Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

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

Presence of Mold Can Drop Your Real Estate Value

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Having a mold problem in your home taken care of as soon as possible is important for health and safety reasons, but don’t overlook the financial consequences as well. Black mold can reduce your home’s value, making it much harder for you to sell and increasing the risk of having to settle for a lower price.

The owners of the Coe mansion in Meriden, CT found this out the hard way while trying to sell the property. The mansion, which dates back to 1875, has dropped in price from $899,000 to $595,000, but the owners are expecting to get even less for it when they do find a buyer. Black mold has been found inside the property, creating a health risk, and the home has been vandalized a number of times. The Coe mansion has been vacant for several years and has not been well-maintained, which explains the presence of mold and other problems. Despite having 8,600 square feet of space on 1.4 acres, the mansion will require extensive work, including mold removal.

The drastic drop in price for the Coe mansion is an important lesson for homeowners to keep in mind. If you’ll be putting your home on the market soon, hiring NJ mold treatment services sooner rather than later is essential. Otherwise, your home could end up on the market for a lot longer than you expected.

If you think you have a mold problem, contact Stern Mold. Our NJ mold treatment experts can safely get rid of these harmful growths in order to keep your home environment a healthy one for you and your family.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, MoldExterm, News

Even Animals Suffer From a Mold Infestation

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For some homeowners, the prospect of mold infestation never becomes a problem while for others, a home with mold has been a reality. When mold infests a home, it causes damage that must be repaired. It also poses a health issue not only for humans, but also for pets.

Health-Related Issues

For humans, a variety of issues can result from black mold growth. These include:

  • Sinus infections
  • Allergic reactions
  • Asthma
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Eye irritation

For pets, common health issues can include:

  • Upper respiratory problems
  • Eye ulcers

Depending on the severity of the mold infestation can determine the type of treatment necessary.

Mold Remediation

This was the standard process of choice for many years. Through this process, infected building materials are removed and replaced. This can be a time consuming process as it will take however long is necessary to make repairs especially if remediation encompasses a large area. Remediation can also be expensive as it requires hands-on labor to remove the affected areas containing mold.

Mold Treatment

At Stern, our experienced NJ mold treatment technicians use a different approach using MoldExterm. This treatment addresses the source of the mold versus just the symptoms.

MoldExterm does not involve the removal and reconstruction of infested areas. It is safer, cost-effective, and takes much less time than remediation. The versatile and durable product removes and kills the toxic mold and provides a base that resists future infestations of mold, mildew or other microbial contaminants.

For more information on NJ mold treatment for your home or business, or to schedule a free mold inspection, contact Stern by phone or use our convenient online form.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

NY Moves to License Mold Treatment Professionals

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Early this year, New York state lawmakers took a important in protecting consumers when it comes to NYC mold treatment. On January 29. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill to establish licensing and work standards for mold inspection, assessment and remediation specialists.

The bill becomes law on July 28, 2015. Here’s a look at some of the major points specified by this legislation.

  • Mold assessment is clearly defined as inspection of property designed to uncover mold growth as well as conditions that are favorable to developing mold. Mold remediation involves removal, cleaning, sanitizing and waste disposal.
  • Individuals must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a license. Requirements are completion of a New York State Department of Labor-approved course, including training on the use and care of personal protection equipment, and payment of appropriate licensing fees. Registered architects and professional engineers are exempt when performing duties within the scope of their practice.
  • Licensed individuals are prohibited from acting as both the assessment contractor and the remediation contractor.
  • A specific remediation plan, including estimated cost and time frame, must be completed and posted.
  • Containment cannot be removed until the assessment licensee reviews the remediation and gives clearance.
  • Licensing will be good for two years, at which point the licensee may be recertified by taking a refresher course, also created by NYSDOL.

Our trained technicians are always in compliance with any requirements for NYC mold treatment specialists. We use a proprietary MoldExterm system that is more efficient and cost-effective and less invasive than traditional mold remediation. Visit our website to learn more about our state-of-the-art mold removal technology.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

Wet Spring and Summer Brings Increase in Mold Problems

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Our wet weather has led to more mold problems.

Our wet weather has led to more mold problems.

If it seems like it has been an unusually wet spring and summer, it isn’t just your imagination. Above average rainfall levels, especially on the East Coast, have created the perfect conditions for mold to take over basements, crawl spaces and other dark areas. For homeowners, mold can cause a variety of health and safety problems, but with NJ mold treatment services, you can protect your family and restore your home.

Dangers of Mold

While mold may seem like a harmless inconvenience, black mold releases spores that can cause symptoms that range from eye irritations to vomiting and bleeding lungs. That is why it is important to invest in professional help when eradicating mold from your home. Mold treatment experts have the tools and experience to limit the spread of spores and clean your home in as little as one day.

Treatment Options

In the past, removing mold has often meant ripping down walls or completely demolishing homes. Today, with the advent of new technology, NJ mold treatment services can actually remove mold without causing further damage to your home. At Stern Mold, our popular two-step removal process works to kill and deodorize any bacteria and then seal off affected areas with a powerful polymer sealant so that you don’t have to worry about follow-up treatments.

Prevention

You can help prevent mold by properly sealing your home and eliminating moisture. If you aren’t sure how to handle problem areas, you might want to consider scheduling a consultation for a free mold inspection and pricing quote. The experts at Stern Mold will be able to assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. Call today!

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News
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