Category Archives: Mold Information

Three Warning Signs You May Have a Mold Problem

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Call Stern Mold for Mold Identification and Removal Needs

Call Stern Mold for Mold Identification and Removal Needs

How do you know when your home or building is in need of NYC mold removal? Here are three specific warning signs of a mold problem that require immediate attention.

1. Visible Mold Colonies

Mold spores are undetectable to the naked eye, but indoors or outdoors, they’re always present in the air. The spores themselves are generally not a problem until they land on a surface and begin multiplying. Regularly inspect your home or building for visible mold, paying special attention to attics, bathrooms, kitchens and basements.

2. Musty Odors

Absence of visible mold doesn’t mean you’re home-free. Mold can easily develop behind walls, under cabinets and in other out-of-the-way places. As mold feeds on organic materials, it releases chemicals that have an unpleasant earthy or musty smell. The distinctive odor is often a tell-tale clue of a hidden mold infestation.

3. Allergic Symptoms

Have you noticed a tendency to begin sneezing not long after returning home? As you inhale mold spores, they irritate the linings of the nose and sinuses. Even if you don’t usually suffer from allergies, the result can be chronic upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. People with existing respiratory illnesses and compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Trust Stern Mold for Effective NYC Mold Removal

It’s virtually impossible to completely eliminate mold on your own, and traditional remediation methods are costly and inconvenient. If you notice any signs of mold, contact us to schedule a free inspection from our friendly and professional NYC mold removal technicians.

Visit our website to learn more about our safe, cost-effective and non-intrusive MoldExterm program.

 

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Treatment

Do You Have Mold Hiding in You AC Ductwork?

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You Can Effectively Control Mold

You Can Effectively Control Mold and Their Spores

Mold likes hiding in plain sight. The moist air in our Manhattan area keeps mold spores on the cusp of invading your space. You could have the microfilaments of mold settling into your walls or ductwork right now.

Excessive humidity or lingering residue triggered by leaks or trapped moisture invites mold spores to inhabit your space with you. Stern Mold’s Manhattan mold removal experts know the warning signs and are ready to help you take action!

The Ideal Setting for Mold Spores

Mold spores look for places to hang out and stay a while. If you’re a property or business owner, make sure to perform a weekly walk-through to spot any potential mold spore access points. Seek out areas of pooling water, blocked drains, excessive condensation near pipes and sniff out any peculiar smells. If you spot any of these signs, mold spores may be present. Check these favorite habitable spaces for signs of mold:

• AC Evaporator Coils

• Drip Pans

• Ductwork

Your heating and cooling system are where hot and cold temperature zones meet and mingle. If any mold spores inhabit these areas, they don’t stay in one place very long. They spread out, traveling through air and latching onto any available materials. Since ductwork circulates air, any mold filaments present may travel through the ductwork and pollute the spaces they reach.

Stern Mold Expertise

Family members, employees or clients in buildings with mold infested ductwork are at risk for developing short and long-term health symptoms. What should you do next? Contact Stern Mold’s local Manhattan mold removal team to diagnose and remediate any mold spores that are present today!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Tips

How Can You Prevent Mold Growing Moisture in Your Indoor Environment?

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Keep Your Indoor Environment Safe and Mold-Free

Keep Your Indoor Environment Safe

Mold needs several things to survive, but there’s only one that you can feasibly get rid of: moisture. After conducting Manhattan mold removal, we recommend taking ongoing action to prevent indoor moisture.

You don’t need a plumbing leak or standing water in the basement for a mold problem to grow. Excess humidity and condensation can also feed the mold spores.

EPA Recommends Moisture Prevention for Mold

According to the EPA, you can avoid mold growth by keeping relative humidity below 50% and ensuring proper ventilation and drainage.

Look out for any source of moisture that could be contributing to mold, such as:

• HVAC drainage: Check the condensate drain lines. Remove any blockage and ensure the line can drain properly.

