New York / New Jersey Mold Inspections

Will Bleach solve my mold problem?

Finding mold in your home is a scary event, with knowledge that mold is “bad” it is usually first instinct to try to tackle the problem immediately with a household cleaner and remove the visible mold. Bleach is probably one of the most common household cleaners that are used for its combat activity on mold. There are a few things to keep in mind in the mold vs. bleach battle that you should know before believing that bleach has won the fight.

Bleach kills bacteria and viruses and is used for its sanitizing qualities on surfaces. It will kill surface mold on non-porous surfaces (glass, tub, tile etc.) but it cannot ever completely kill mold that grows on porous materials (drywall or wood).  Recommendations from the EPA do not include bleach for killing mold as it is a corrosive material that can be harmful if inhaled and can cause burns with exposure.

A good rule of thumb when dealing with the first sight of surface mold is to use whatever method, bleach or natural mold killing products that you are comfortable using. If after a waiting period you see the mold return, then you can be sure that the mold is deeper in the material and will only be wasting time continually using that product over again.

If you begin to realize that the visible mold that you’ve tried to combat is returning after cleaning, it’s time to contact an expert in mold inspection, assessment and remediation. These experts are trained to look for areas that are susceptible to mold and moisture, abate the problem and get you back to living life without mold. If you have found yourself in this situation in the New York/New Jersey area, call HNST Mold Inspections today, we’re waiting for your call.

Home Owners Insurance & Mold   

Home Owners throughout the years have found out the hard way that problems they thought would be covered under insurance may not actually be covered. There are many rules and steps that need to be followed from the beginning in order to be able to use your homeowner’s insurance for coverage. We advise all customers to review their individual home owner’s policy or call their insurance company to understand exactly what is covered when it comes to mold.

Some insurance companies allow claims for water damage, as you know from reading our blogs, moisture from water damage in the home is a prime accelerant for mold growth. Once water damage is found in the home immediate steps should be taken to find out the source. New water damage should be taken care of immediately, and drying the are out within 24 hours is important in preventing mold growth.

If an area of water damage is found that seems to have been a recurring or long-term issue, this is when a mold assessment should be performed. Although you may not see mold, the extent of long-lived water damage may reach further into walls, floors, etc. where you may not be able to see yourself.

Always do research on the mold assessment company that you choose and make sure that you ask to see their mold assessor license number so that you can confirm they are in fact licensed. If you do have an insurance claim involved, using a licensed professional for assessment is generally required.

That being said, HNST Mold Inspections is a licensed NYSDOL Mold Assessor as well as Inspector. We perform our services in New York and New Jersey. Contact us today for your mold assessment or inspection.

Pets and Mold

Generally speaking, mold is found in certain locations that provide an adequate supply of organic material or moisture. These areas are rooms like your kitchen, bathroom, and basements. Dust, food particles, hair, body oils, etc. build up in these areas and just by adding moisture can become a breeding ground for mold. If you are a pet owner, there are just a few more places for you to beware of when thinking about mold.

Here are our tips on keeping your pets healthy and preventing mold around the areas your pets live!

  1. Aquariums- If you have an aquarium, you know the green or brown algae that can build up on the sides or top of the tank. These organic substances plus the water in the tank, make a wonderful spot for mold to grow. Keep your aquarium clean by doing preventative maintenance and possibly adding a cleaner fish to the aquarium to aid in the job.
  2. Dry Tank- Reptiles and amphibians are usually kept in a dry tank. While this is an easier place to prevent mold due to the lack of water, keep in mind the organic substances. Any shed skin, uneaten food or dying plant life should be removed immediately. If water is provided to the tanked animal, change the water every day to keep it fresh.
  3. Cages- Rabbits, dogs, birds or other animals kept in cages all have one thing in common, feces. Feces are especially high in plant content from animals such as these and can be a great place for mold to grow.

It’s important to remember that the multitude of mold spores moving throughout the air both indoors and out are almost impossible to avoid. The key to preventing mold is to keep your home clean and dry, especially in places that are prone to mold. We hope that you are better able to identify ancillary places that mold can grow.