Tag Archives: Mold Removal

Should You Attempt to Remove Mold in Your Home?

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The answer requires an understanding of which type of mold you have. To reduce health risk and be certain, this is a question for your mold treatment professional. But there are a couple of things to look for that will help you make a decision.

Topical Mold

Topical mold is generally found in damp places that are not organic. Things like bathroom tiles, tub surrounds, plastic door and window thresholds, even mold on the surface of paint are all topical types of mold.

In most cases, a dedicated mold eating enzyme or a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, should do the trick. You may have to scrub a bit, and always wear a face mask if you attempt this. In most cases, you’ll be able to successfully remove the mold.

Deep Seated Mold

Deep seated mold is generally found on organic substances. Drywall, wooden flooring, wall studs, plywood and the like, are considered organic substances.

What this means is that mold can actually penetrate these materials, which means that just wiping them away is not going to get rid of it. The mold will literally be growing beneath the surface, and in this instance, the only effective way to rid yourself of this type of mold problem is to call in a professional.

If you have any questions about topical or deep seated mold treatment issues in your residence, you can rely on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and we will answer all of your questions or do a free mold inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

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

Did You Know That There Are Good Uses For Mold?

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The Good Uses of Mold

The Good Uses of Mold

As unpleasant as it may be to think about, mold spores exist all around us in very small quantities. Mold that does not release mycotoxins does not pose an immediate risk to people. And in some cases, mold can even be used for good.

The most famous example of mold being used for human benefit is penicillin. You are probably familiar with the basic story: Dr. Andrew Fleming discovered the bacteria-killing properties of mold by accident after spores grew in his petri dishes.

The full story of penicillin’s discovery sheds light on just how far science has come in its understanding of infectious diseases. This history of penicillin explains that it took many years and teams of international scientists to achieve the easily available form of penicillin that we know today.

Penicillin is essentially a mold treatment — not to kill mold, but rather to use mold toxicity to kill off diseases. Mold has “good uses,” but only because it is indeed dangerous!

When controlled and harnessed, mold can be used for good, including several medicines besides penicillin. It’s also used to produce cheese, soy sauce, cured meats and other foods.

Otherwise, it’s always a safe bet to assume that a mold infestation in your home or business poses serious health risks.

Just as mold has benefited science, science has developed innovative methods of mold treatment. Modern mold remedies can kill and seal off mold without the need for tearing open walls and floors.

Don’t expect mold in your home to lead to the latest medical breakthrough. If you have an infestation, contact us to find out about the most advanced method of mold treatment, MoldExterm.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

The Low-Down from the CDC on Mold and Health Issues

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Mold surrounds us, but not all mold poses a significant health risk. How do you know if your household contains dangerous mold? The Centers for Disease Control provides straightforward information to help explain the health effects of mold, how to treat mold, and who faces the highest risk.

If you believe your household has a mold problem, get a mold inspection and consider your options for NYC mold treatment.

Key facts to know about mold:

  • Mold itself is generally not toxic — but some mold emits toxins.
  • Evidence links household mold with illnesses including upper respiratory tract infections and asthma-related problems.
  • Mold may contribute to children developing asthma.
  • Healthy people can get sick from mold infestations. Children and people with compromised immune systems face a higher risk.

Mold Treatment Recommendations from the CDC

The CDC says that small mold problems can be treated with bleach, but this method does not always successfully treat mold. Mold can regrow after bleach cleaning, feeding off the water in the solution. Bleach also fails to eradicate mold from deep inside floors, ceilings, and walls.

The CDC also recommends that you remove damaged materials such as drywall. However, new technology makes it possible to avoid this drastic step. The MoldExterm system kills mold and seals the surface, protecting your indoor air quality and health.

Mold problems should be treated professionally to prevent respiratory illness and other harmful effects of mold exposure. The good news is that NYC mold treatment from Stern Mold offers a simple, lasting solution that does not require traditional mold remediation.

For more info about advanced NYC mold treatment services, contact Stern Mold and schedule a free inspection.

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

Presence of Mold Can Drop Your Real Estate Value

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Having a mold problem in your home taken care of as soon as possible is important for health and safety reasons, but don’t overlook the financial consequences as well. Black mold can reduce your home’s value, making it much harder for you to sell and increasing the risk of having to settle for a lower price.

The owners of the Coe mansion in Meriden, CT found this out the hard way while trying to sell the property. The mansion, which dates back to 1875, has dropped in price from $899,000 to $595,000, but the owners are expecting to get even less for it when they do find a buyer. Black mold has been found inside the property, creating a health risk, and the home has been vandalized a number of times. The Coe mansion has been vacant for several years and has not been well-maintained, which explains the presence of mold and other problems. Despite having 8,600 square feet of space on 1.4 acres, the mansion will require extensive work, including mold removal.

The drastic drop in price for the Coe mansion is an important lesson for homeowners to keep in mind. If you’ll be putting your home on the market soon, hiring NJ mold treatment services sooner rather than later is essential. Otherwise, your home could end up on the market for a lot longer than you expected.

If you think you have a mold problem, contact Stern Mold. Our NJ mold treatment experts can safely get rid of these harmful growths in order to keep your home environment a healthy one for you and your family.

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