Tag Archives: Dealing With Mold

Things You Need to Know About Mold

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What Do You Need to Know About Mold?

What Do You Need to Know About Mold?

If you’re experiencing scenes like this in your home or business, it’s time to get professional help with mold treatment. Damage to walls, floors, and ceilings as well as exposure to an unhealthy environment requires immediate attention.

About Mold

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a list of the things you need to know about mold. This short list provides an idea of how important it is to address mold issues as soon as possible.

  • Mold causes known health issues when humans are exposed to moldy areas, including upper respiratory problems, asthma, and allergic reactions.
  • The key to controlling mold and spores indoors is by controlling the moisture. This means eliminating sources of moisture.
  • Support the reduction of indoor humidity by using dehumidifiers, exhaust fans in the kitchen, and air conditioners. Reducing moisture may also require venting areas that generate moisture such as the bathroom and laundry room.
  • Remove mold by cleaning with a solution of detergent and water, and allow to dry.
  • Replace absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy.
  • Install adequate insulation to reduce the risk of condensation accumulation on cold surfaces.
  • Do not install carpeting in areas susceptible to moisture such as in the bathroom.
  • Mold is not limited to just building materials. Some species of mold can grow anywhere moisture is present including carpet, paper, and wood substances.

Don’t let mold get hold of your home or business. With specialized mold treatment methods available from Stern Mold (versus standard destructive remediation processes), your property can be free and clear of unhealthy spores. Contact us using our convenient online form or call us to set up a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

City Throws in the Towel in Fighting Mold in Old City Hall

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When the Cost of Mold Outweighs the Cost to Demolish

When the Cost of Mold Outweighs the Cost to Demolish

The presence of mold and fungus in a building can quickly become a health hazard. When mold isn’t completely removed, it can spread rapidly and prove difficult or even impossible to get rid of. A recent example of this can be seen at the city hall in Indiana, which is scheduled to be torn down due to mold.

Water Damage Cleanup Reveals Mold

In January 2014, pipes in West Lafayette City Hall ended up rupturing after freezing, which led to serious water damage. Crews that cleaned up the building discovered that mold had been growing in the basement and was later found growing on the first two floors. In March 2014, West Lafayette City Hall was abandoned while city officials looked into the expense of removing the building’s mold problem.

Costs of Mold Removal vs. Demolition

City officials calculated that removing all of the mold that had been growing in City Hall would cost more than tearing the building down. Over the next two years, city officials worked with insurance adjusters to come to agreement on settling this claim. West Lafayette City Hall is now scheduled to be torn down in November 2016 and there are currently no plans to rebuild on the same site.

This situation shows just how serious and costly mold and fungus problems can be. It’s important to detect these problems as early as possible and to have them taken care of before they can get worse.

If your building has a mold problem, contact Stern Mold for help. We offer mold and fungus removal services for homes and businesses in NJ, NYC and Long Island.

Posted in Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News

St. Albans HS in WV Fights Mold Problems Right Before School Starts

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Mold Can Infect Schools Too.

Mold Can Infect Schools Too.

The growth of mold and fungus inside homes and other buildings can lead to a variety of health issues. That’s why it’s important to have these growths removed as soon as possible. One high school in West Virginia recently battled a mold problem that could have delayed the start of the school year.

Discovery

St. Albans High School dealt with a mold issue in early August thanks to an air conditioning unit that failed to work properly. Officials believe a sprinkler system that was used to keep the school cool might have caused the mold issue. Crews started treating the school right away so they could ensure that it would be safe before the school year started.

More Problems

However, mold was discovered about a week later in the school’s band room. Students weren’t allowed in that room until it was treated for mold. The school also had a problem with standing water in the basement, which could have contributed to the mold problem.

Mold in Your Home?

The mold and fungus issues at St. Albans High School call attention to the importance of having similar infestations cleared out of your home. Keep in mind that colonies can grow inside your walls where they’re harder to detect. If you notice an unpleasant odor or other signs of mold and fungus, such as health issues that only seem to get worse at home, it’s crucial to have an inspection done as soon as possible.

Don’t let mold and fungus affect your health. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection of your home.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Realtor.com – Mold’s Top Hiding Places

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You Can Be Meticulous About Housekeeping and Still Have Mold Thriving Inside Your Home.

You Can Be Meticulous About Housekeeping and Still Have Mold Thriving Inside Your Home.

Mold is one of the scariest words for any homeowner. You can be meticulous about housekeeping and still have mold thriving inside your home. Mold needs only three things to grow: Moisture, an organic food source like wood or paper, and the right temperature.

Mold can grow in temperatures as low as 32 degrees (Fahrenheit) and as high as 120 degrees. Temperatures below 32 degrees do not kill mold. It simply goes dormant until things warm up again. The optimal temperature for mold growth is between 70 degrees and 90 degrees.

Top hiding places for mold

As a reporter for NBC’s “Today” show found out when he asked a mold remediation expert to inspect his home, mold can lurk in an otherwise clean-looking kitchen or bathroom. Places that you don’t normally go looking are ideal for mold colonies. Behind your refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine, a small leak can feed mold growth.

The same is true for leaky pipes under your sinks or in the crawl spaces. Long before you notice any water stains on your ceiling, a small roof leak can contribute to mold growth in your attic. Even if you don’t see the mold, its spores can cause respiratory problems for occupants with certain conditions. Also, there are studies that suggest mold contributes to asthma in some children.

Don’t jeopardize the health of your family. Contact the mold experts at Stern Mold. Our highly trained and professional technicians will carefully assess your mold problem and recommend the best mold remediation process to kill and prevent it from growing back again. The MoldExterm process is quick, inexpensive and eco-friendly.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Mold 101: How Can I Remove Mold from Carpet?

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Interior mold is usually depicted as growing on surfaces like walls or bathtubs. Even though it’s not visible, mold and fungus can affect carpeting as well. Is there any effective treatment or remedy?

What are mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are toxic substances that are by-products of mold. At 0.1 microns in width, they are even more minute than mold spores. Human hair is approximately 100 microns wide, which gives a sense of the relative size of mycotoxins.

Health effects of mycotoxins

When you are exposed to toxic mold such as Aspergillus, which is one of the most common types found indoors, mycotoxins are ingested through the respiratory system. Mycotoxins from Stachybotrys, also referred to as black mold, can be absorbed through the skin as well.

Removal and treatment

As mycotoxins settle in carpet fibers, footsteps stir them up into the air where they can be ingested along with mold spores and allergens. A HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner can remove the spores, but mycotoxins are small enough to pass through the vacuum and back out though the exhaust. Replacing the carpet is the only sure way to get rid of mycotoxins.

If you have been exposed to mycotoxins, take a long, hot shower with plenty of soap. Hair can trap mycotoxins, so you should also thoroughly shampoo.

Effective mold treatment in New Jersey

When it comes to mold and fungus treatment, don’t take a chance on doing an incomplete job. Our proprietary MoldExterm system removes mold thoroughly while leaving a sealant that prevents future infestations. Visit our website to learn how you can schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment
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