Category Archives: Mold Information

Will My Insurance Cover My Mold Treatment?

Posted on by
Will Your Insurance Cover Mold Extermination?

Will Your Insurance Cover Mold Extermination?

One question that homeowners often ask is whether their insurance will cover mold treatment for their house. There is no one answer to this question, and the situation varies depending upon the insurance company and its policies regarding mold treatment. As a homeowner, you should make it a point to discuss this directly with your company at the earliest time possible, instead of waiting for the mold to develop first. Mold removal is an expensive process, and it is better to know what your payment options are before opting for a treatment.

Here are some of the factors that insurance companies take into account with regard to mold treatment coverage:

1. Causes

This can include water damage from a flood, following a fire, or from a leaky roof that is responsible for the conditions that encourage mold and fungus growth.

2. Cost

Ask mold removal experts for a free appraisal and a rough estimate of the cost for its removal and prevention for recurrence. The insurance company will take the estimated cost into account when determining whether or not they will pay for it.

3. Seriousness of the Situation

Some companies have a minimum threshold for mold and fungus growth that needs to be exceeded in order to qualify for removal. Consult with your insurance agent as well as the mold experts to determine whether the mold growth is profuse enough to warrant a removal treatment at the insurance company’s expense.

Call on us for all your NJ, Long Island and NYC Mold Remediation Services, and you will be guaranteed the finest treatment at the hands of industry experts and at the most reasonable prices.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News

Celebrities and Mold – Who’s Had a Problem?

Posted on by
Mold Goes After Everyone

Mold Goes After Everyone

Mold and fungus, like bedbugs, are often presumed to be a consequence of poor housekeeping and lack of cleanliness. In fact, mold is an equal opportunity problem that has no respect for age, income, or personal habits.

Celebrities are just as vulnerable as anyone. Here’s a look at some well-known names who have fought battles against mold and fungus in their own homes.

Suzanne Somers

Actress Suzanne Somers and her husband suffered a terrible loss when their Malibu home burned down in a wildfire, but they had no idea of the problems waiting in their rental house. After both became chronically ill, they discovered an unfinished room full of mold underneath the house. The experience inspired Somers to write her book, Tox-Sick: From Toxic to Not Sick.

Ed McMahon

After contractors failed to adequately clean up water damage from a leaky pipe, McMahon’s six-bedroom home began to fill with mold that sickened him and his wife along with their staff, and eventually leading to the death of their beloved family dog. After a year, McMahon was awarded a multi-million dollar judgment for negligence and breach of contract.

Bianca Jagger

Mick Jagger’s glamorous ex-wife was living in a luxurious NYC apartment rented for $4,000 a month. After three independent tests revealed that the apartment was full of Aspergillus, Jagger began staying in hotel rooms or with friends. Her landlord then evicted her on the basis of violating the terms of her rent-controlled apartment by not actually living there.

NYC and Northern NJ Leaders in Mold Removal

Don’t fall victim to the insidious effects of mold and fungus. Contact Stern Mold today for a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Remediation

How to Be Proactive in Your Office to Prevent a Mold Infestation

Posted on by
Prevent Mold in Your Office

Prevent Mold in Your Office

Mold and fungus can grow inside walls, floors and HVAC systems for years without being detected. Over time, it can become so severe that it ends up causing health problems in those who are exposed to it. Taking steps to protect your office from mold is the most effective way to reduce this risk. You can do so in the following ways.

Health Concerns

Take any reports of health issues among employees seriously. If employees are experiencing respiratory problems that might be caused by mold, encourage them to see their doctor.

Water Problems

Watch for signs of water problems, such as leaks or dampness, and ask employees to let you know right away if they notice any. Other signs of potential water damage include stains and spots on walls and ceilings, peeling paint and buckling floors. Get rid of and replace any materials that have been damaged, such as carpeting or drywall.

Odors

Some types of mold give off a distinct odor, but others don’t. Have your building checked for mold if you or your employees notice a musty or unpleasant smell. Keep in mind that these odors could be coming from your ducts, so have your HVAC system and ductwork checked for mold if these smells are detected.

Indoor Environmental Quality Program

Set up a program that emphasizes the importance of indoor environmental quality in your building. This program should provide employees with information on detecting potential mold problems and reporting them.

If you suspect that there might be mold in your building, please contact Stern Mold. We provide mold and fungus treatment for businesses in NJ, NYC and Long Island.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

Know the Law Before You Get Mold Treatment

Posted on by

mp9004003931New York State has a new mold and fungus law that went into effect on January 1, 2016. The law identifies mold as a fungi growth that can produce toxins capable of causing pulmonary, respiratory, neurological or other illnesses after minimal exposure. The Mold Program and regulations come under the New York State Department of Labor and are part of Article 32 of the New York State Labor Law.

Key facts about the law that property owners should know

The primary purpose of the new law is to protect the public through improved licensing and by outlining basic work standards for contractors doing mold assessment and remediation. The law has three main components:

Training: Prior to obtaining a license for mold assessment or remediation, contractors must successfully complete required training.

Licensing: Contractors are not allowed to advertise or perform mold assessment or remediation services without the mandatory license. People with a New York license for mold assessment, remediation and abatement cannot remediate the underlying source of moisture. For that, you need a home improvement contractor. You can verify a contractor’s license on the Department of Labor’s website.

Work standards: The same contractor cannot perform both the assessment and remediation on the same property. The new law also requires that the identification of disinfectant products is consistent with EPA standards. There are now provisions for personal protection equipment that must be worn by employees working with mold and fungus.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, contact Stern Mold for a free consultation. We use the latest detection technology and have been serving Northern NJ and NYC since 1995.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law, News

Mold Treatment Tips for Renters

Posted on by
Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Mold can easily go unnoticed in your New York apartment or house. It can grow under carpet, inside the walls, or in the ceiling. Mold can cause serious health problems for many people. Unlike smoke or a natural gas leak, the presence of mold is not always obvious and there are no alarms to detect the existence of mold spores in the air. If you or any member of your household are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms, your apartment may need mold treatment.

Signs of mold

Mold needs moisture to grow. If you see water spots on the walls, ceiling or floor, that’s an opportunity for mold. Cracked or peeling paint and wallpaper that is separating from the wall can also indicate water damage. Mold may look like a mysterious dirty spot in the corner of a room or soot stain around an HVAC register. As mentioned previously, mold can grow inside walls or in the ceiling without giving any visual indication of its presence. If you notice a musty smell in one area of your residence, further investigation may be necessary.

Speak to your landlord

You should report any water leaks, moisture problems, or signs of mold to your property manager immediately. Mold is a serious issue that does not go away on its own. By catching a mold problem early, you will likely save them money on mold treatment costs. The New York State Department of Health recommends you contact your local building department or code enforcement official if your landlord fails to address the problem.

Building owners can contact Stern Mold for a free mold consultation in Northern NJ and NYC.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News
« Older Entries Recent Entries »