Tag Archives: Residential Mold

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.

What Should You Do To Prevent Mold From Growing In Your Home

What Should You Do To Prevent Mold From Growing In Your Home

What Should You Do To Prevent Mold From Growing In Your Home

Having mold growing in your home can cause a wide range of health problems, including respiratory issues and headaches. When you have mold growth, you’ll need professional NYC mold removal services to eliminate it from your home. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent mold from growing inside walls and other areas of your home.

Control Moisture

Mold spores are likely to be in your home already, so it’s a matter of making sure they don’t have a damp or moist surface to grow on. This involves controlling the amount of humidity or moisture you have in your home. You can do this in many ways, such as fixing leaks as soon as possible and correcting problems with drainage in your yard.

Other ways to lower moisture levels in your home include using a dehumidifier in basements or other areas that are likely to be more humid. You can also reduce moisture levels by using exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom and drying your clothes in the dryer instead of hanging them inside your home or using a drying rack.

Prompt Mold Removal

It’s important to watch for signs of mold problems, so you can have them dealt with immediately. These include water stains, moldy odors and visible signs of mold growing on surfaces in your home. Keep in mind that bathrooms, window mouldings and refrigerator doors are common places for mold growth.

If you need NYC mold removal services, contact Stern Mold to learn more about our mold treatment.

Tips for Treating Mold Found Inside Plumbing Pipes and Drains

What In Your Plumbing?

What In Your Plumbing?

Whenever you’re near a drain in the kitchen or bathroom, and a moldy and unpleasant odor emanates from the opening, there’s a good chance that mold has accumulated and is growing in the pipes and around the drain.

Problems with Moldy Pipes and Drains

No matter how careful you may be about eliminating food particles going down the drain, there will always be snippets that make their way into the pipes.

In the bathroom sink, shower, and bathtub drains there are other items that build up such as dead skin and hair. Both serve as food sources for mold to feed on, multiply and grow, which keeps the mold cycle alive and well.

What to Look For and Steps to Take

Each month it’s recommended that you visually inspect drains for mold buildup and odors, and check for any leaks around pipe fittings and/or signs of puddling water under the sink.

It is also recommended that drains be cleaned once a month with natural cleaning products such as baking soda and white vinegar; never use bleach as it is too abrasive to pipes and the fumes are not healthy to breathe.

If there’s damage to the pipes, it’s time to call a plumber to make the necessary repairs. If you find you’re dealing with mold only, it’s time to make an appointment with a mold removal specialist in New York City to treat the affected pipes and drains immediately.

At Stern Mold, we specialize in mold removal in New York City through guaranteed remediation treatments. We offer a free home inspection, discuss treatment options, create a plan of action, then take care of the problem