Category Archives: Mold Treatment

Mold Cleanup – Can You Do-It-Yourself Safely?

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Mold in your home is never good. For one thing, it can mean there is moisture seepage or a leak causing damp conditions, and for another, mold is unhealthy and can pose health problems.

Removing Mold Safely in Small Areas

When you’re faced with moldy residue, the first instinct is to clean the area eliminating the moldy material. If the area is relatively small, it is possible to remove the mold by thoroughly cleaning but it also depends on the type of material that needs cleaning. For example,moldy carpeting isn’t cleanable, and moldy drywall and insulation both need to be removed and replaced.

If it’s possible to clean a small surface, these are the things you’ll need:

  • Rubber gloves
  • Disposable mask
  • Safety glasses
  • Recommended mold remover
  • Disposable wipes, paper towels, rags or sponge

Using Professional Services

Keep in mind there is a reason for the mold and cleaning it is only part of the process. The cause must first be found and fixed to avoid future mold problems. For this reason, it’s recommended that professionals handle the job. Not only will they find the problem, they’ll provide the proper mold treatment.

The process for mold treatment for many years was the costly process of remediation. This process can take days or weeks and only deals with the symptoms. With the MoldExterm treatment from Stern Mold, we tackle the cause of the problem usually in one visit.

For issues with mold, our service technicians are at the ready to answer your questions, provide a free inspection, and devise a plan of attack to remove unsightly mold. Contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

Is It Mineral Staining or Mold in My Basement?

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If you have a basement, often times you may see discolorations of fluffy build-up on the walls. The first thing that usually comes to mind is “we have mold” but that isn’t always the case.

An active problem in basements is efflorescence, also known as mineral salts. You may see discolorations including white, green, tan, yellow, brown, or grey colored crystalline powder on the walls and covering the mortar between block joints. The efflorescence is created due to moisture. As the moisture evaporates, it leaves behind mineral staining.

When checking your basement for mineral staining, efflorescence may have the characteristics of a fibrous or spiky substance, fluffy cotton, fiberglass, white powder, or a crusted or fuzzy appearance.

The bad news is efflorescence isn’t picky about the type of material it affects. Mineral salt residue leaches out of stucco, concrete stone, brick, concrete and stone. The good news is it is not mold but it is a red flag that wet conditions are present that could lead to a moldy basement.

As there are different kinds of mineral salts including vanadium, nitrates, chromium, and chlorides, to find out what type is in your basement and how to treat is best determined by a professional. That’s what we do at Stern Mold. Our experienced technicians test the substance in your basement to determine if it is mineral salts or mold.

If water seepage is causing a problem with efflorescence that could lead to mold, you’ll want to have your basement inspected as soon as possible. Contact our staff for any questions, information, or concerns about mold problems and to schedule a free mold inspection and price quote.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

Keeping Safe If You Think You Have Mold

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In 2012, Superstorm Sandy became the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history, affecting New Jersey and 23 other states. Lingering effects include persistent mold infestations resulting from chronic dampness in flooded homes. It’s estimated that it will take a minimum of seven years to fully restore affected areas.

Claire Galiano, a health and safety trainer for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has been traveling Eastern states leading seminars educating residents about mold treatment. Here are some of her tips for safely dealing with an infestation in your home.

  • There are several brands of paint and other items on the market aimed at preventing mold. Be sure to learn about any product you may use as some of them can be toxic.
  • Black mold is the most well-known of the 16 toxic species, but testing is needed to determine whether a patch of black mold is the toxic variety.
  • When cleaning out a moldy area, use a respirator, goggles and ear plugs to prevent mold spores from entering your body. Afterwards, immediately place protective gear into a plastic bag to keep the spores from dispersing to begin a new colony.
  • Mold spores can become trapped in porous surfaces like wood paneling or furniture upholstering. Galliano recommends, “If in doubt, throw it out.”
  • A mixture of powder Cascade, Borax soap and water makes a safe cleaning solution. Dispose of brushes, clothes and any other materials immediately after use.

If your New Jersey home requires mold treatment, let our trained technicians handle it with our innovative MoldExterm system. Visit our website to learn why MoldExterm is a safe, effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional remediation.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

Don’t Tear Out Walls MoldExterm Seals Mold Spores In Patented Coatings

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Many homeowners delay or avoid mold treatment because of concerns that remediation will have to include ripping out drywall and tearing up floors and walls. Fortunately, modern technology offers a solution that keeps your house intact while eliminating the spread and contamination of mold.

The patented process of MoldExterm kills the mold (as well as any bacteria and viruses that may be present) and seals the surfaces with a special polymer. The result: EPA-approved mold treatment plus a barrier that prevents mold from returning — without ripping out walls.

Stern Mold offers this safe and effective option for NYC mold treatment so homeowners and tenants can enjoy healthy living without the expensive, complicated process of major renovations.

Preventing mold growth through cleaning and dehumidifying can help. However, existing mold growths can go dormant and come back stronger if not treated properly.

MoldExterm Treatment vs. Traditional Mold Remediation

Before the MoldExterm system came available for NYC mold treatment, people felt stuck between a rock and a hard place. Either live with dangerous mold, or find a low-tech mold remediation service. With remediation, drywall and structural elements likely need to be destroyed and replaced — turning a cleaning task into a major home rehabilitation.

With MoldExterm, treatment and coatings can be applied in as little as one day. The two-part process of antimicrobial treatment and polymer coating destroys the mold and prevents spores from entering the home.

Stern Mold can help you get back your home comfort — without the need to stay in a hotel for days or weeks, and without the fear of mold returning. Contact Stern Mold for a free inspection and quote for NYC mold treatment.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

Keeping Mold Away After Water Damage Cleanup

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Water is the lifeblood of mold, providing the elements that sustain its life and growth. It’s no surprise, then, that if your home has been flooded, it becomes a hotspot for a potential mold infestation.

If your home suffers water damage, cleanup should be done with an eye toward possible mold danger signs. Experts recommend these tips for successful preventive mold treatment.

  • Flood waters can contain any number of chemicals, pollutants and other bacteria-ridden substances. Be firm about discarding anything that has been touched by the water, no matter how minimal the contact.
  • Discard objects with a porous surface like wood that can retain moisture even when it appears dry. This includes wood paneling, carpeting and pads, and upholstered furniture.
  • Clean all remaining items with an anti-microbial solution that will inhibit mold growth. Bleach throws up a roadblock and slows the process, but it’s not strong enough to kill mold.
  • During clean-up, mold spores can be transmitted through the air. In addition, an infestation may already be developing in a hidden area. Be sure to wear a protective mask to avoid inhaling the spores.
  • Take measures to create air movement and remove moisture from the area, such as installing a dehumidifier. Even after the flood damage has been cleared, dampness creates an atmosphere conducive to mold development.

Has your home recently sustained flood damage? Don’t take a chance with you and your family’s well-being. Allow our professional technicians to give you peace of mind with our safe and effective mold treatment. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News
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