Spring is here, which means it’s a great time to open the classroom windows and get some fresh air. Unfortunately, with thawing winter snows and rising humidity, it’s also a great time for mold growth. How can you detect and protect your school from mold?
What Are Some Signs of Mold?
Here are some things to look out for.
- Someone sees or smells mold. A new moldy or musty smell or new stains on the walls are both good signs you have mold.
- The school has had water damage. Leaky pipes, leaky roofs, leaky furnaces are all common causes of school water damage. On top of the regular causes, thawing snow can overwhelm your gutters and cause water damage. If water damage occurs, make sure it is completely dried right away to prevent mold. Mold can only grow in moist areas, but once walls, carpets, or floors are wet, mold can grow in as little as 24 hours. Even high humidity and condensation can be enough for mold to grow.
- Students or faculty have new or worse allergy symptoms. Mold can cause respiratory symptoms, such as irritated lungs. It can even cause asthma attacks in people with asthma. Luckily, these symptoms will improve as soon as the mold is cleaned.
When Should You Call a Professional?
To guarantee your teachers’ and students’ peace of mind, you should call a mold inspection professional right away if you suspect you have mold. A mold inspector will use specialized tools to find hidden mold. In a building as large as a school, it’s important to catch any mold right away so it doesn’t spread unnoticed. Using tools like moisture meters and infrared sensors, a mold inspector can get a complete picture of the mold problem.
If mold is found, mold remediation can start. Mold remediation is the process of carefully removing mold so spores do not spread, treating and sanitizing the moldy area, and rebuilding any unsalvageable materials. With professional mold remediation, you can be sure your school will be safe for your students and staff.
Green Restoration Makes the Grade
At Green Restoration, we can start with a mold inspection. If we find mold, we can help you plan a mold remediation strategy. We are experienced and use eco-friendly, kid-safe cleaners. Contact us today for a free inspection.