During Regular Building Maintenance, Remember To Check Your Ceiling

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth on a ceiling due to humidity.

Remember to Check Your Ceiling During Building Maintenance

When it's time to do preventative maintenance at your Cheltenham, PA, facility, don't overlook your ceiling tiles. Most commercial buildings have long-lasting, durable ceilings, which make them easy to forget. However, the porous material in many ceilings makes them vulnerable to dirt, water stains or tile mold.

Tile Inspection

When you evaluate your ceiling, look for tile discoloration or warping due to water damage. Even if your roof is intact, suspended ceilings are susceptible to damage from:

• Leaky pipes
  
• Humidity or condensation in the ductwork
  
• Dust and dirt, especially around vents
  
  

Grids can also become warped or rusty from exposure to water and humidity.

Maintenance

Your ceiling may have collected more dust and dirt than you expected. Wipe the grid with a damp cloth and some cleaner to see if it makes a clean spot. If so, your ceiling tiles are dirty, too. Clean your ceiling with a soft broom or a gentle commercial cleaner with no solvents.
Now is a good time to check any pipes or ductwork above the ceiling, especially in areas that appear stained or damaged. Cleaning your ductwork as part of a general maintenance routine will reduce the amount of dust above your ceiling.
If you find tile mold, a professional remediation company can help you find hidden water sources and mitigate damage.

Tile Replacement

If you need to replace some of your damaged tiles, check to see if the manufacturer still makes your pattern. It's a good idea to buy what you need plus about 2 percent extra to have on hand in case of future water damage or tile discoloration.
If you notice a big color difference between the old and new tiles, consider replacing all of them for a uniform look.
Maintaining the ceiling in your Cheltenham, PA, facility is a good way to keep problems like tile mold and excess dirt from getting out of hand.