Whether it’s a blizzard, tropical storm, hurricane, earthquake, tornado, etc., it’s no secret that most natural disasters make a mess. And while the severity and nature of this mess will depend on the location, strength, and type of event, even mild to moderate natural disasters can have a major impact on a facility’s operations and structural integrity. Moisture tends to rear its head following any type of natural disaster, due to broken pipes, flooding, melted ice, shifts in the ground, and so on. It’s crucial for businesses to quickly and properly deal with this moisture when it occurs, or else they may face a litany of long-term consequences, including mold, mildew, and more. Here’s why you will want to hire a reliable and experienced contractor for mold and mess after undergoing a natural disaster.

Moisture Leads to Mold, Mildew, and More Problems

On its face, water might not seem like a major threat to your facility or its people. However, an excess of moisture can have devastating effects on a building’s structural integrity and overall safety. In addition to short-circuiting electrical components, water leakage and intrusion can create an environment for fungal growth (namely mold and mildew). If allowed to thrive, mold and mildew can reduce a building’s air quality, pose health risks for individuals, and degrade structural features. Failing to engage in thorough storm debris removal and cleaning directly after a major weather event increases the likelihood of moisture-related problems such as these.

Professionals Will Know Where and How to Look for Moisture and Mold

Even if you know of the various problems that can come from weather-related moisture intrusion, you might not realize that your facility has a problem until it’s too late. Indeed, mold, mildew, and other messes aren’t always easily seen or identified by inexperienced eyes. By hiring a contractor after a natural disaster, you ensure that all your bases are covered. These professionals will know where moisture intrusion and mold growth are most likely to occur. Additionally, they’ll use state-of-the-art technology such as infrared (IR) inspection to detect the presence of moisture and other anomalies on roofs, building envelopes, electrical panels, and more.

Contractors Will Know the Nuances of Mold Remediation

Once moisture, mold, mildew, and other concerns have been found and properly identified, it’s imperative to amend the issue in a timely manner. There are various regulations and nuances regarding proper mold remediation that standard janitorial services most likely will not be able to address, so this task must be handled by professional contractors with the right certification. These protocols include tasks such as dust suppression, air sampling, removal of affected/damaged materials, and more.

Your Property’s Safety, Value, and Longevity Depends on Proper Moisture/Mold Mitigation and Remediation

A particular natural disaster might not yield major visible damage to your property. And yet, something as seemingly small as moisture intrusion can gradually ruin your facility. Your building maintenance efforts must take moisture into consideration, especially following a major weather event. Staying vigilant in this way will help ensure the longevity, safety, and value of your property. And the best way to stay on top of these matters is to partner up with a reliable mold remediation, storm cleanup, and/or full-service facility management contractor like The Budd Group. To learn more about all that The Budd Group can do for your business before and after a natural disaster, call us today at 800-221-8158, or send us an email at Solutions@BuddGroup.com!