Tag Archives: NJ Mold Identification

Steps To Identifying Mold In Your Home

Steps To Identifying Mold In Your Home

Steps To Identifying Mold In Your Home

Due to associated health risks and potential structural damage, Manhattan mold removal should be done as soon as an infestation is discovered. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) offers guidelines for identifying mold in homes and commercial buildings.

Tips for Identifying Indoor Mold

• Indoor mold grows when excess moisture meets organic materials such as wood, paint, wallpaper and carpeting that serve as a food source.

• While it’s not possible or necessary to completely eliminate the presence of mold spores indoors, visible mold growth should always be removed as soon as possible.

• Visual inspection is the primary focus of indoor mold identification.

• Mold inspection should go beyond open surfaces to include hidden spaces, such as behind drywall and inside ventilation systems. Moisture meters and infrared cameras can facilitate the process.

• Care should be taken to minimize disruption of mold colonies, which could lead to further spread of the infestation. Use of gloves, masks and other personal protective equipment is recommended.

• A thorough inspection includes determining the source of the excess moisture and taking steps to correct the problem.

• In most cases, environmental sampling isn’t required before proceeding with remediation.

• The DOHMH recommends obtaining the assistance of a Manhattan mold removal professional for assessment and creating a plan of action.

Stern Mold: Leaders in Manhattan Mold Removal

Get peace of mind with effective mold remediation by our friendly and experienced technicians. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection.

Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

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!

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!

How Can You Find Out if There Is Mold Behind Your Walls?

Look for Early Signs of Mold

Look for Early Signs of Mold

Are you smelling a distinctive musty odor in your home or building? That’s a common sign of mold infestation, even if there’s no visible evidence. Our Manhattan mold removal technicians discuss what to do if you suspect the presence of mold behind your walls.

Moisture: Mold’s Best Friend

Mold needs moisture to grow, which is why it’s often found in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements. While the space behind walls may not seem like an obvious place for mold to develop, plumbing or roof leaks can result in water becoming trapped in a spot that’s difficult to dry.

Sometimes you can detect a leak from the appearance of thin streaks of discoloration running down a wall. Unfortunately, many leaks don’t make their presence known until the damage has become severe.

Is There Mold Behind the Walls?

So you can’t ignore that smell. How do you find out if there is a mold infestation behind the walls?

• Cut a small hole in the drywall where you suspect the problem. If there’s discoloration, use that as a guide.

• Check the wood and insulation paper to see if mold is present or if the smell becomes even stronger.

• Patching up a small hole in the wall is less intrusive than tearing it down and rebuilding it.

Choose Stern Mold for Quality Manhattan Mold Removal Services

Don’t lie awake at night wondering if your home or building has a mold problem. Let our trained Manhattan mold removal experts and our proprietary MoldExterm program give you peace of mind. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and quote.