High humidity levels, frequent rain showers and condensation have been identified as the primary culprits responsible for mold-related problems in commercial buildings located close to Florida’s Coasts.
Mold growth typically occurs as a result of long-term accumulation of excess moisture in building materials and components. As an example, unprotected masonry and concrete structures, which are very porous and therefore capable of absorbing and retaining excess moisture and water, can create a favorable environment for mold growth and proliferation.
Commercial Paint Contractors: The First Steps toward Eliminating and Preventing Mold
To correctly evaluate the extent of mold-related problems in commercial buildings, commercial paint contractors go beyond locating the source of the problem and inspecting the areas affected.
They also analyze building envelope performance along with existing surface treatments, interactions between different building materials and components, potential building design/construction defects, drainage problems, plumbing and ventilation failures.
For instance, using different building materials in the hot and humid climate of Florida without considering their waterproofing and breathability characteristics might facilitate water ingress and moisture accumulation in buildings, and even cause condensation within the building envelope.
Left unaddressed, all these will eventually lead to extensive mold infestations, potentially followed by dry rot and permanent structural damage.
Although the EPA recommends a series of measures that can be implemented to address moisture problems before they escalate into severe fungal contamination, professional commercial paint contractors can prevent and even eliminate mold-related problems for good by simply using specialty paints and coatings.
Mold-Resistant Paint Can Mitigate the Risk of Mold Growth
Our commercial paint contractors have gathered below a few essentials that explain how mold-resistant paint works and why it should be used in the humid weather of Florida.
- Mold-resistant coatings contain fungicides and mildewcides.
Nowadays, paint manufacturers provide paint product lines that contain the maximum amounts of fungicides and mildewcides recommended by the EPA. As a result, these products are very effective against mold spores.When mold spores come in contact with the paint film, the fungicides and mildewcides penetrate cells’ walls, disrupting their function and preventing them from growing and reproducing.
- Most mold-resistant paint products are water-based.
Because alkyd paints contain high levels of organic solvents, they provide an excellent food source for mold.To prevent mildew and mold from forming on painted surfaces, commercial paint contractors use acrylic-latex paints, which are more effective at inhibiting mold growth compared to alkyds.
- Mold-resistant paints developed for outdoor applications seal surfaces.
Over the years, a wide variety of mold-resistant paints and coatings have been specifically developed for outdoor applications.Not only do these products prevent mold growth in moisture-prone locations like Jacksonville and Tampa, FL; they also form a low-porosity paint film that seals surfaces, stopping water and moisture from entering wall assemblies.
On top of that, commercial paint contractors suggest using high-quality mold-resistant primers, which provide an additional layer of protection and make it more difficult for mold spores to reach substrates.
Even after the mildewcides have leached out, the paint film can prevent mold spores from reaching and feeding on the organic substances commonly used in building materials.
If you’ve noticed any signs of mold in your commercial facility, Performance Painting Contractors can help you get rid of mold-related problems for good and keep your building as healthy and safe as possible. To schedule an expert inspection in Jacksonville, Tampa or adjacent locations, please give us a call today at (904)-641-4800 or (813)-308-0388.
