Mold, mildew, and rust are a facility manager’s worst nightmare. These structural issues can not only cause a loss of property value but can be precursors to accidents or damage to your facility equipment. If you see signs of these problems, it may be too late to stop equipment damage from following.
Preventing the spread of mold, mildew, and rust requires knowledge and a proactive approach to maintenance. At MaintenX, we help our clients keep facility structures and equipment in tip-top shape. By preventing rust, mildew, and mold we reduce maintenance costs and keep your tenants happy.
The first step to prevention is auditing. By identifying areas susceptible to water damage, you can better prepare and prevent mold, mildew, and rust. The two biggest culprits are leaks and areas of uncontrolled humidity. Your maintenance contractor should be able to help you predict water damage risks and develop a plan to prevent them with waterproofing and other maintenance services.
After a thorough facility audit, you should budget and schedule waterproofing services for at-risk areas. Waterproofing is the most effective way to prevent water damages of all kinds. While the services may seem expensive, they can save you from costly, unexpected repairs on critical equipment. You have several waterproofing options to discuss with your maintenance team:
- Caulking – Caulking is the most common, and most affordable form of waterproofing. Caulk is typically used around cracks and openings such as windows and vents. Caulk should be regularly inspected for cracks or wear.
- Elastomeric coatings – This type of waterproof paint coating is ideal for roofing and other exterior surfaces of your facility. It creates a thin layer of waterproof protection that is resistant to all types of outdoor conditions and is relatively inexpensive.
- Waterproof membrane – Waterproof membranes can be expensive, as they are applied at the time new roofing is being constructed. However, they provide the most durable water protection for commercial facilities.
Investing in waterproofing will save you in the long-term on repairs and maintenance services. However, if you are already experiencing mold, mildew, or rust problems, there are several steps you can take to stop the issue in its tracks:
Find the culprit. In order to stop mold, mildew, or rust from growing you must first find the water source that’s causing the damage. The only way to treat the problem, instead of symptoms, is by fixing the source.
Remove the damaged surfaces. Unfortunately, the only way to truly remove mold, mildew, and rust is to extract it from the surface. You cannot reverse these types of damages and will have to invest in removal services for the damaged areas.
If mold is the issue, treat your facility immediately. Mold is a fungus, and just like any other pest must be exterminated. You must stop new mold from growing where the original problem started which requires special chemicals and treatments from your maintenance team. Talk to your maintenance team about mold and stain removal options that are safe for your building and tenants.
If you are experiencing mold, mildew, or rust problems at your facility, call MaintenX today. We can provide removal services as well as waterproofing services to keep your building in tip-top shape. Contact us today for more details.
