Do you want to improve air quality and reduce mold growth in your school? Here are some ways you can do so.
In school buildings, moisture can take place for several reasons. Some of the most common causes of moisture are leaky plumbing, humidity, condensation and roof leakages. The moisture in schools also has a lot to do with the ways buildings are being constructed for the past 2 to 3 decades. The school buildings of today are sealed more tightly, which discourages the outflow of humidity. Sometimes, moisture problems in school take place due to lack of maintenance, the cause of which is a lack of resources. Nowadays, portable classrooms and trailers are becoming more and more prone to moisture problems.
Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Schools
Minimize Indoor Humidity
- Showers and other sources of moisture should be vented towards the outside.
- Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to minimize indoor humidity.
- Maintain enough ventilation to keep indoor humidity somewhere between 30 and 60%.
- Whenever washing clothes and dishes, make sure to keep the doors and windows open.
Look Around for Mold, Mildew, and Leakages
- If you smell something musty and pungent, do not ignore it. It could be mold.
- Do not ignore watermarks and discoloration on the walls, floors, and ceilings. In most cases, such marks allude to water damage, which can lead to mold growth.
- Look for leakages, flooding, water stains and mold under the sink.
- Thoroughly inspect your bathrooms for mold growth, leakages, and water stains.
- Make sure water doesn’t stain in the drip pan under air-conditioners and refrigerators.
The Moment You Notice Leaks, Mold, Moisture, and Stains, Take Action Quickly
- To prevent mold growth, clean and dry any building finishes and materials. If moisture is left to stay, it will result in mold growth.
- Any leaking pipes or broken water faucets should be fixed as quickly as possible.
- Mold should be removed immediately from hard surfaces using a detergent. After cleaning, the surfaces should be dried for excess moisture.
- Absorbent materials should be replaced immediately, when moldy.
- The mechanical room should be inspected for leakages, flooding and mold damage,
- Use insulation to prevent moisture condensation on hard surfaces like windows, walls, ceilings, and pipes.
Clean Carpets and Floors
- Stains and spots on carpets should be cleaned immediately. The techniques used should be the ones prescribed by the manufacturer.
- Make sure the cleaned areas are dried quickly for any residues, which can lead to mold damage.
- Carpets shouldn’t be installed in areas that experience high humidity.
Use the aforementioned tips to minimize humidity and mold growth in your school.
