Category Archives: Mold Identification

How Do You Test for Mold?

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You might think that any possible mold infestation is easy to spot, but if you suspect a problem it’s important that you have a test performed. The results will confirm whether or not it actually is mold and if so, what type. Testing can also indicate the presence of mold even if it’s out of sight.

NJ mold treatment includes three different types of mold testing. Here is a look at each along with the pros and cons.

  • Air testing involves taking samples for examination under a microscope to determine the concentration of mold spores. This is a good way to detect mold that might not be visible to the eye. On the other hand, the amount of spores in the air can change significantly in a short period of time, making the results less accurate.
  • Surface testing is similar to air testing, except the samples are collected by swabbing or tape lifting from surfaces around your home or building. Once again, the uneven distribution of mold spores can cause the results to vary. In addition, this method cannot identify the concentration of spores in the air.
  • Bulk testing uses actual pieces of materials from your home or building. This method can confirm a mold problem as well as zero in on the concentration of mold particles.

Mold testing is also recommended if someone in your household is suffering allergic symptoms as well as post-mold removal to ensure the success of the treatment.

Our experienced NJ mold treatment specialists can perform an free inspection of your building. Visit our website to learn more about our effective and cost-efficient MoldExterm system.

Posted in Mold Identification, News

Do Certain Building Materials Promote Mold?

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Mold can grow unnoticed inside the walls of a home or in areas like basements and closets for a long time. The mold spores are tiny and easily inhaled. Living in a home with mold is harmful to anyone and can cause an allergy that occupants did not have previously. To keep your home free of mold it is helpful to understand which materials are more conducive to its growth.

Paper faced gypsum board

Mold thrives on organic material for nutrients. If walls are kept free of moisture, it is not going to be a problem area for mold. Once damage occurs from a roof leak or plumbing problem, some type of NJ Mold Treatement is necessary to prevent future occurrences of mold. Areas like your tub and shower should not have any paper faced gypsum board. Use cement board, mortar, or some type of non-paper faced gypsum in these areas.

Wood

The dark corners of a damp basement or crawl space are ideal environments for mold to grow unnoticed. Minor plumbing leaks can saturate insulation and provide the moisture mold needs to flourish in obscure areas of your home. It is important to replace old pipes before they start to leak. Replacing damaged wood in these difficult to reach areas can be very expensive.

One of the best things you can do to prevent mold problems in your home is to have a thorough inspection done by one of the NJ Mold Treatement experts from Stern Mold. If mold is present, our experts will consult with you on the best method to safely treat it and prevent it from coming back.

 

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

Mold Spreads Via Spores – What Are They

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Mold is a serious problem. Much like rust, it will get worse, continue spreading, and cause serious damage if not properly removed. It spreads via spores and these tiny units of reproduction are resilient and highly prolific.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that destroys any organic matter is attaches to like leaves, wood, and paper. It grows on the surface of these materials and may be black, blue, green, or some combination. The color is typically determined by its nutrient source and the age of the mold colony. It requires moisture, a food source, and oxygen. The ideal temperature range for mold is between 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

How mold spreads?

The mold colony grows and will cover many square feet of a surface. It also produces spores. The spores can survive in dry and harsh conditions that the colony cannot. The spores travel easily on indoor and outdoor air. These spores may reproduce sexually or asexually depending on how the spore was formed. Mold spores are smaller than pollen, dust, and many other air-borne irritants. This allows the mold spores to escape many filtering mechanisms.

Health risks?

Many people are not adversely affected by low levels of exposure to mold spores. However, long-term exposure to low levels may be as harmful as short-term exposure to high levels of mold. People with asthma or a compromised immune system are at highest risk of problems.

Don’t take any chances. Stern Mold uses the advanced MoldExterm system to eliminate mold and prevent it from coming back. Contacts us for a free quote.

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

The EPA on Hidden Mold

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Mold isn’t always visible, but it can still cause a wide range of health problems. When mold spores find a damp spot indoors, they can grow and spread, possibly leading to health issues, such as sneezing, skin rashes or asthma attacks.

If you’ve noticed a moldy odor but don’t see anything growing, your home could contain hidden mold. The EPA provides some valuable mold information on this potential problem.

Where Hidden Mold Grows

Mold that isn’t visible can grow in several places indoors, including the following:

  • Underneath carpeting
  • On top of ceiling tiles
  • Behind drywall or wallpaper
  • Around pipes inside walls
  • Inside ducts

When to Check for Hidden Mold

Schedule a home mold inspection if you can smell but not see any signs of mold. If your home has had water damage, keep in mind that mold can easily thrive in the affected areas if they weren’t cleaned, dried and repaired promptly. If you or someone in your family experiences health issues that could be caused by mold, such as irritated eyes or frequent sneezing, have a professional check for hidden mold, especially if you’ve had water damage.

Don’t Do Your Own Inspection

Don’t peel back wallpaper or remove ceiling tiles to look for signs of mold growth. Doing so can cause a large number of mold spores to be released into your home, which could make the problem worse. Let a professional mold inspector check for hidden mold safely to reduce this risk.

For more mold information or to schedule a free mold inspection, contact Stern Mold. Our mold specialists can look for hidden mold in your home or business and safely treat to kill it.

Posted in Mold Identification, MoldExterm, News

The Anatomy of Mold

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Mold Anatomy

Mold Anatomy

If you happen to live in a New Jersey, you may find that your home is more at-risk for the detrimental effects of mold due to our periodically damp climate. Mold is often a quiet predator, lurking in dark, damp spaces and wreaking a silent havoc on your home’s structural integrity.

Some things to know about mold include:

Moisture is the Culprit

Moisture can facilitate the growth of mold in and around your home and business. The best description of mold is that it is a furry, dark fungus that thrives in dark, moist spaces. With so many nooks and crannies in the constructs of your home and building, there are numerous alluring places for mold to grow.

What to Do If You Suspect You Have Mold

When you suspect that your home or building has become a breeding ground for mold, contact professionals for mold treatment services. Don’t delay action; breathing in mold spores can cause respiratory issues and illness among those living and working in the building. Feel like your allergies are acting up? Be sure that it isn’t the repercussions of mold growth in your home.

What Can Happen?

In addition to the health complications that can be caused, the consequences of mold extend to your primary investment: your home or building. Mold can compromise the integrity of your building’s structure, which over time, can result in deterioration and rot.

If your property is in NJ, NYC, or Long Island, you are in luck. Stern Mold provides services to these areas for anyone who is concerned about mold. Contact our team at www.SternMold.com for more information and a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment
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