Summer Weather Calls For Humidity… and Mold

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

We all know that mold growth is a common concern after flooding or heavy rainfall, but mold can grow any time there is an abundance of water in an area if it isn’t eliminated quickly. The summer season is often associated with heat, but humid weather is also prevalent during the summer due to an increased amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. Moisture from the humidity can spawn mold growth if your business doesn’t adequately deal with it. While carpets and floors are usually the areas that sustain water damage during flooding, moisture due to humidity is commonly found on interior walls and doors, as water vapor can form on these surfaces in the event of high humidity levels indoors, creating the perfect conditions for mold growth.

Since removing mold is an arduous task, taking steps to protect your business from mold growth before it starts would be beneficial. Among these steps is controlling the humidity levels within the building, ensuring that they always stay below 60 percent during the summer. If humidity is especially prominent in the area in which your business is located, using a dehumidifier may help to maintain low humidity levels. If any condensation appears on the surfaces of walls or doors, make sure that you clean and dry the area as soon as possible using a clean rag or sponge. Keeping the windows and doors of your business closed while the air conditioning is turned on is a safe practice in order to prevent any outside humidity from entering the building.

Though you can take preventative measures to protect your business from mold, there is still a chance that it may develop. If this happens, don’t panic. Contact SERVPRO to analyze the situation and completely eliminate the mold. In the time being, you can regulate airflow and maintain low levels of humidity throughout your building to prevent it from spreading. With this understanding of how mold can grow in humidity, your business can best protect against mold during the hot and humid days of summer.