Building Owner’s Guide to Mold Remediation

Did You Know?• Home and building owners in New York City should know that mold is often

excluded from homeowner and building insurance policies.

• Mold exposure has been linked to several adverse health effects and symptoms.

• Mold prevention is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

• Mold prevention comes down to controlling moisture.

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9 Steps for Mold Prevention

Solve moisture problems early and make your building much less hospitable for mold proliferation.

1. Repair Leaks• Repair any leaks in the

building envelope (roof and walls) ASAP.

• Conduct regular inspections for early identification of problems.

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2. Identify Condensation• Look for condensation and

damp areas.

• Find the source of the moisture problem and fix it.

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3. Remove Unused ItemsRemove any old or unused materials that are prone to mold germination, like ceiling tiles and carpet padding.

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4. Lower Humidity Levels

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Keep humidity levels as low as you can, below 60% relative humidity, and ideally between 30-50%.

5. Keep Drip Pans Clean

Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean and unobstructed.

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6. Vent Appliances

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Dryers and other appliances that produce moisture should be properly vented to the outside of the building.

7. Regular Inspections and MaintenancePerform regular building and HVAC inspections and maintenance.

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8. Appropriate Cleaning ProductsUse cleaning products that are designed to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

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9. Proper Flooring• Remove or replace carpets

and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried immediately.

• Consider using tile or flooring material other than carpet in areas with a lot of moisture, like bathrooms and basements.

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Recap: Keep It Dry!1. Repair any leaks in the building envelope and conduct regular

inspections for early identification of problems.

2. Look for condensation, find the source of the moisture problem and fix it.

3. Remove any materials that are prone to mold germination, like ceiling tiles and carpet padding. Often mold stems from building materials or personal property that doesn’t dry properly.

4. Keep humidity levels as low as you can, below 60% relative humidity, and ideally between 30-50%.

5. Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean and unobstructed.

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Recap: Keep It Dry!6. Dryers and other appliances that produce moisture should be

vented to the outside of the building.

7. Perform regular building and HVAC inspections and maintenance.

8. Use cleaning products that are designed to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

9. Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried immediately. Consider not using carpets in areas with a lot of moisture, like bathrooms and basements.

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For More Information

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Mold prevention information and remediation for commercial properties like apartment, condominium and co-operative buildings is available from the Environmental Protection Agency.

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877-576-5200

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