of mold spores.

Underestimate Hidden Mold

Mold often develops inside walls, crawl spaces, and ductwork. If there’s a musty odor or unexplained water stain, investigate further — even if you can’t see the mold. The longer you allow the problem to exist, the worse it is liable to get.

Attempt Major Remediation Without Expertise

Significant mold issues may require professional removal to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations. While in-house teams can address small issues, they often lack the specialized equipment and training to handle large-scale problems.

Neglect to Communicate with Occupants

Keep building occupants informed about mold findings, remediation steps, and timelines. This transparency promotes trust and cooperation — factors especially crucial in residential or healthcare settings.

Consistent moisture control, prompt response to leaks, regular inspections, and transparent communication can go a long way toward preventing and mitigating mold problems in your facility.

By striking the right balance between proactive measures (like humidity management and thorough inspections) and reactive measures (like quick leaks repairs and professional remediation), facility managers stand a much better chance of keeping mold in check.

Contact FACS by telephone: (888) 711-9998

Contact FACS online: Ask FACS