Category Archives: Mold Identification

Is It Mold or Mildew? Part One

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Is It Mold or Mildew?

Is It Mold or Mildew?

When it comes to ridding homes of unsightly fungi attacking the structure, some homeowners are asking is it mold or mildew that’s discoloring my walls? There’s a difference and NJ mold removal specialists are experts at identifying the source and eliminating the problem.

Mold or Mildew – Which is It?

If you have discoloration in areas of the home that may have moisture issues such as around leaky pipes under the sink or in the laundry room, mold will appear as irregular spot patterns and in living colors such as gray, black, green, brown, blue, white, or yellow. It could also have a slimy appearance. You may see this on ceilings where there may be a roof leak or on drywall exposed to moisture.

Mildew fungus is usually colored in gray, white or yellow and lying atop a moist surface. You can see evidence of this on plant leaves. Over time, it, too, will turn brown or black in color. Its texture is fluffy or has a powdery effect.

Health Effects

Mildew creates airborne spores that may cause coughing, respiratory problems, sore throat, and headaches when inhaled.

Mold, along with the potential for structural damage, can cause asthma attacks, migraines, dizziness, fatigue, skin irritations, sneezing, and allergic reactions, to name just a few. Over time, the mycotoxins produced by mold can have long-term effects on health.

At Stern Mold, our business is detecting problems with mold and mildew in your home and providing remediation services to re-establish a safe and easy-breathing environment. If you’re experiencing this problem, contact us and we’ll send one of our NJ mold removal technicians to your home for a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, News

NYC Mold Removal – Do Not Fear Mold There Are Solutions

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NYC Mold Removal - Do Not Fear Mold There Are Solutions

NYC Mold Removal – Do Not Fear Mold There Are Solutions

Mold problems seem to be on the rise in homes throughout the NYC area. However, this isn’t necessarily a big cause for concern if you own a home here. Learn more about mold issues and how NYC mold removal can help provide you with a better understanding of this problem.

Mold Conditions

Mold thrives when a home maintains the right temperature, offers a source of food and provides plenty of moisture. This means that mold is more likely to grow in homes that are kept at a comfortable temperature, have dirt or dust around for mold to feed on and have a relative humidity that’s above 60 percent. Keep in mind that many types of mold that grow in homes aren’t toxic. However, some might cause allergic reactions to those who are sensitive to mold spores.

Mold Removal Options

If you have a mild mold problem on surfaces in your home, you can use bleach and detergent to get rid of it. You’re most likely to see this type of problem in bathrooms, where there’s a lot of moisture. You can also keep mold at bay by running fans, cleaning your gutters and replacing air filters.

If you have a mold problem that’s more widespread or below surface areas, NYC mold removal experts can eliminate it for you. This involves carefully doing mold remediation and ensuring that your home doesn’t continue having moisture problems.

If you need NYC mold removal for your home, don’t hesitate to contact Stern Mold. We can provide you with safe and effective removal to rid your home of a mold problem and protect you and your family from mold-related illnesses.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

NYC Mold Removal – Mold Reaction What’s at Stake?

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Mold Affects People Differently By Age and Medical Condition

Mold Affects People Differently By Age and Medical Condition

Mold hits some people harder than others, but anyone can experience a negative mold reaction. The symptoms can range from itchy eyes to serious respiratory illnesses, so it’s always safest to call for NYC mold removal if you think you have an infestation.

At-Risk Groups for Mold Reactions

If you manage an apartment building, hotel, or office space, it’s virtually guaranteed that some of your tenants and guests will be at high risk for mold-related health problems. Homes with children or elderly family members should be on alert, too.

