Monthly Archives: August 2015

Keeping Safe If You Think You Have Mold

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In 2012, Superstorm Sandy became the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history, affecting New Jersey and 23 other states. Lingering effects include persistent mold infestations resulting from chronic dampness in flooded homes. It’s estimated that it will take a minimum of seven years to fully restore affected areas.

Claire Galiano, a health and safety trainer for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has been traveling Eastern states leading seminars educating residents about mold treatment. Here are some of her tips for safely dealing with an infestation in your home.

  • There are several brands of paint and other items on the market aimed at preventing mold. Be sure to learn about any product you may use as some of them can be toxic.
  • Black mold is the most well-known of the 16 toxic species, but testing is needed to determine whether a patch of black mold is the toxic variety.
  • When cleaning out a moldy area, use a respirator, goggles and ear plugs to prevent mold spores from entering your body. Afterwards, immediately place protective gear into a plastic bag to keep the spores from dispersing to begin a new colony.
  • Mold spores can become trapped in porous surfaces like wood paneling or furniture upholstering. Galliano recommends, “If in doubt, throw it out.”
  • A mixture of powder Cascade, Borax soap and water makes a safe cleaning solution. Dispose of brushes, clothes and any other materials immediately after use.

If your New Jersey home requires mold treatment, let our trained technicians handle it with our innovative MoldExterm system. Visit our website to learn why MoldExterm is a safe, effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional remediation.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

Don’t Tear Out Walls MoldExterm Seals Mold Spores In Patented Coatings

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Many homeowners delay or avoid mold treatment because of concerns that remediation will have to include ripping out drywall and tearing up floors and walls. Fortunately, modern technology offers a solution that keeps your house intact while eliminating the spread and contamination of mold.

The patented process of MoldExterm kills the mold (as well as any bacteria and viruses that may be present) and seals the surfaces with a special polymer. The result: EPA-approved mold treatment plus a barrier that prevents mold from returning — without ripping out walls.

Stern Mold offers this safe and effective option for NYC mold treatment so homeowners and tenants can enjoy healthy living without the expensive, complicated process of major renovations.

Preventing mold growth through cleaning and dehumidifying can help. However, existing mold growths can go dormant and come back stronger if not treated properly.

MoldExterm Treatment vs. Traditional Mold Remediation

Before the MoldExterm system came available for NYC mold treatment, people felt stuck between a rock and a hard place. Either live with dangerous mold, or find a low-tech mold remediation service. With remediation, drywall and structural elements likely need to be destroyed and replaced — turning a cleaning task into a major home rehabilitation.

With MoldExterm, treatment and coatings can be applied in as little as one day. The two-part process of antimicrobial treatment and polymer coating destroys the mold and prevents spores from entering the home.

Stern Mold can help you get back your home comfort — without the need to stay in a hotel for days or weeks, and without the fear of mold returning. Contact Stern Mold for a free inspection and quote for NYC mold treatment.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

Elderly Tenants Forced to Move Due to “Mold Nightmare”

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Your home is your sanctuary and refuge, making NYC mold treatment an important factor in preserving livability. Imagine the dismay and frustration of elderly tenants living in an Alabama housing development who have been coping with three years of mold problems.

Residents of Spring Gardens Housing in Tarrant first discovered patches of black mold three years ago. Documents reviewed by AL.com, an Alabama news site, indicated that housing ownership and officials received environmental lab reports documenting the problem dating back to that period.

Emails and other documents indicate that some of the mold and structural problems were remediated, but the issue persisted. As recently as last April, Jefferson County Housing Authority (JCHA) conducted an inspection of 100 apartments they manage in the development. The report revealed evidence of mold in 14 of the 70 occupied units.

A resident of Spring Gardens spoke with AL.com about the way he’s been shuttled back and forth due to the mold issue. He was forced to move three times in a two-week period, with no solution in sight. The man also allowed the reporter to photograph a rash on his upper chest that may have been caused by the housing conditions.

A spokesman for Navigate Affordable Housing Partners, Inc., which took over management at the beginning of 2015, insists the agency maintains a commitment to the residents. However, it’s unclear whether they conducted an inspection on the non-JCHA units.

Don’t allow your family to be put through this nightmare. Contact us for information about our safe and effective NYC mold treatment that eliminates the problem and implements measures to prevent a reoccurrence.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, News

Keeping Mold Away After Water Damage Cleanup

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Water is the lifeblood of mold, providing the elements that sustain its life and growth. It’s no surprise, then, that if your home has been flooded, it becomes a hotspot for a potential mold infestation.

If your home suffers water damage, cleanup should be done with an eye toward possible mold danger signs. Experts recommend these tips for successful preventive mold treatment.

  • Flood waters can contain any number of chemicals, pollutants and other bacteria-ridden substances. Be firm about discarding anything that has been touched by the water, no matter how minimal the contact.
  • Discard objects with a porous surface like wood that can retain moisture even when it appears dry. This includes wood paneling, carpeting and pads, and upholstered furniture.
  • Clean all remaining items with an anti-microbial solution that will inhibit mold growth. Bleach throws up a roadblock and slows the process, but it’s not strong enough to kill mold.
  • During clean-up, mold spores can be transmitted through the air. In addition, an infestation may already be developing in a hidden area. Be sure to wear a protective mask to avoid inhaling the spores.
  • Take measures to create air movement and remove moisture from the area, such as installing a dehumidifier. Even after the flood damage has been cleared, dampness creates an atmosphere conducive to mold development.

Has your home recently sustained flood damage? Don’t take a chance with you and your family’s well-being. Allow our professional technicians to give you peace of mind with our safe and effective mold treatment. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

Not All Mold is the Variety Called Black Mold

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Heat Helps Increase Mold Growth

Not All Mold Is Black Mold

With all the attention given to the issue of black mold, it can be easy to assume that any growth found in your home belongs to this variety. In reality, a type called aspergillus is the one most commonly found in homes and offices, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here are some other tips to prevent mold and minimize the effects of an infestation.

  • Do periodic inspections for visible signs of mold or moisture problems. Water stains, foundation cracks and peeling paint can be evidence of a current or potential mold issue.
  • Don’t attempt mold treatment on your own. Items such as mattresses, linens and sofas should be discarded if they show visible mold growth. Solid wood furniture can be an exception as long as a thorough cleaning removes all signs of mold.
  • Learn to recognize the physical effects of mold exposure such as red and itchy eyes, irritated skin and runny nose. More serious reactions can include fever and shortness of breath.
  • Fight mold infestation before it starts by being proactive about controlling moisture. Repair leaks in faucets and pipes as soon as you discover them. Immediately clean and dry any wet or damp surfaces. Keep kitchens, bathrooms and other moisture-generating areas well-ventilated.
  • If your home requires professional mold treatment, make sure a plan is in place to address moisture issues so the problem does not reoccur.

Unlike most traditional remediation, our MoldExterm process includes a patented biomedical polymer seal to sterilize surfaces and keep mold from returning. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News