5 Signs Your Commercial Building Needs Professional Mold Inspection

What you can’t see might be the biggest threat to your commercial building—mold. It is more than just an unsightly nuisance. It could be a serious health risk. It could also be a severe structural hazard. And your commercial building might not even be spared. Why? Because even an unseen small leak can be its source. And 85% of buildings surveyed in the EPA’s Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation (BASE) study were found to have experienced water damage in the past. Whereas, 45% of the buildings were found to be experiencing leaks, causing water damage. Also, 34% of the buildings had ongoing leaks.

All of this translates to one thing: the perfect breeding ground for mold. Now, with mold-related issues growing within the buildings and the indoor air quality’s impact on employee health (eventually also affecting an employee’s productivity), it’s better to know beforehand when your building might be at risk.

In this blog, we will talk about five major signs that clearly indicate that there’s something moldy going on. Also you might also need to schedule a professional mold inspection for your building.

Signs of Mold Issues in Your Building

Here are five signs of mold issues in your commercial building:

Unexplained Allergies and Health Issues

Lately, have your employees been complaining about unexplained health issues? Especially allergies, sneezing, coughing, or skin irritation? These are some of the major signs of mold issues on your commercial property.

Mold spores thrive in damp environments, are airborne, and can be easily inhaled by anyone in the building. Also, yes, you might mistake these symptoms for seasonal allergies or colds, but the hook is that when these allergies are caused by mold, they persist and worsen over time. If several people in your building are experiencing these symptoms without an obvious cause, it may be time to consider a professional mold inspection.

Visible Mold Growth

One of the most obvious signs of mold in commercial buildings is, of course, visible mold growth. But what you might see is just the tip of the iceberg. However, it is enough to realize something big is coming your way or, worse, is already there. Often, mold appears as green, black, or even as fuzzy spots on ceilings, walls, or around windows. So, you must pay close attention to these areas.

You might also find mold colonies thriving under carpets, behind walls, or within HVAC systems. Ignoring this could lead to extensive damage to the building’s structure and a growing health risk for everyone in the building.

Musty Odor

The earthy, damp, and pungent smell that you might be experiencing in your building is more than just a smell. It is a distinct, musty odor associated with mold within commercial buildings. It is caused by the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released by mold as it grows and spreads.

You might smell a strong smell in areas with poor ventilation, like storage rooms, basements, or near leaking pipes. Even if you can’t “see” the mold, the persistent odor is a clear sign that moisture has made its way in. So, it’s better not to ignore this odor, as it can only lead to more significant issues down the road.

Water Leaks and Moisture Issues

If you’re concerned about what drives mold, then this is it: water leaks and moisture issues. They are the main culprits behind mold growth in commercial buildings. Whether it is a slow drip from a pipe, condensation from an HVAC system, a leaky roof, or any other source of moisture, all of this is actually what drives mold (if not addressed properly and right away).

Moisture seeps into walls, ceilings, and floors, creating the perfect environment for mold spores to germinate and spread. Even minor leaks that seem insignificant can lead to significant problems over time as the moisture accumulates and penetrates deeper into building materials. It’s not just the visible water damage you need to worry about—hidden leaks can cause mold to develop in places that are difficult to detect. Both the structural integrity of the building and the health of its occupants can be compromized if mold is left unchecked. 

Discoloration and Stains

If you see any sort of discoloration and stains on walls, floors, or ceilings, take that as an early sign of water damage and potential mold growth in your building. You might see the stains appear as brown, yellow, or sometimes even black. This is a clear indication that moisture has seeped into your building materials.

How does this discoloration occur? When water soaks through the materials, it brings in dust, rust, and other contaminants that leave visible marks. By the time these stains darken and spread, it signals a persistent moisture issue that might be worsening over time. Most of the time, you might also sense a musty odor with discoloration, which is, again very strong evidence of mold activity.

Ignoring these stains not only increases the risk of mold but can also lead to structural damage as the water continues to weaken the building’s integrity. So, it is always better to address the root cause of discoloration through a thorough inspection that can prevent further damage and ensure a safe environment for all building occupants.

Conclusion

When it is about mold, addressing the visible problems in your commercial building is not just enough. You also need to take proactive measures to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of your property. Most of the time, mold hides in places you don’t normally check, and by the time you “see” it, most of the damage has already been done. It would have affected the health of the occupants and the structural integrity of the building. This is why you need to get a professional mold inspection. A thorough mold inspection process can help identify hidden mold growth, locate sources of moisture, and provide you with a clear plan to address the issues before they worsen.

By investing in mold inspections, you protect your building from structural damage, ensure a healthy environment for everyone inside, and avoid the costly repairs that unchecked mold growth can cause. Don’t wait for visible signs or health complaints to take action—schedule a mold inspection with Elite Commercial Inspections today to keep your commercial building safe, sound, and mold-free.