Tag Archives: Mold Damage

Levels of Mold Damage/Infestation Explained

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Determine Your Mold Damage Level

Determine Your Mold Damage Level

Do you have a mold problem? How do mold experts determine the severity of the infestation? How do you? Thankfully, with the help of Stern Mold’s Manhattan mold removal team, you’ll be able to decipher the severity of your problem according to the specific mold damage levels experts look for.

It’s On the Level

Mold spores aren’t selective. If there are vulnerable materials nearby and high humidity, mold spores will multiply! Below is a brief description of each level and what characteristics differentiate between the levels:

Level 1 – Not So Bad

Level 1 is the least severe of the levels. Contaminated ceiling tile, baseboards and any affected surfaces that are under 10 square feet may not require professional remediation.

Level 2 – Warning Signs

A contaminated space that is 10 to 30 square feet is signaling you might have a plumbing issue or should troubleshoot your air conditioning system. Any infected material that you remove needs to be sealed before being moved. This helps to prevent mold spores from spreading to other areas. It may serve you well at this level to hire a Manhattan mold removal team for extra security.

Levels 3, 4 and 5 – Huge Red Flags

Any infested areas that are 30 square feet and larger should be remediated quickly. Stern Mold’s Manhattan mold removal professionals know that these levels can threaten the welfare of everyone in the vicinity. Contact Stern Mold as soon as possible to get an inspection. We help you eliminate the hazards that threaten you!

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment

Mold Can Destroy Building Materials Making Properties Uninhabitable

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Mold Can Destroy Building Materials

Mold Can Destroy Building Materials

Do you worry that excessive mold is contaminating your health, your family members’ quality of life, even your property’s livability? Moisture permeating the air or leaks soaking into your building’s materials carries with it the threat of mold growth. What can you do to stop this from happening? Our NYC mold remediation crew can help you determine what to do next to prevent mold from damaging all you hold dear.

Putting Mold at the Stern

At Stern Mold, our NYC mold remediation experts help your property steer clear of the threat of immoderate mold growth. Below are some of the steps you can take to keep mold from destroying your personal property.

– Stop the moisture from penetrating your space. Utilize exhaust fans in areas that generate the most water vapor. Bathrooms, kitchens even laundry areas can produce mold-producing conditions.

– Test the amount of humidity in your home. Hygrometers determine the relative amount of humidity in the tested area. A rule of thumb is to keep your relative humidity below 60 percent.

– Study your surroundings. Look for moisture under sinks, note dark spots on walls, and feel for damp areas along the floor. Broken pipes, basement areas, and rooflines are susceptible to leaking. Check these areas periodically to keep on top of the mold!

– Sniff around. How does your building smell? Overpowering musty scents are a sign that mold growth is already occurring.

Get Property Protection

You can keep mold from becoming a serious threat to your property. Ensure your environment is a safe and healthy one. It starts with you! Contact our NYC mold remediation team and get some valuable information to guard your investment!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Mold 101: the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

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the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the health risks associated with high indoor humidity, dampness and mold in offices, schools, and other nonindustrial buildings. You work hard to keep your business profitable, maintain a safe and comfortable environment for your employees and customers, and to keep customers coming back every time they need your products or services. A musky smell from leaking pipes or water incursion can’t be masked and it can ruin your business. People with sensitive immune systems and mold allergies feel the effects of mold spores quickly when they’re in a building with mold. Our Manhattan mold removal company can help you at a reasonable price and without tearing out walls.

The CDC defines dampness as any unwanted or excessive moisture inside your building. Having this dampness in your building will lead to mold growth that releases mold spores and breaks down building materials. Different types of mold grow in different moisture conditions. The CDC warns that mold inside buildings is associated with several respiratory problems including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. People sensitive to allergens and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing a more severe illness from their exposure to mold.

We can remedy your mold problem with our Manhattan mold removal service. Our MoldExterm method is faster and less costly than traditional remediation methods. It does not require tearing out walls and can be done with little or no interruption to your business schedule. Contact Stern Mold for a free professional inspection and consultation on the best way to maintain optimal air quality and prevent mold from coming back.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Law, 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

Mold, It’s All About Awareness First

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Mold Can Effect Your Home and In Turn, YOU, In Many Different Ways. Be on the Lookout!

Mold Can Effect Your Home and In Turn, YOU, In Many Different Ways. Be on the Lookout!

Having mold eliminated from your home is crucial in order to reduce the risk of health issues, but how do you even know if you have mold? There are a number of signs you should be aware of that could indicate mold growth in your home. If any of the following signs sound familiar, it’s time to look into mold treatment options.

Odors

Mold gives off an unpleasant odor that’s easy to detect. Keep in mind that it’s possible to smell mold without actually seeing any colonies since it can grow inside the walls of your home.

Allergies

If you’ve experienced symptoms of allergic reactions, such as sneezing and watery eyes, mold could be the culprit. Mold can cause respiratory problems as well, including coughing and trouble breathing. You’re more likely to have a mold allergy than an allergy to outdoor allergens if you notice that you feel worse when you’re inside your home and better when you’re away from it.

Visible Mold

One of the easiest ways to tell if you have a mold problem is by seeing their colonies growing in your home. Mold can have a variety of appearances, such as black spots, white threads and grayish clumps.

Water Damage

Leaks inside your home can cause water damage and create a damp, humid environment that mold thrives in. Signs of water damage include spots or stains on your ceilings or walls, bubbling paint or wallpaper, and bulging walls.

If you’ve noticed signs of mold in your home, contact Stern Mold. We provide mold treatment in NYC, NJ and Long Island.

Posted in Mold Information