Tag Archives: mold and moisture

Why Does Mold Love to Grow in Unheated Houses or Condos?

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

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

Why does mold love to grow in unheated homes and condos? The NYC mold removal experts at Stern Environmental treat a lot of mold issues resulting from this scenario, and we’re here to explain why.

Temperature & Humidity Fluctuations

Although humidity levels are lower in chilly winter weather, certain conditions make your home a breeding ground for mold. One reason for this is the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. When a cold snap is followed by warmer, more humid weather, condensation forms when warm humid air contacts cold surfaces.

Leaks

Moisture from the bath or kitchen, or that permeates the house from the crawlspace or through leaks around windows and doors, can build up in your home, leading to ideal mold-growth conditions.

Omnipresent Food

Mold can feed on any organic material, from leftover crumbs on the counter to clothing, upholstery, and even furniture. When mold spores, which are everywhere, land on these materials, they set up residence.

What Does that Have to Do with Not Having a Heating System?

Heating and cooling systems do two things to control mold in your home:

1. They increase circulation to prevent moisture from appearing on your walls. 

2. They reduce humidity levels in your home as part of their normal operation. 

Without the circulation and dehumidification provided by a home air conditioning system, it’s easy for mold to quickly get out of control.

Give mold the boot. Take back your home with the help of the NYC mold removal experts at Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, 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

What Mold Needs to Grow – Moisture, Oxygen, Food Source

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Mold Spores

Know the Conditions For Mold Growth so You Can Prevent It

As a type of fungus, mold spores need water, air, and some form of food in order to grow and spread. Suspect mold at your home or office? Know the conditions for mold growth, and you will be better prepared to choose a NYC mold remediation technique that wipes them out and prevents future mold growth.

Mold and Moisture

Water can be called the source of life. Unfortunately, that holds true for mold. Leaks and floods often cause mold infestations, but it only takes a tiny bit of water to feed a mold colony.

Red flags for the moisture needed for mold growth include:

  • Plumbing leaks
  • Moisture around sinks and bathrooms
  • Roof leaks
  • Condensation
  • Sprinkler or hose water entering the building

Oxygen Respiration of Mold

Like many organisms, molds also require oxygen. This makes it possible for a polymer sealant to effectively block future mold growth.

Food Sources for Mold

Mold colonies get their food from any organic matter — but we’re not talking about health foods.

Wood, wallpaper, fabric and upholstery, or even plants and soil can all feed mold. Your NYC mold remediation provider will check cabinets, walls, ceilings and other building materials made with organic substances to eradicate the entire colony.

Preventing the Conditions for Mold Growth

For years, the typical NYC mold remediation process involved ripping out walls and cabinets to remove the spores the way you would remove asbestos. Today, we have advanced mold treatment methods that block out moisture and protect your property without having to disturb the structure.

Contact us for a free inspection and quote and find out more about our scientifically advanced NYC mold remediation service.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment