Although people may think that residential and commercial mold remediation are the same, several notable differences exist. A prime example is that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) places stricter safety and health regulations on commercial buildings. The good news, though, is that iMold in Fort Myers is a professional mold remediation team, and we can handle both residential and commercial mold remediation.
The process of mold remediation includes the removal and cleaning of any visible mold in your home or business. By the time we’re finished, musty odors and other side effects of mold growth will be eliminated.
Residential vs. Commercial Mold Remediation
When comparing commercial and residential mold remediation services, pay attention to what they have in common compared to what they don’t. To begin, we’re going to look more closely at these five specific categories:
- Scope
- Regulations
- Complexity
- Cost
- Liability
Scope of the Mold Remediation
Residential mold remediation in Fort Myers typically has a much smaller scope. It is often confined to just one or two rooms. On the contrary, commercial mold tends to spread across several rooms and can even be in the entire building.
Regulations Regarding Mold Remediation
As stated above, commercial mold remediation means following OSHA regulations, along with industry-specific rules and EPA guidelines. There are regulations and health codes in a residential property as well, but they’re not as strict. Failure to follow all commercial regulations can lead to legal issues and fees.
Complexity of the Mold Remediation
Having a localized area of mold in a residential home is typically much less complex than taking care of an entire commercial business. Not only does a residential property typically have fewer rooms and less overall space, but it also has a simpler HVAC system.
Meanwhile, commercial properties often use an extensive HVAC system that can be prone to mold infiltration. To address this problem, mold remediation specialists may have to filter, clean and contain the entire HVAC system.
Cost Differences
Performing mold remediation at a residential property is often much less expensive due to the size and scope involved. Commercial businesses, on the other hand, tend to involve a much larger space, which increases the cost. Additionally, our Fort Myers mold remediation team may use specialized procedures and equipment.
Liability for Mold Exposure
In a residential home, the homeowner and their family face the health risks of mold exposure. Commercial properties have a much bigger liability risk. Their employees and customers can take legal action, interrupt the flow of business and make liability claims. Plus, if the building is rented, the number of tenant complaints can further hinder your remediation efforts.
What Are the Symptoms of Mold Exposure?
Mold exposure can be evident in various ways. If you notice any of the following symptoms, consider professional mold remediation immediately:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Throat irritation
- Red, itchy, irritated eyes
- Rashes
- Hives
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Other issues you might face include having similar symptoms to seasonal allergies and worsening asthma symptoms. Additionally, anyone with a weakened immune system is more likely to get an infection. Seek a mold inspection right away if people in your home or business begin to exhibit these symptoms.
Failure to act could cause your employees or family long-term symptoms of mold exposure. Beyond being frustrating and irritating, long-term symptoms can cause serious, lifelong health issues. These symptoms include:
- Lung inflammation/scarring
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma exacerbation
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Muscle and joint pain
- Organ damage
Some people may have more serious mold reactions due to individual sensitivities. Some molds may also produce mycotoxins, toxins that pose significant health risks. Mycotoxins may cause or increase the risk of:
- Allergies
- Immunosuppression
- Some types of cancer
- Organ damage
- Death
As you can see, the risk of someone becoming sick is serious. If you don’t address your mold issue, you or your landlord could potentially face serious legal liabilities.
Best Ways to Remove Commercial Mold
Now that you have a better understanding of the dangers of mold, let’s turn our attention to getting rid of it. Here is a list of best practices for business owners.
Contact a Professional Mold Company
The first step to eliminating mold is to call a professional mold remediation company for an inspection. Our team of experts in Southwest Florida will conduct a thorough inspection, including moisture mapping and air quality testing. We’ll find the source of your mold problem, address it, and stop it from returning to keep your building safe and healthy for its inhabitants.
Stop the Mold From Spreading
Preventing the mold from spreading into unaffected areas is paramount. To do this, we use negative air pressure systems, air scrubbers, and containment barriers.
Find the Moisture Behind Mold
Without damp conditions, mold can’t grow. Therefore, we will root out any moisture and take steps to prevent a recurrence. Controlling humidity, improving your building’s drainage and repairing leaks can shut down future mold growth.
Follow All Regulatory Guidelines
Mold remediation is not an issue you can simply ignore. Instead, you’ll need to take care of it while also following all guidelines from your local health department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and OSHA.
Make a Plan to Continue Business
As long as the mold in your building is fully contained, you can work out a remediation plan that allows you and your employees to keep working and your business to stay open. Many options are available to you, including weekend scheduling, temporary closures, or phased work. With the right business plan, you can stay open and profitable.
Best Ways to Remove Residential Mold
Many of the best practices listed above also apply to residential buildings. For small buildups of mold on your counters, you can scrub, rinse and dry the area, along with using a biocide. For anything else, though, it will be in your best interests to contact our professional team, who can get to the source of the mold and eradicate it.
Avoiding Future Mold
Once we’ve addressed your mold problem, preventing its comeback is critical. Take steps to control moisture by reducing humidity and addressing leaks right away. Furthermore, maintain good airflow in your commercial business or residential home by using fans, opening your windows and placing furniture wisely.
Other tips to help you avoid mold include:
- Mold-resistant products
- Regular cleaning
- Monitoring indoor humidity
- Reducing clutter
Fort Myers Best Mold Remediation
Whether you live in a residential property or you’ve developed a mold issue at a commercial property, iMold is the answer. We offer extensive residential and commercial mold services along with vehicle mold remediation. We’ve proudly served the Fort Myers area for 28+ years and have become the top-rated mold remediation company in Southwest Florida.
Is your residential home or business dealing with a mold issue? Reach out to iMold in Fort Myers for assistance.
