Common Questions About Mold-Related Smells in Your Building

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

There are times where you or other people might find a musty mold smell inside your Lochbuie, CO, commercial building. However, the mold it originates from can be outright impossible to find. You should not dismiss this situation, as mold can spread and further damage your building. Ask the necessary questions about this situation to find a strong solution.

What Causes the Smell?

The irritating fungus smell that signals the presence of mold is created by the organism's metabolism. It depends on a food source and the right climate to grow and reproduce. The digestive process releases gases known as microbial volatile organic compounds, which cause the distinctive odor. The intensity of the MVOC depends on numerous factors, such as the environment's humidity and the type of material the mold is feeding on.

Where Does Mold Hide?
Because mold requires a combination of small, dark habitats, humidity, and a food source to survive, it is not always in obvious places. The mold smell may originate from the following locations:

• Behind walls
  
• Inside ventilation, heating and cooling units
  
• Near plumbing systems
  
• Over expired food
  
• Areas affected by untreated water damage
  
  

The scent created by this organism provides a strong clue towards the location, but it is not always reliable. A commercial mold remediation specialist can detect the mold accurately.

How Is This Problem Resolved?
Once you call the professionals to your commercial building, they will use techniques such as thermal imaging cameras to find the source of the mold or mildew smell. These devices detect areas that are cooler in comparison to the rest of the building, which usually indicates high humidity. This is not a certainty, so the technicians will use tools such as a moisture meter to confirm whether the area has water damage or not.
A powerful mold smell can drive away people from your location and endanger your business. Ask the right questions and bring the right people to effectively eliminate the odor's source.