Tag Archives: Mold Remediation

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.

Take Moldy Smells Seriously – It’s Your First Sign Something Is Wrong

Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Don’t assume that dank, musty odor is from damp towels. Even if there are no visible signs, moldy smells can send an alarm that your home is in need of NYC mold removal.

Why Mold Smells Funny

Mold emits mVOCs, or microbial volatile organic compounds, that produce a distinctly unpleasant odor. Think of a locker room or a waterfront cottage that’s been closed up for a lengthy period. Airborne spores may also cause mild irritation in your nostrils.

Those mVOCs causing that rank smell can also trigger upper-respiratory symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing. People with pre-existing lung conditions or weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Tracking Down Moldy Odors

Once you identify the room where the moldy smell is strongest, the next step is to zero in on the specific culprit. Areas with excess moisture, such as leaky pipes, are likely candidates. Other possible sources include:

• Clothes washers and dishwashers

• Towels, shower curtains and bathmats

• Secondhand purchases, such as furniture or clothing

• Soil in potted plants

• Garbage cans and wastebaskets

• Pet bedding

Professional NYC mold removal will eliminate the infestation, but you can take steps to get rid of the smell:

• Open windows and turn on a fan.

• Put out open containers of white vinegar or baking soda.

• Wash fabrics in hot water.

Stern Mold: Experienced and Professional NYC Mold Removal

Don’t struggle with mold removal on your own. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by our cheerful and knowledgeable technicians.

Mold Plagues College Dorms At LSU – What You Should Know

Mold Plagues College Dorms At LSU - What You Should Know

Mold Plagues College Dorms At LSU – What You Should Know

Mold can cause a wide range of health problems, especially for some individuals, so it’s important to have it removed promptly with NYC mold removal services. Unfortunately, mold can show up anywhere, including at schools and universities. Find out more about a recent mold problem at LSU that has been putting students at risk.

Mold Growth at LSU

Some areas of LSU, including the West Campus Apartments, North Hall and South Hall have been dealing with mold problems. These problem started during the fall 2019 semester and have continued to cause problems for students on campus.

One student noticed extensive mold growth in several areas of her room, such as on her mattress and door frame. Her room also felt much more humid than usual.

University staff members are taking steps toward handling these mold growth problems as quickly as possible to keep students safe.

Mold Growth Solutions

Mold problems can get out of control in a short amount of time when they’re not dealt with promptly. To keep you and your family safe, it’s crucial to have mold problems taken care of with professional treatment. This helps ensure that mold growth in your home is completely gone, so that you’ll have a lower risk of health issues.

Mold removal experts can also recommend steps to take to prevent your home from having a mold problem.

If you need NYC mold removal services, please contact Stern Mold today. We can thoroughly eliminate mold from your home or building.

Not always the ‘Fungi’ – How To Keep Unwelcome Mold Out of Your Home

Don't Entertain Mold in Your Home

Don’t Entertain Mold in Your Home

Entertaining house guests is usually a good time, unless they’re the “fungi” variety. Keep nasty mold and mildew out of your home with these helpful NYC mold removal tips.

Difference Between Mold and Mildew

While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there’s a difference between mold and mildew.

• Mold generally appears black or dark green in color, with a slimy texture and musty odor.

• Mildew is usually gray or white and powdery or fluffy to the touch.

Mildew often appears on damp surfaces such as shower curtains, while mold is more invasive, finding its way into and behind walls, ceilings and hidden spaces. Mold is also associated with a number of health problems, more so than mildew.

Prevention and Cleaning Tips

Excess moisture is the primary cause of mold and mildew. Promptly repair broken pipes, leaky roofs and other causes of water build-up.

• Thoroughly dry affected surfaces after spills or flooding.

• Run the air conditioning regularly to keep humidity levels low. Dehumidifiers can also be useful.

• Be sure bathrooms, kitchens and other damp areas are well-ventilated.

• Make a cleaning solution with one cup of oxygen bleach powder to one gallon of hot water. Apply with a spray bottle and wait 30 minutes, then scrub the stains with a nylon stiff-bristle brush.

Stern Mold: Your Top Choice for NYC Mold Removal

Our proprietary NYC mold removal system is eco-friendly, non-invasive and cost-effective. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Five Fast Facts About Mold: Identification, Risks, and Remediation

Here are Five Facts to Help Equip You to Deal with Mold

Here are Five Facts to Help Equip You to Deal with Mold

Mold and its effects have been topics in a wide range of articles and reports. How do you wade through all that information to find the important details? Our NYC mold removal experts share five facts you should know about mold identification, health risks and remediation.

Five Fast Facts About Mold

1. Mold comes in a variety of colors, including gray, black, green and yellow. It may appear furry, slimy or powdery and frequently has a musty smell.

2. Water is key to mold growth, so infestations are likely to be found in damp, humid places. Mold tends to develop on the surface of materials such as paper, fabric, sheetrock and wood.

3. Exposure to mold can trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing and other upper respiratory symptoms, even in people who have not previously suffered from allergies. Individuals with pre-existing lung conditions or weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

4. While mold-to-skin contact can cause irritation, most problems arise from inhaling airborne mold spores.

5. Be proactive about mold prevention by repairing leaky pipes, drying flooded areas and reducing humidity levels. Small patches of mold can be cleaned with commercial products, but seek professional help when extensive NYC mold removal is required.

Experienced NYC Mold Removal by Stern Mold

Our technicians are trained in the use of our proprietary two-step MoldExterm program, which safely eliminates mold and prevents its return. MoldExterm remediation is non-invasive and usually completed within one day. Contact us for more information.

« Older Entries