Tag Archives: About Mold

Everything You (Didn’t) Want To Know About Mold Remediation

Becoming More Aware of the Mechanics Behind Mold Remediation

Becoming More Aware of the Mechanics Behind Mold Remediation

So you suspect a mold infestation in your home or building. What’s the next step? Our NYC mold removal experts fill you in on state requirements for effective mold remediation.

1. Mold Licenses Are Not One-Size-Fits-All

Mold remediation involves three separate jobs, each of which requires a specific license. A mold assessment contractor will inspect and evaluate your property to determine the presence of mold. If there is an infestation, a mold remediation contractor will head up the project using mold abatement workers in his employ.

Since mold generally develops due to excess moisture, you’ll need to find and address that situation. Assessment, remediation and abatement licensees are forbidden by law to complete that job, which must be done by a county-licensed home improvement contractor.

2. Mold Remediation Is a Two-Company Job

Under mold licensing laws, the same person or company can’t perform both assessment and remediation on a single job. This also holds true when an individual owns an interest in two separate companies. A searchable database listing licensed mold contractors is available on New York State’s Department of Labor website.

3. All Plans and Reports Must Be Submitted in Writing

Necessary documentation includes:

* Itemized mold remediation plan, post-remediation assessment and clearance report from the assessment contractor

* Work plan from the remediation contractor

Stern Environmental: Your First Choice for NYC Mold Removal

Whatever your mold remediation needs are, we have licensed and experienced team members to handle them. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Top Mold Questions Answered Part Three

Get a Free Inspection from Our Mold Experts!

Get a Free Inspection from Our Mold Experts!

Welcome back to the third part of our blog post series about the top questions people ask about mold. We’ve already covered several of them, and this post will complete the series.

Mold is dangerous, and it can lead to serious health issues when it’s ignored. Let’s go over a few more questions people have about mold and NYC mold removal.

1. What are the best ways to control moisture in your home? 

There are many things that you can do to control moisture in your home and prevent mold from growing. You can:

• Inspect your home for leaks and fix them right away.

• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners whenever you can.

• Make sure your exhaust fans and your dryer vent are pointed outside.

2. Can bleach be used to clean up mold?

Bleach is often the go-to solution for people with mold problems. But most professionals do not recommend it; although they might use it if someone living in the home has a compromised immune system.

3. How do you know if you need a professional NYC mold removal service? 

Most people think that they can simply take care of their mold issues themselves, and while some can, most cannot. This is simply because they’re unable to get a real grasp on the scope of the problem.

It’s always a good idea to talk with an NYC mold removal specialist prior to attempting to remove mold yourself. We offer a free inspection so take advantage of our expertise. Contact us!

Top Mold Questions Answered Part Two

Top Mold Questions Answered

Top Mold Questions Answered

Over the last few years, numerous stories about mold and its effects have made the rounds. How do you separate fact from fiction? This is the second in a series of blog posts in which our Manhattan mold removal experts clear up the confusion with answers to your top mold questions.

1. What’s the difference between mold and mildew?

Mildew and mold are both types of fungus. Mildew is a flat growth species, generally white or gray in color, that develops on shower walls, windowsills and other moisture points. Mold is made up of microscopic filaments known as hyphae. It can be black or green in appearance and grows on organic materials such as wood, fabric and paper as well as building walls, ceilings and floors.

2. What does mold smell like?

Mold produces a substance called microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). When these compounds are released into the air, they generate the powerful musty smell associated with mold.

3. Is it necessary to sample or test for mold?

There are no federal standards defining what constitutes unacceptable mold levels. Removal should be done whenever there are visible signs of mold growth. Unfortunately, mold infestations don’t always develop in plain sight. Have Stern Mold’s experienced technicians conduct an inspection if you suspect hidden mold.

Get Peace of Mind with Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Mold problems won’t go away on their own. Our non-invasive and eco-friendly MoldExterm treatment can usually be completed in one day. Contact Stern Mold to learn more.

Top Mold Questions Answered Part One

Long-Term Allergy Symptoms Could Be Caused By Mold

Long-Term Allergy Symptoms Could Be Caused By Mold

Close to a third of the United States population is more vulnerable to mold exposure symptoms because of their genetic makeup. Millions of vulnerable people are possibly suffering from unexplained health symptoms because of the presence of mold. Are you one of the many?

You can’t change your DNA, but you can safeguard against harmful mold exposure. At Stern Mold, our NYC mold removal experts diligently research and resolve mold infestations so that your pertinent questions are answered with not just theories but positive results!

What’s Up with Mold?

You aren’t alone in your mold concerns. People across America are asking the right questions so they can receive permanent solutions. Here are 3 of the top mold questions Stern’s NYC mold removal team are ready and able to address:

1. How can I tell if I have a Mold Problem?

Your home or business is vulnerable when high humidity levels or leaks occur indoors. Strange odors, stained walls, ceilings or floors signal that you may need to hire a mold remediation team.

2. How do molds affect people?

If you’ve been suffering from long-lasting allergy symptoms, mold may be the culprit. Fevers, rashes, irritation of the nose, skin or eyes and asthmatic episodes are triggered by mold exposure.

3. Who can test my home or fix and remediate my home?

For local New Yorkers, Stern Mold’s NYC mold removal team is ready to serve! Get answers, set up a mold inspection and gain mold relief by contacting Stern Mold today!

Levels of Mold Damage/Infestation Explained

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!

« Older Entries