Can You Sell Your Home With Mold Inside

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Can You Sell It?

Can You Sell It?

How would you feel if you found the house of your dreams and it turned out to have mold? The answer to that question should be your guide if you are putting your house up for sale and discover a mold infestation. It can be done ethically and successfully, but only if you take responsibility for addressing the problem immediately.

Drawbacks of Selling a House with Mold

People today have a greater awareness of the health dangers associated with mold. They are not going to take a chance on buying a house affected by mold, especially if they have or are planning to have children.

The problem also has financial ramifications. Potential buyers are not going to  take on the cost of NJ mold treatment when they can find houses without mold for the same price or even less.

Legal consequences are an even more serious matter. You could be facing a major lawsuit if you sell your home and mold is detected immediately afterwards.

Steps for Dealing with a Mold Problem

The sooner you’re aware of a mold problem, the better. Make it a point to regularly inspect your home for signs of mold, paying particular attention to damp areas such as bathrooms and basements.

If you do discover mold, have a professional conduct a thorough removal. Document all activities related to the mold disposal to protect yourself from charges that you ignored the situation.

Our proprietary MoldExterm NJ mold treatment method is less costly and intrusive than remediation. In addition, it works to reduce the moisture problem that caused the mold in the first place. Contact us to schedule a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News

Black Mold Do It Yourself? Are You Really Ready to Undertake It?

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You’ve just discovered a patch of fungi that looks suspiciously like black mold in your home or business. Its ability to multiply rapidly means you have to take immediate action to avoid health dangers such as upper respiratory illnesses.

If the infestation is on a non-porous surface, you might attempt a course of do-it-yourself mold treatment. Here are some tips to make removal more effective.

Safety First

Mask off the affected area with plastic sheeting to prevent spores from dispersing further into the home or building. Protect yourself by wearing a dust mask, gloves and goggles.

Bleach Method

Fill one spray bottle with a mixture of eight ounces of bleach to one gallon of water and another with clear, warm water. Saturate the mold patch with the bleach solution, using paper towels or rags to scrub the area. Change scrubbing cloths frequently and dispose of them immediately in a plastic garbage bag. Rinse the area well with the clear water.

Natural Mold Removal Solutions

  • Tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract can be mixed with water and applied to the mold without rinsing.
  • Spray undiluted vinegar onto the infestation, allowing it to set without rinsing.
  • Scrub the area with a mixture of baking soda and water. This method is a good follow-up to the vinegar treatment.

Post-Treatment Cleanup

Vacuum the affected area and dispose of the filters in a garbage bag with any soiled cloths. Wash your clothes immediately.

In most cases, it’s best not to take any chances with mold. Let our trained technicians provide effective mold treatment and cleanup with a minimum of inconvenience to you and your family or employees.

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

Mold Spreads Via Spores – What Are They

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Mold is a serious problem. Much like rust, it will get worse, continue spreading, and cause serious damage if not properly removed. It spreads via spores and these tiny units of reproduction are resilient and highly prolific.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that destroys any organic matter is attaches to like leaves, wood, and paper. It grows on the surface of these materials and may be black, blue, green, or some combination. The color is typically determined by its nutrient source and the age of the mold colony. It requires moisture, a food source, and oxygen. The ideal temperature range for mold is between 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

How mold spreads?

The mold colony grows and will cover many square feet of a surface. It also produces spores. The spores can survive in dry and harsh conditions that the colony cannot. The spores travel easily on indoor and outdoor air. These spores may reproduce sexually or asexually depending on how the spore was formed. Mold spores are smaller than pollen, dust, and many other air-borne irritants. This allows the mold spores to escape many filtering mechanisms.

Health risks?

Many people are not adversely affected by low levels of exposure to mold spores. However, long-term exposure to low levels may be as harmful as short-term exposure to high levels of mold. People with asthma or a compromised immune system are at highest risk of problems.

Don’t take any chances. Stern Mold uses the advanced MoldExterm system to eliminate mold and prevent it from coming back. Contacts us for a free quote.

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

The EPA on Hidden Mold

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Mold isn’t always visible, but it can still cause a wide range of health problems. When mold spores find a damp spot indoors, they can grow and spread, possibly leading to health issues, such as sneezing, skin rashes or asthma attacks.

If you’ve noticed a moldy odor but don’t see anything growing, your home could contain hidden mold. The EPA provides some valuable mold information on this potential problem.

Where Hidden Mold Grows

Mold that isn’t visible can grow in several places indoors, including the following:

  • Underneath carpeting
  • On top of ceiling tiles
  • Behind drywall or wallpaper
  • Around pipes inside walls
  • Inside ducts

When to Check for Hidden Mold

Schedule a home mold inspection if you can smell but not see any signs of mold. If your home has had water damage, keep in mind that mold can easily thrive in the affected areas if they weren’t cleaned, dried and repaired promptly. If you or someone in your family experiences health issues that could be caused by mold, such as irritated eyes or frequent sneezing, have a professional check for hidden mold, especially if you’ve had water damage.

Don’t Do Your Own Inspection

Don’t peel back wallpaper or remove ceiling tiles to look for signs of mold growth. Doing so can cause a large number of mold spores to be released into your home, which could make the problem worse. Let a professional mold inspector check for hidden mold safely to reduce this risk.

For more mold information or to schedule a free mold inspection, contact Stern Mold. Our mold specialists can look for hidden mold in your home or business and safely treat to kill it.

Posted in Mold Identification, MoldExterm, News

The Anatomy of Mold

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Mold Anatomy

Mold Anatomy

If you happen to live in a New Jersey, you may find that your home is more at-risk for the detrimental effects of mold due to our periodically damp climate. Mold is often a quiet predator, lurking in dark, damp spaces and wreaking a silent havoc on your home’s structural integrity.

Some things to know about mold include:

Moisture is the Culprit

Moisture can facilitate the growth of mold in and around your home and business. The best description of mold is that it is a furry, dark fungus that thrives in dark, moist spaces. With so many nooks and crannies in the constructs of your home and building, there are numerous alluring places for mold to grow.

What to Do If You Suspect You Have Mold

When you suspect that your home or building has become a breeding ground for mold, contact professionals for mold treatment services. Don’t delay action; breathing in mold spores can cause respiratory issues and illness among those living and working in the building. Feel like your allergies are acting up? Be sure that it isn’t the repercussions of mold growth in your home.

What Can Happen?

In addition to the health complications that can be caused, the consequences of mold extend to your primary investment: your home or building. Mold can compromise the integrity of your building’s structure, which over time, can result in deterioration and rot.

If your property is in NJ, NYC, or Long Island, you are in luck. Stern Mold provides services to these areas for anyone who is concerned about mold. Contact our team at www.SternMold.com for more information and a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment
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