Tag Archives: Mold Treatment

Two Years and $3.6 Million Later, Ice Rink Is Finally Free of Mold

Posted on by
Here are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Chronic Mold Exposure, be on the Lookout!

Be on the Lookout for Chronic Mold Exposure!

An ice rink may not seem like an obvious place for Manhattan mold removal, but no buildings are immune from infestations. A major university recently learned the hard way how indoor mold can have an extensive and costly ripple effect.

When Mold “Breaks” Ice

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has an Olympic-sized ice rink on campus that opened in 1988. According to Mick McComber, director of UMD’s recreational sports program, approximately 90 percent of all students participate in recreational and outdoor activities. The rink received extensive usage for club hockey, figure skating and open skating sessions.

In February 2018, the rink was closed after an annual inspection detected the presence of mold along the roof trusses. UMD senior project manager John Kessler explained that remediation efforts traced the cause of the mold to the HVAC system, which then had to be replaced.

Finally Mold-Free

At the time, UMD was also in the process of moving to an ammonia-based ice plant so they could discontinue use of a previous refrigerant that is now banned. Total bill for the entire project was $3.6 million, which came from a combination of student fees, state money and a loan from the university system. The rink has now been reopened to students, a full two years after the original closure.

Need Manhattan Mold Removal? Call Stern Mold

Avoid lengthy and inconvenient disruptions with our two-step MoldExterm treatment, which is usually completed in one day with no messy, invasive procedures. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Here’s What Landlords Need To Know About Mold In Rental Apartments

Posted on by
How to Combat Mold in an Apartment Complex

How to Combat Mold in an Apartment Complex

There are currently no federal or local laws regulating a landlord’s responsibilities regarding Manhattan mold removal in their buildings, but a mold infestation can still result in a number of figurative and literal headaches. Follow these guidelines to mitigate issues with mold in rental properties.

What Are Tenants’ Rights?

Despite the lack of specific language addressing mold problems, landlords are bound by the legal doctrine known as “implied warranty of habitability.” Simply put, a landlord must maintain rental units in livable condition.

If tenants are faced with mold infestations, they have recourse with two self-help methods recognized by New York courts:

• Rent withholding allows tenants to stop paying rent on the basis of unlivable conditions.

• Repair and deduct is when tenants seek Manhattan mold removal on their own and subtract the costs from their rent payment.

Legal and Financial Consequences

In an effort to make it easier for tenants to report mold problems, New York City offers an online complaint form through its 311 non-emergency services program. All complaints generate a service request number for use in tracking progress.

A landlord may be liable for damages if a court finds that a mold problem was due to negligence. Conversely, if a problem was caused by a tenant’s neglect, clean-up costs may be deducted from their security deposit.

Manhattan Mold Removal for Commercial Properties

Don’t face mold problems on your own. We offer free mold inspections by our trained and knowledgeable technicians. Contact Stern Mold to learn more.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Five Types of Mold Found in Homes

Posted on by
Know the Dangers of Having Mold in Your Bedroom

Know the Dangers of Having Mold in Your Bedroom

Mold is a blanket term for a type of fungus that encompasses thousands of different species. Here’s a look at five common mold types found in homes, which will require NYC mold removal.

1. Stachybotrys

When people talk about toxic mold, they’re actually referring to stachybotrys. While it’s also known as black mold, it can appear green as well. Stachybotrys gets its nickname from mycotoxins it produces that are especially dangerous to children.

2. Aspergillus

Aspergillus comes in more than 185 different species, so it appears in a wide range of colors. In addition to triggering allergic reactions, aspergillus can cause serious lung infections.

3. Alternaria

Alternaria is the #1 type of allergic mold throughout the world. This species comes in dark brown or green with a velvet-like appearance.

4. Cladosporium

Mold is generally associated with warm, damp areas, but cladosporium grows equally well in the cold. Resembling suede with its olive-green or dark brown coloring, cladosporium is often found in upholstery, carpets and other indoor fabrics.

5. Trichoderma

Trichoderma is usually white with green patches that give it a “wooly” appearance. Some species of trichoderma produce mycotoxins similar to stachybotrys. Trichoderma also contains an enzyme that destroys wood and other building materials, which can lead to structural damage.

Effective NYC Mold Removal for All Types

Whatever type of mold affects your home, it requires professional NYC mold removal. Our MoldExterm program effectively removes mold and prevents it from returning. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection by our knowledgeable technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

Find Out How to Report Mold Found in Your Workplace

Posted on by
Find Out How to Report Mold in the Workplace

Find Out How to Report Mold in the Workplace

Mold problems aren’t limited to residential buildings. Any structure with organic materials and moisture can be a breeding ground for mold infestations. Our NYC mold removal experts offer helpful tips on reporting mold found in your workplace.

How to Report Mold in the Workplace

• Notify your manager or supervisor as soon as you discover signs of mold. Send it via email so your report is documented.

• Lead off by stating where and when you first saw mold and approximately how large of an area it covered.

• Include details about the location, including signs of moisture or water damage such as condensation, leaky pipes, dark surface stains or structural damage.

• If you don’t receive a response to your email within a couple of days, have a follow-up conversation with your manager or supervisor. Contact the human resources department or a higher-ranking manager if no action is taken.

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards call for wet materials to be thoroughly dried and cleaned with 24 to 48 hours after a flood or other event involving water. Remind management of this recommendation if the workplace sustains any water damage.

• If your company fails to address a mold issue, contact the local OSHA office.

Stern Mold: The Leader in Residential and Commercial NYC Mold Removal

Our NYC mold removal technicians are experienced in effective treatment for both residential and commercial buildings. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and consultation.

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

Tips for Stopping Winter Home Interior Mold Growth

Posted on by
You Cannot Control Mold Growth With Temperature

You Cannot Control Mold Growth With Temperature

Many plants and other organisms go dormant in the winter, but our Manhattan mold removal team doesn’t get any breaks. Keep mold from infesting your home during cold weather months with these helpful tips.

Tips for Preventing Interior Mold Growth During Winter

• When warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces, it results in condensation, which creates moisture for mold spores to grow. Use fans and vents to keep air circulating throughout the home. A dehumidifier also reduces the amount of moisture in the air.

• Regularly inspect your home for leaks and broken pipes. Pay special attention to hidden areas under sinks and in the basement. Repair any damages immediately.

• Organic materials such as paper and fabric feed mold growth. Be careful to store these items in well-ventilated areas away from walls and windows.

• Carpeting is another common place for mold infestations. If possible, install laminate flooring around entryways to prevent tracking water indoors. Vacuum carpets frequently, keeping an eye out for signs of mold.

• Bathrooms are particularly vulnerable to mold. Keep surfaces clean to limit opportunities for mold to develop.

• If you do discover mold, removing it isn’t enough. You need to treat the conditions that allowed mold to develop in the first place, so it doesn’t return.

Year-Round Manhattan Mold Removal Services from Stern Mold

Our two-step MoldExterm program effectively removes mold and prevents future recurrences. Contact us to schedule a free inspection and consultation from our professionally trained Manhattan mold removal experts.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News
« Older Entries Recent Entries »