Tag Archives: How Mold Forms

Mold 101: Will I Have Mold After a Water Leak?

Mold requires water to grow. Since mold spores float invisibly through the air, any source of moisture becomes a potential area for infestation. Pay close attention to these clues so you can obtain mold treatment before the problem grows out of hand.

  • Water leaks are one of the biggest triggers for indoor mold. Sometimes the leak is evident, such as water dripping from the ceiling. Any time you have a visible leak, continue to monitor the area after repairs.
  • Many leaks are not immediately apparent, but there are some telltale clues. Water stains on walls or ceilings, blistering and peeling paint or wallpaper, or damp surfaces are the primary signs of a moisture problem.
  • Condensation on windows or pipes can signal a potential mold problem. The water itself provides nourishment for mold, while the high humidity levels causing the condensation will also encourage mold growth.
  • Have you ever experienced flooding in your home? That is a red flag for mold infestation, particularly in areas where the water was standing the longest.
  • Don’t rely strictly on visual cues. Mold can grow under damp carpeting, behind water-stained walls and in other out-of-the-way places. In these cases, you may begin to notice an unpleasant odor without actually seeing mold.

Mold may seem innocent, but in addition to damaged surfaces, it can cause health problems like headaches, sinus infections and other allergic reactions. Our proprietary mold treatment is quick, efficient, ecofriendly and protects against future mold infestations. Contact Stern Mold today for a free inspection by our friendly and knowledgeable technicians.

Top Hazards for Your Home – Mold is Number One

The word “mold” is actually a generic catch-all term for a variety of fungi. Species of indoor mold include Aspergillus, Epicoccum and Trichoderma. No matter what the form, mold growth in your home or building can lead to a number of unpleasant and potentially serious effects.

The nature of mold

According to the definition used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mold and other fungi are plants, although they have no roots, leaves or flowers. Mold is most commonly thought of as being black or green, but it actually appears in yellow, pink and brown as well.

Mold reproduces by spores, which are microscopic cells that are invisible to the eye as they drift throughout the air. DIY mold treatment is usually ineffective because spores remain behind to land on other surfaces.

Moisture is the common denominator required for growth of any mold species. Water leaks are an obvious risk factor, but any damp surface in humid areas such as bathrooms and basements is a candidate for mold.

Mold’s destructive effects

Active mold growth destroys its host material. This is no problem outdoors, where mold breaks down organic matter as part of the cycle of nature. Indoors, unchecked mold growth can result in structural damage.

A more serious issue is mold’s potential impact on your health. The presence of mold has been associated with allergies and upper respiratory ailments, leading the Institute of Medicine to issue a report in 2004 citing damp indoor areas as a “public health problem.”

Our unique MoldExterm mold treatment program eliminates mold growth and provides a barrier against future infestations. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Moisture = Mold – Three Prevention Tips

Water is an essential element for all living matter. Unfortunately, that’s particularly true for mold, which can’t exist without it. Reducing moisture in your home or office is the key to mold prevention.

Microscopic mold spores travel unseen throughout the atmosphere. You come into contact with them almost daily, usually without any consequence. The trouble starts once one of them finds a home on a damp surface. This provides the material for them to begin propagating to the point where they do become a problem.

Bathrooms, basement pipes and other areas where moisture accumulates are prime candidates for mold growth. Controlling the dampness will help to prevent mold from taking hold on these surfaces. Use these tips to reduce the chance of a mold infestation.

  • Regularly inspect your home or office for leaks. Check all faucets, pipes and the roof. If you find a leak, repair it promptly and dry the area thoroughly.
  • Cut down on humidity by running an air conditioner or dehumidifier. This removes moisture from the air, keeping condensation from creating excessively damp surfaces.
  • Make sure your home or office is well-ventilated. Use fans in bathrooms and kitchens and open windows whenever possible to keep fresh air circulating.

If you do find mold in your home or office, you’re not limited to a costly, disruptive remediation process. Our MoldExterm system eliminates the infestation safely and efficiently, usually within one day. Treatment includes mold prevention steps to keep the problem from reoccurring. Contact us today to schedule your free mold inspection.