Tag Archives: Mildew ID

Mildew or Mold – When to Call a Removal Firm or a Cleaner

Mildew or Mold - When to Call a Removal Firm or a Cleaner

Mildew or Mold – When to Call a Removal Firm or a Cleaner

If you are a property owner, you should be prepared to deal with mold. It is a common problem in both old and new buildings. Severe weather can create a moisture problem that quickly becomes a mold problem.

New buildings are constructed much tighter than older buildings. These tight buildings may hold in heat and cool air better but they also hold in the high humidity. The following are some tips on how to best handle an existing mold problem.

Mildew or Mold?

Mildew is the lesser evil of the two. It is typically white or a pale grey and easier to clean up than mold because it grows on the surface of damp areas like bathroom tiles. Wear proper gloves and begin your clean up effort with vinegar. Vinegar is not going to require ventilation and can be safely applied to practically any surface. Mildew is closely related to mold and may also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

Mold? Call the experts

Mold likes to grow in out-of-the way places where you are not likely to disturb its progress. The warning signs of a problem can be subtle. Early symptoms of mold-related health problems are often misdiagnosed. A thorough mold inspection by a knowledgeable NJ mold removal expert is the best course of action if you think you have a mold problem.

If you are unsure of what to do, contact the mold experts at Stern Mold for a free inspection and consultation. Our affordable MoldExterm method can usually be completed in one day and without all the mess that comes with traditional NJ mold removal methods.

Is It Mold or Mildew? Part One

Is It Mold or Mildew?

Is It Mold or Mildew?

When it comes to ridding homes of unsightly fungi attacking the structure, some homeowners are asking is it mold or mildew that’s discoloring my walls? There’s a difference and NJ mold removal specialists are experts at identifying the source and eliminating the problem.

Mold or Mildew – Which is It?

If you have discoloration in areas of the home that may have moisture issues such as around leaky pipes under the sink or in the laundry room, mold will appear as irregular spot patterns and in living colors such as gray, black, green, brown, blue, white, or yellow. It could also have a slimy appearance. You may see this on ceilings where there may be a roof leak or on drywall exposed to moisture.

Mildew fungus is usually colored in gray, white or yellow and lying atop a moist surface. You can see evidence of this on plant leaves. Over time, it, too, will turn brown or black in color. Its texture is fluffy or has a powdery effect.

Health Effects

Mildew creates airborne spores that may cause coughing, respiratory problems, sore throat, and headaches when inhaled.

Mold, along with the potential for structural damage, can cause asthma attacks, migraines, dizziness, fatigue, skin irritations, sneezing, and allergic reactions, to name just a few. Over time, the mycotoxins produced by mold can have long-term effects on health.

At Stern Mold, our business is detecting problems with mold and mildew in your home and providing remediation services to re-establish a safe and easy-breathing environment. If you’re experiencing this problem, contact us and we’ll send one of our NJ mold removal technicians to your home for a free inspection.