• Bathroom ventilation: Use exhaust fans that vent outdoors or open windows when showering.

• Water around pipes: Repair plumbing leaks and insulate cold water lines to stop condensation from dripping.

• Windows and gutters: Keep window sills dry and open windows when weather permits. Inspect and clean rain gutters and drainage systems regularly.

Will a Dehumidifier Help with Mold?

Yes, a dehumidifier can keep humidity levels below the typical threshold for mold growth. Our Manhattan mold removal team can install a dehumidifier for an ongoing solution.

Even with a dehumidifier, leaks and other significant moisture sources still need to be addressed. And the dehumidifier will not kill mold spores already present. An indoor mold assessment can help identify all problem areas.

If you’re tackling a mold problem at an NYC building or want to keep mold from coming back, talk to Stern Mold about our non-invasive and highly affordable Manhattan mold removal service.

Posted in Mold Information, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Mold Cleanup Tips from Our Professionals

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DIY Mold Clean-Up Tips

DIY Mold Clean-Up Tips

Have you discovered a small patch of mold growing in your home or building? If the area covers less than 10 square feet, you may be able to clean it yourself. Our Manhattan mold removal professionals offer some helpful DIY mold cleanup tips.

How to Clean Up Mold

-If mold was caused by leaks, repair them as soon as possible and completely dry all affected areas.

-Use a mixture of detergent and water to scrub mold from hard surfaces. Bleach and other chemicals are not recommended for mold cleanup.

-Don’t attempt to cover mold with paint or caulk. Clean and dry surfaces thoroughly before applying any substances.

-Disposal is the best treatment for infested carpets, ceiling tiles and other porous items. Mold penetrates the spaces of porous items, making cleanup virtually impossible.

-Avoid direct contact with mold. Wear gloves, goggles and a respirator during cleanup. Keep others away from the infested areas unless they are also wearing protective equipment.

-Even if mold is successfully removed, it may result in staining and cosmetic damage.

-Once mold is cleaned up, improve ventilation and clean more often to prevent it from returning.

-If mold is caused by contaminated water or it’s infested the HVAC system, don’t attempt to clean it yourself. You should also consult a professional if an infested item is expensive or has sentimental value.

Turn to the Top Manhattan Mold Removal Experts

When it comes to mold cleanup, you can’t afford to guess. Our Manhattan mold removal team has extensive experience with mold cleanup in any situation, no matter how big or small. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Tips, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Five Things Our Professionals Want You to Know About Mold

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Facts About Mold

Facts About Mold

Indoor mold may not be the most fascinating topic but the health of you, your family and your home or building may be dependent on knowing the facts. Our NYC mold removal professionals share five things you should know about mold effects and prevention.

5 Facts about Indoor Mold

1. Mold spores are all around us. Even indoors, these microscopic specks are constantly circulating in the atmosphere where we ingest them with nearly each breath. It’s impossible to eliminate spores, so the most effective defense is controlling moisture to inhibit growth of mold colonies.

2. If mold spores have access to moisture, they can grow on nearly any surface including wood, paper, carpet and food.

3. While people who already suffer from allergies are particularly vulnerable, exposure to mold can trigger sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and other upper respiratory symptoms in anyone. The impact can be even more serious for people who have existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.

4. Visible water is not the only source of moisture available to mold spores.

-Control the humidity level by using air conditioning, dehumidifiers and exhaust fans to improve ventilation.

-Add insulation to windows, roofs, floors and any spot prone to condensation.

5. Repair leaks immediately and clean and dry any damp items or building materials within 24 to 48 hours to reduce chances of mold development.

Stern Mold: Your NYC Mold Removal Experts

If you suspect mold is present in your home or building, don’t take any chances. Our friendly and experienced NYC mold removal team can give you peace of mind with our eco-friendly and non-invasive MoldExterm treatment. Contact us to schedule a free inspection.

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