Health conditions linked to mold reactions include:

– Asthma and allergies

– Cancer or chemotherapy

– Lung disease

– Liver disease

– HIV or other immune disorders

Mold Affects Everyone

When exposed to mold in large quantities or for an extended period of time, even a healthy adult with no known allergies might develop a reaction. The most common symptoms:

– Itchy, red eyes

– Runny nose

– Dermatitis (rashes)

– Wheezing, irritated lungs

– And other allergy and respiratory problems

NYC Mold Removal Prevents an Expensive Disaster

Too often, the health effects of mold go unnoticed while people struggle through months of coughing, sneezing, and allergic reactions to mold.

In the worst case scenario, an entire office or apartment building might see several tenants hospitalized due to mold reaction. A tragedy for the victims, and perhaps a costly lawsuit for the landlord.

With so much at stake, consider getting a mold inspection sooner rather than later for NYC mold removal services.

The inspection is free, and Stern Mold uses the MoldExterm system that is less costly and disruptive compared to traditional tear-out methods.

Contact Stern Mold for NYC mold removal with a lasting solution.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

NYC Mold Removal – Is Mold Abatement Mold Removal?

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What IS the Difference Between Mold Abatement and Mold Removal? Read On.

What IS the Difference Between Mold Abatement and Mold Removal? Read On.

If you’ve been researching ways to get rid of mold, you’ve probably come across several industry terms such as mold abatement and mold remediation. In practice, your NYC mold removal service should use a variety of tactics to kill mold, remove it from the property, and encapsulate it to prevent regrowth.

The Difference Between Mold Abatement and Mold Removal

People use the various terms for mold treatment interchangeably at times. Here’s how our NYC mold removal experts would define each one:

– Mold abatement refers to any complete solution that removes mold and/or prevents it from growing on surfaces and affecting air quality.

– Mold removal is the component of treatment that involves killing mold with antimicrobial solutions and safely removing it from the area without disturbing spores.

In other words, a complete and effective mold treatment involves more than just mold removal. Mold abatement might include encapsulating surfaces so dormant mold spores cannot grow back months or years later, as well as dehumidifiers to prevent a mold infestation from coming back.

You may also hear the phrase mold remediation, which is the old term for practices that were borrowed from lead and asbestos removal. Traditional mold remediation involves drastic measures of mold removal, such as tearing out drywall.

NYC Mold Removal for a More Permanent Solution

Do you want more than a band-aid solution for mold? Make sure to choose a mold removal company with a multi-pronged approach. Stern Mold uses advanced mold abatement methods including a polymer sealant to block mold growth instead of ripping out walls.

Contact us for a free inspection and get non-invasive, more affordable NYC mold removal with a guarantee.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

What to Know About NYC Mold Removal – Is It Worth the Effort?

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Good hygiene routines around the house are essential to fighting off the growth of mold.

Good hygiene routines around the house are essential to fighting off the growth of mold.

What is mold remediation and is it something that’s necessary for every property owner who sees evidence of mold? The answer can be yes and no. Like most everything, there are two sides to every story and mold is no exception.

To Remediate or Not – That is the Question

Any reputable NYC mold removal specialist will tell you that mold is alive and well and has been since the beginning of time, and then tell you what needs to be done to make your property mold-free. On the reverse side, you may run into businesses that try to scare you into believing you need a series of tests and inspections to determine the extent of the moldy encroachment in your basement, attic, or under the sink.

Unfortunately, mold remediation has become big business and not everyone has your best interests at heart. If you’re considering hiring a mold remediation service, just be aware that you may not need all the bells and whistles they’re selling in order to de-mold your home or business.

There are certain steps to be taken to remove mold safely. You don’t want to dislodge mold spores to infiltrate unaffected areas. While most mold isn’t toxic, it can be problematic for some, which makes safety a primary focus.

For this reason, hiring a licensed NYC mold removal professional is recommended. With a professional on board, there is no second-guessing or additional steps taken that aren’t necessary.

When mold finds moisture in your home, it’s only natural for it to set up housekeeping. With a call to Stern, we’ll be sure to give it the boot on it’s way out.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Information, News, NYC Mold Removal
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