Tag Archives: Mold Extermination

Most Frequent Causes of Mold and What to Do About It

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

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

A vital element in NYC mold removal is determining the cause of the infestation. Water is essential to mold growth, so the problem almost always involves excess moisture. Here are the three most common causes of mold in NYC apartments.

1. Exterior Leaks

Plumbing in your apartment may be fine, but broken pipes or overflows in neighboring units may not be immediately evident. In the meantime, moisture seeps into your apartment, triggering mold growth. Plastic water supply lines to sinks and toilets, which are more often found in newer buildings, are the most frequent culprit.

2. Blocked PTACs

Packaged terminal air conditioners, or PTACs, are all-in-one units that control heating and cooling in many apartments and condominiums. Landlords, who are responsible for maintenance of PTACs in rental properties, often don’t know they require twice-yearly servicing.

If PTAC filters aren’t replaced often enough, dust collects in the drain of the condensate pan. As a result, overflow from the pan leaks onto the floor below, but at such a slow rate that it goes undiscovered for a long time.

3. Broken Washing Machine Hose

Stainless-steel-wrapped washing machine hoses are sturdy and relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, in many cases rubber washing machine hoses, which have a tendency to break, are used instead.

NYC Mold Removal for Apartments and Condominiums

In multi-family residential buildings, mold infestations can have a ripple effect. Contact Stern Mold for a free mold inspection and consultation with our professional NYC mold removal technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Burger King’s Moldy Burger Highlights Mold Issues

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Could Mold be at the Root of Your Strange Symptoms?

Could Mold be at the Root of Your Strange Symptoms?

A picture of a mold-ridden burger seems like an odd way to promote a restaurant. But in a move that’s somewhat counterintuitive to NYC mold removal, Burger King is using this method to sell the virtues of their iconic Whopper.

Fresh Tastes Better

In mid-February, Burger King rolled out a new 45-second commercial that opens with an appetizing picture of their signature burger. Time-lapse photography then documents the sandwich deteriorating into a lumpy, moldy mess over a period of 34 days, as Dinah Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Makes” plays in the background.

So what’s the point? Burger King is showcasing their move to eliminate artificial preservatives, colors and flavors from the Whopper. The plan is currently operational at more than 400 Burger King restaurants in the U.S., with the goal to include all locations in the country by the end of 2020.

Behind the Curve?

When it comes to removing artificial ingredients from fast food, Burger King is actually playing catch-up. Two of their main competitors, McDonald’s and Taco Bell, announced over the last two years they would be stripping artificial flavors, colors and preservatives from some or all of their menu items.

Health experts point out that not all additives are unsafe. They say features such as salt and sugar content, as well as calories, should be the main concern.

Need NYC Mold Removal? Call Stern Mold

Mold in your home is always unacceptable. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

When Should Tenants Withold Rent? Does Mold Count?

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Should Tenants Pay Rent for Mold-Infested Apartments?

Should Tenants Pay Rent for Mold-Infested Apartments?

When you rent a house or apartment, you have a legal obligation to pay the agreed-upon amount each month. What happens if the landlord doesn’t uphold their end? If your rental home requires Manhattan mold removal, it could impact your responsibilities.

Is Your Home “Livable?”

Each state has laws governing landlord-tenant interactions. All rules incorporate the Warrant of Habitability, which requires landlords to provide housing that meets basic standards of health, safety and other living conditions.

One of the reasons rental properties appeal to tenants is freedom from responsibility for most maintenance and repair issues. If a pipe is leaking or the hot water heater breaks down, it’s up to the landlord to take care of it.

When the Warrant of Habitability Is Broken

Mold infestation, which creates a health risk, may fall under the landlord’s purview. If you need to seek Manhattan mold removal, follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Notify the landlord in writing, text or email.

• Take pictures.

• Allow a reasonable amount of time for resolution, which can vary based on the severity of the problem. The landlord should demonstrate a good-faith effort to correct the situation.

• If the situation reaches a point where withholding a portion of the rent is justified, notify the landlord in writing. Deposit the withheld funds into an escrow account pending legal disposition.

Effective Manhattan Mold Removal for Landlords and Homeowners

Whether you have one property or several, Stern Mold can handle your remediation needs. Contact us for more information.

Posted in Mold Information, News

Fast Food: Mold Finds Home In Soda Dispenser and Soda Lids At a Fast Food Eatery

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Get a Bottle of Water Instead of Soda the Next Time You Order Drive-Through.

Get a Bottle of Water Instead of Soda the Next Time You Order Drive-Through.

Mold isn’t just something you have to worry about inside your walls. This kind of fungus can make its way into more unusual places as long as there’s enough humidity for it to thrive. In fact, some restaurants have been found to have mold growing inside equipment, which could put customers and employees at risk.

Mold in Restaurants

Where might mold be growing inside dining establishments? Investigators in Columbia, MO found mold growing inside soda dispensers and soda lids at a Wendy’s. This happened due to a fluid line leak, which set up the right conditions for mold to grow.

When dining areas aren’t cleaned and checked regularly, mold colonies can establish to grow. This particular Wendy’s also had mold behind wallpaper in the front area. So, whether mold is inside equipment or in the walls, its presence in restaurants can quickly turn into a serious public health issue that needs to be dealt with right away.

What to Do About Mold

Mold can lead to health issues for some people if it’s left unchecked. Professional NYC mold removal services will eliminate it from residential and commercial buildings, so it can’t grow and thrive. Having professionals treat your home or business for mold is important, since this requires having the right kind of equipment and technique. Otherwise, mold can keep growing and cause a more widespread problem.

If you need NYC mold removal services for your home or business, contact Stern Mold as soon as you can.

Posted in Mold Information, MoldExterm, News

Cellulose or Cellulove? What Mold Really Loves

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What You Need to Know About Mold in Your Building

What You Need to Know About Mold in Your Building

Mold is a common sight on rotting tree trunks, so how does it show up in your bathroom? Our Manhattan mold removal experts explain the conditions leading to mold growth and how you can prevent it.

How Does Mold Develop?

Microscopic mold spores surround us constantly, indoors and outdoors. For the most part, these airborne particles are harmless. Problems arise when spores begin to reproduce and colonize surfaces inside a home or building.

Mold spores settle harmlessly unless they come in contact with moisture, which is the key to growth. Drywall, cardboard, wood and other cellulose materials are preferred surfaces for mold, although it can also grow in upholstery, carpeting and fabrics.

Types of Mold

Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus are the most common forms of mold overall, while Alternia is the most common indoor mold. Extended exposure to all four types can cause allergic symptoms, even in people who haven’t previously been subject to allergies.

Stachybotrys chartarum is often referred to as black mold or toxic mold. This type of mold emits mycotoxins that can trigger a range of health problems, from headaches and nosebleeds to muscle aches and memory loss.

Experts recommend maintaining indoor humidity levels below 60 percent to discourage mold growth. During cold weather months, it’s important to keep the house warm to prevent condensation, which can lead to mold.

Trust Stern Mold for Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our two-step MoldExterm program thoroughly removes existing growth and prevents future infestations. Contact us for a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Information, News
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