Category Archives: Mold Information

Does Interior Mold Grow in the Winter?

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Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Do you think you can let your guard down on interior mold during winter, when doors and windows remain closed? Here’s why NYC mold removal should still be a concern even when temperatures drop.

Winter = Moisture

Water is an essential ingredient for the growth and survival of mold. Winter rain and snow create an abundant source of moisture, and since warm indoor air can’t escape, condensation develops on windows and other surfaces.

Other winter activities help set the stage for interior mold:

• Meals tend to include dishes requiring more cooking such as soups and stews. As steam collects from stoves, ovens and dishwashers, kitchens become a danger zone for mold.

• Bathrooms are a traditional site for mold, and hot showers and baths during winter months boost the moisture content.

Tips to Prevent Winter Mold

• Make sure chronic problem areas such as kitchens and bathrooms have adequate ventilation.

• Immediately shut off water flow to broken or leaky pipes and repair as soon as possible.

• Reduce humidity by heating the building, then open doors and windows temporarily, allowing damp air to escape.

• Add insulation in the attic to keep warm air from rising to meet the cold roof, resulting in condensation.

• Have the roof inspected for damages.

Stern Mold: Your Year-Round Solution for NYC Mold Removal

Our proprietary MoldExterm system is an effective NYC mold removal program for any season. Contact us and get peace of mind from a mold inspection by our cheerful and experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Tips for Mold Detection in Your Condo or Co-op

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Are Multiple People in Your Apartment Complex Showing the Same Sickness Symptoms? Mold Could be the Cause.

Are Multiple People in Your Apartment Complex Showing the Same Sickness Symptoms? Mold Could be the Cause.

Condos and co-ops can be just as susceptible to mold problems as single-family houses. Is your home in need of New Jersey mold removal? Use these helpful mold detection tips to track down the symptoms.

Mold Detection Tips for Condos and Co-ops

• Your eyes are still the best tool for finding mold infestations. In addition to obvious signs such as furry-looking black, white, green or gray surface spots, watch for bubbles or other deformities on walls that can indicate mold behind the paint.

• Does your condo or co-op have a damp, musty smell that persists even after thorough cleaning? Mold has a distinctive odor that can alert you to its presence in hidden areas.

• Flooding creates optimum conditions for mold growth. No matter how quickly the water is removed, the affected building materials retain a certain amount of dampness for mold spores to feed on.

• Windows that fog up frequently are an indication of high humidity levels. Investigate to find the source of the excess moisture and check for mold development.

• Despite your best efforts, mold can be lurking in undetectable places. An experienced mold inspector has the know-how and equipment to find mold, even when or where you may least expect it.

Stern Mold: Effective New Jersey Mold Removal for Condos and Co-ops

Get peace of mind knowing that your condo or co-op is in good hands. Contact Stern Mold and schedule a free mold inspection from our friendly and professional technicians.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Guest Sues Hotel Chain for Mold Exposure

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Mold Can Creep Into Your Hotel Room -- Be on the Lookout!

Mold Can Creep Into Your Hotel Room — Be on the Lookout!

New Jersey mold removal isn’t a problem only for homeowners. A national hotel chain may be facing legal repercussions as the result of a moldy bathroom in one of their locations.

An Unpleasant Surprise

After DeAnna Kron checked into her room at the Quality Inn in Mankato, MN, she discovered mold underneath peeling wallpaper in the bathroom. In addition, mold particles had dispersed on towels as well as the floor and toilet.

When Kron reported her discovery to the front desk staff, they allegedly replied that maintenance wouldn’t be able to address the situation until the following Monday. A discussion with a regional corporate manager yielded no satisfaction, so Kron contacted the state health inspector.

He Said, She Said

Dave Reimann, an environmental health specialist with the Minnesota Department of Health, responded to Kron’s call and confirmed the presence of mold in her hotel room. Reimann noted he had performed an annual inspection four months earlier and the wallpaper was peeling, but there were no signs of mold at the time.

On behalf of the hotel, manager Prince Shergill says Kron was offered an upgrade to a suite, which she denies. Kron also says she began suffering from a sore throat and cough. It was expected that confirmation of mold as the cause of her illness could take several weeks.

Effective New Jersey Mold Removal for Commercial Buildings

Don’t put your business and your customers at risk. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection from our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Is Bathroom Mold Dangerous? Does It Need Aggressive Treatment?

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Bathroom Mold? When Can You Clean and When Do You Need a Professional?

Bathroom Mold? When Can You Clean and When Do You Need a Professional?

You’ve discovered the dreaded signs of mold in your bathroom. Is it a DIY job, or do you need professional NYC mold removal? Use these tips on how to safely handle bathroom mold.

When Cleaning Isn’t Enough

Small mold colonies can often be wiped away with a sponge and disinfectant. Unfortunately, that does little to address the problem that created mold in the first place. If you don’t take steps to correct the condition, whether it’s broken pipes or poor ventilation, mold can become a chronic issue.

Mold May Be Smelled, not Seen

Perhaps there’s no visible evidence of mold, but the bathroom has a persistent musty smell. Chances are mold has developed inside walls, under cabinets or some other place not readily apparent. Before you start ripping out fixtures, let our NYC mold removal technicians conduct a thorough inspection.

Mold as a Health Hazard

Black mold receives the lion’s share of the publicity, but all mold species can cause health problems ranging from allergic reactions to headaches and dizziness. People with asthma and other pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.

The danger comes from inhaling airborne mold spores, which can be dispersed in the cleaning process. Any type of bathroom mold should be considered an immediate threat to the health of your family, employees or customers.

NYC Mold Removal for Homes and Businesses

Whether you have a residential or commercial building, our trained technicians can effectively treat bathrooms and other mold-infested areas. Contact Stern Mold for more information.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Remediation, News

Learn About the Mold Life Cycle

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Mold Has Life Cycles, Learn About Which Part Puts You Most at Risk

Mold Has Life Cycles, Learn About Which Part Puts You Most at Risk

It often seems as though mold infestations spring up overnight, but as with all organisms mold follows a specific life cycle from genesis through “death.” Here’s a look at the life cycle of mold and how it impacts Manhattan mold removal.

Mold Life Cycle from Beginning to End

• Mold originates from a thread-like cell known as a hypha. Once the hypha finds a suitable surface with the requisite moisture, it puts down roots to absorb nutrients from the underlying organic materials. As a result, the hypha multiplies into a mass called a mycelium, which is when mold becomes visible.

• Eventually some of the hyphae develop spores, which are the reproductive elements of mold.

• Spores are released into the atmosphere, where they drift until they find another spot conducive to mold development.

• After the spores settle, the cycle comes full circle and continues to repeat itself.

Interrupting the Mold Life Cycle

Simply wiping down a mold-infested surface is as useless as cutting back the visible part of weeds. As long as the hyphae are anchored to the host surface, they’ll continue to draw the nutrients required for growth.

Effective Manhattan mold removal is a two-step process:

• Apply a mold-repelling substance to affected surfaces.

• Remove excess moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.

MoldExterm: Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our proprietary MoldExterm treatment is the only method incorporating both factors needed for successful mold removal. For more information, contact Stern Mold and schedule a free mold inspection by our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News
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