Deferring Maintenance Can Have a Human Cost

Microbial growth in the building envelope can manifest due to a wide range of factors, such as:

• moisture intrusion from water and other leaks;
• missing insulation and hidden condensation;
• excessive indoor humidity at any temperature;
• inadequate ventilation (HVAC and otherwise);
• improper air filtration (under- or over-filtered);
• faulty building materials and workmanship;
• problematic systems and components;
• poor design and construction practices;
• neglected or hidden deferred maintenance;
• damage by nature or occupant misuse; and
• the simple ordinary passage of time.

When not discovered and addressed in a timely and professional manner, these issues can spiral rapidly out of control, resulting in structural damage, "sick building" environments, and occupant health issues.

Implications to property owners include reduced investment values due to significant remediation needs, downtime in leasing, reduced rental rates, potential litigation, and reputational effects that stigmatize the property and its ownership.