Category Archives: Mold Identification

Sorry, Freezing Weather Does Not Kill Mold Spores

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Sorry, Freezing Weather Does Not Kill Mold Spores

Sorry, Freezing Weather Does Not Kill Mold Spores

People often wrongly assume that when the weather is colder, their mold problems will go away. Unfortunately, that’s not correct. While freezing temperatures may help you salvage some of the items you thought you lost to mold, they are not an overall solution to the problem. Let’s review this in more detail.

Can Freezing Moldy Items Save Them?

Once something you own is damaged by mold, it can be difficult to stop the mold colony from growing. But freezing is one option you have available to you. If this is something you decide to do because mold has developed on items you love, please take the following steps:

• Make sure to wear protective gloves and clothing. Mold can cause serious health and breathing problems, so you want to make sure you don’t touch it.

• Place the items on top of trash bags in a space with a lot of open air. This will allow them to dry out, which is very important.

• Freeze the items at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Please note that this will not kill the mold, but it will deactivate it.

• Remove the items after 24 hours. Use a fungicide and rags to remove the mold from the items. Also, run an air dehumidifier to reduce the chance of mold re-growth.

Talk With Your NYC Mold Removal Professionals

Moldy possessions are often a sign of a more serious problem. Your NYC mold removal professionals can help. We offer free inspections to help us determine what you need. Contact us!

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

Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

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Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

A lot of people falsely believe that mold isn’t a problem they need to worry about during the winter. They think that because the atmosphere is naturally colder, conditions aren’t as good for it to grow. Unfortunately, your Manhattan mold removal experts have seen more than their fair share of mold problems during this time of year. When it comes to mold in your home, staying vigilant during the winter months is very important.

Where is Mold More Likely to Occur During Winter?

A lot of people complain about mold in their homes during the winter months. The air is dryer, but that doesn’t mean your home isn’t at risk. You’re most likely to see mold growing in your attic and your basement during this time of year. It can also grow inside your home’s walls.

Any humidity in your home is likely to rise to the attic, which is where mold is most likely to form. It can affect the wooden rafters as well as your attic’s insulation.

Your Manhattan Mold Removal Experts Stop Mold in its Tracks

There are several things you can do prior to calling a professional to deal with your mold problem. You can:

• Attempt to clean the mold using either bleach or vinegar.

• Fix any leaks in your kitchen or basement, and keep these areas dry.

• Check and fix any ventilation problems in your attic.

If you need Manhattan mold removal services, please contact us for a free inspection!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News

Why Does Mold Love to Grow in Unheated Houses or Condos?

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Here are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Chronic Mold Exposure, be on the Lookout!

Here are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Chronic Mold Exposure, be on the Lookout!

Why does mold love to grow in unheated homes and condos? The NYC mold removal experts at Stern Environmental treat a lot of mold issues resulting from this scenario, and we’re here to explain why.

Temperature & Humidity Fluctuations

Although humidity levels are lower in chilly winter weather, certain conditions make your home a breeding ground for mold. One reason for this is the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. When a cold snap is followed by warmer, more humid weather, condensation forms when warm humid air contacts cold surfaces.

Leaks

Moisture from the bath or kitchen, or that permeates the house from the crawlspace or through leaks around windows and doors, can build up in your home, leading to ideal mold-growth conditions.

Omnipresent Food

Mold can feed on any organic material, from leftover crumbs on the counter to clothing, upholstery, and even furniture. When mold spores, which are everywhere, land on these materials, they set up residence.

What Does that Have to Do with Not Having a Heating System?

Heating and cooling systems do two things to control mold in your home:

1. They increase circulation to prevent moisture from appearing on your walls. 

2. They reduce humidity levels in your home as part of their normal operation. 

Without the circulation and dehumidification provided by a home air conditioning system, it’s easy for mold to quickly get out of control.

Give mold the boot. Take back your home with the help of the NYC mold removal experts at Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Find Out How to Report Mold Found in Your Workplace

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Find Out How to Report Mold in the Workplace

Find Out How to Report Mold in the Workplace

Mold problems aren’t limited to residential buildings. Any structure with organic materials and moisture can be a breeding ground for mold infestations. Our NYC mold removal experts offer helpful tips on reporting mold found in your workplace.

How to Report Mold in the Workplace

• Notify your manager or supervisor as soon as you discover signs of mold. Send it via email so your report is documented.

• Lead off by stating where and when you first saw mold and approximately how large of an area it covered.

• Include details about the location, including signs of moisture or water damage such as condensation, leaky pipes, dark surface stains or structural damage.

• If you don’t receive a response to your email within a couple of days, have a follow-up conversation with your manager or supervisor. Contact the human resources department or a higher-ranking manager if no action is taken.

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards call for wet materials to be thoroughly dried and cleaned with 24 to 48 hours after a flood or other event involving water. Remind management of this recommendation if the workplace sustains any water damage.

• If your company fails to address a mold issue, contact the local OSHA office.

Stern Mold: The Leader in Residential and Commercial NYC Mold Removal

Our NYC mold removal technicians are experienced in effective treatment for both residential and commercial buildings. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and consultation.

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

Tips for How to Tell if You Have a Mold Problem

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Mold Can Destroy Your Home. Get Rid of It Today!

Mold Can Destroy Your Home. Get Rid of It Today!

Does the thought of mold in your home cause you to panic? While NYC mold removal is a must, catching the problem early greatly reduces the risk to your health and home. Use these helpful warning signs to detect the presence of mold.

Visible Signs

Mold in the bathroom or kitchen is easy to identify, but it may not be as obvious in dark, out-of-the-way places such as basements and attics. Get in the habit of periodically inspecting vulnerable areas, especially if there have been leaks or flooding.

Musty Odors

Have you recently detected a distinctively pungent smell in your home? If mold develops in walls or behind wallpaper, the odor is likely to be your first tip-off. Our trained technicians can find problems not apparent to the naked eye.

Health Symptoms

Prolonged exposure to mold, visible or not, can cause upper-respiratory symptoms such as congestion and watery eyes, even in people who don’t normally suffer from allergies. Do you gain relief when you’re away from home? That’s generally a good indicator that mold is behind your ailments.

Take Action Immediately

Mold problems don’t go away on their own, but eliminating the infestation is only part of the answer. Treat conditions such as excess humidity to prevent future reoccurrence of mold.

Protect Health and Home with NYC Mold Removal from Stern Mold

Our MoldExterm program treats mold and its causes with little to no inconvenience to your home or business. Contact us today for more information.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News
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