RTK In the News
A Guide to Eradicating Mold from Your Home
– October 14, 2022
You’ve Found Mold! Now What? A Guide to Eradicating an Infestation From Your Home
– June 28, 2022
6 END OF SUMMER CLEANING TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
– September 3, 2020
With the summer season being so fast-paced, it can be easy to let the upkeep of your property slip between the cracks. So before the cooler weather hits, it’s important to inspect your property and identify the areas that could benefit from a little TLC.
RTK LAUNCHES NEW ADS
– January 3, 2020
RTK recently debuted their latest commercials. See them here!
HOW TO AVOID THESE 14 HOME RENOVATION HORROR STORIES
– November 8, 2019
GOBankingRates spoke to experts to find out how you can avoid these scary remodeling situations so that you’re not paying extra on your home.
HOW TO CONTROL MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY IN THE HOME
– October 22, 2019
Moisture might be good for your skin, but it’s not doing your home any favors. Here’s where excess moisture is lurking in your home and how to treat it.
WADUH, AROMA KABIN MOBIL BARU TERNYATA PICU PENYAKIT!
– June 13, 2019
Mengendus-endus bau MOBIL BARU, tak jarang dilakukan oleh pengguna atau yang baru saja menjajal produk otomotif tertentu. Bahkan konon ada “parfum” khusus pembuat kabin berbau bak baru keluar dari showroom.
9 CRUCIAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE A BATHROOM REMODEL BEGINS
– June 3, 2019
So you want to remodel your bathroom? Then congratulations and a fair warning are both in order. Because whether you’re simply upgrading your sink or ripping out every last tile, it takes tons of research to get a successful bathroom renovation right.
TOP CAUSES OF MOLD IN APARTMENT BUILDINGS
– May 15, 2019
Living in an apartment building comes with perks. But with so many people living in one place, accidents can happen that lead to mold.
THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF GETTING YOUR HOME TESTED FOR MOLD, ESPECIALLY POST-SUPERSTORM SANDY
– March 15, 2019
Because mold can spring up in just a few days, homeowners need to understand what mold is and what it can damage. Our homes are our sanctuaries, places where we usually feel our very safest. But, what if there were something inside that home – within its very walls, hidden out of sight – that could be literally poisoning you?
NO NOS SALGAN CON QUE EL AROMA A AUTO NUEVO CAUSA DAÑOS A LA SALUD
– March 26, 2019
Este característico aroma está formado por compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV), que son liberados por los materiales que componen tu auto nuevo.
THE SCARY TRUTH BEHIND THAT NEW CAR SMELL
– March 15, 2019
Admit it: you absolutely love the smell of your new car as you’re driving off the lot. Scientists haven’t figured out why everyone loves the smell of a new car so much—maybe it’s because people associate the smell with the luxury of having purchased a new set of wheels. But the smell that comes along with your new ride is actually really toxic and can be harmful to your health, just like these household smells that can signal something dangerous.
28 SPOTS TO NEVER, EVER SKIP WHEN SPRING CLEANING
– March 6, 2019
Washing windows and scheduling a carpet cleaning may be a good start to spring cleaning, but your home isn’t white-glove test clean if you neglect these areas.
YOU’VE FOUND MOLD! NOW WHAT? A GUIDE TO ERADICATING AN INFESTATION FROM YOUR HOME
– January 15, 2019
Next to termite damage and roof damage, mold is one of the major red flags that can cause home buyers to reconsider their purchase. But what happens if you find mold in your own home? Can you safely remove it yourself, or should you call a professional?
HOME INSPECTION HORROR STORIES
– October 24, 2018
Many of us have heard scary stories about new homeowners dealing with costly and even dangerous home repairs that they did not expect. From leaky septic tanks and radon gas, to moldy walls and things that freeze in the night, here are our home inspection horror stories, and how to avoid them.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND MOLD
– August 13, 2018
Mold: four letters, one syllable, a world of anxiety and stress. It’s such a simple word with the potential to cause so many problems. Why is mold so troubling and what should you do if you find mold in your house or discover it while you’re house hunting?
LINGERING HUMIDITY CAN POSE HEALTH PROBLEMS AND PROVIDE A HAVEN FOR MOLD
– July 26, 2018
This week’s dome of humidity can pose problems for people with asthma and allergies and is a haven for mold, which carries its own health concerns.
13 FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS SHARE THEIR BIGGEST REGRETS
– July 20, 2018
Buying your first home is supposed to be an exciting milestone in your life, but as these first-time buyers share, sometimes issues arise that make the process less than smooth.
STEAM-PIPE EXPLOSION CLEANUP TURNING OUT TO BE ‘HELLUVA BIG JOB’
– July 20, 2018
The Flatiron District remained a hellscape of ruptured asphalt, shuttered shops, massive vacuum machines and hazmat-suited cleanup crews Friday — one day after an 85-year-old steam pipe burst at Fifth Avenue and 21st Street, spewing a toxic, asbestos-laced plume 10 stories high.
RAINY FORECAST COULD HELP CLEAN STEAM-PIPE ASBESTOS: EXPERTS
– July 20, 2018
It’s forecast to rain Saturday and then on and off through much of next week — and that’s good news for the ASBESTOS CLEANUP IN THE FLATIRON DISTRICT, experts said Friday.
STEAM PIPE EXPLODES IN FLATIRON DISTRICT, SPEWS TOXINS
– July 19, 2018
An aging steam pipe exploded and SPEWED CANCER-CAUSING ASBESTOS in Manhattan’s Flatiron District on Thursday morning, shutting down several blocks of Fifth Avenue and forcing the evacuation of nearly 50 buildings.
– April 2018
Washing windows and scheduling a carpet cleaning may be a good start to spring cleaning, but your home isn’t white-glove test clean if you neglect these 11 things.
THE SCARY TRUTH BEHIND THAT NEW CAR SMELL
– March 2018
Scientists haven’t figured out why everyone loves the smell of a new car so much—maybe it’s because people associate the smell with the luxury of having purchased a new set of wheels. But the smell that comes along with your new ride is actually really toxic and can be harmful to your health.
7 SIGNS YOU MIGHT HAVE TOXIC MOLD IN YOUR HOME
– December 2017
Seeing mold growing on an old piece of bread is creepy enough, but mold in the home is something next level.
4 BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSE FOR WINTER
– November 2017
In New England, where I live, winter comes quickly. Last October I learned that the hard way when a sudden cold snap left me reaching for the thermostat for the first time. I dialed it up but didn’t hear the familiar buzz of the heating system kicking on. I turned it up further. Nothing.
TO STAY OR GO DURING A HOME RENOVATION
– June 2017
THE PROS AND CONS The pros and cons of living through a renovation versus moving out.
12 HOME SAFETY HAZARDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IF YOU HAVE A TODDLER
– March 2017
You might have toddler dangers lurking in your house and not even know it.It’s an exciting time when your baby starts walking and officially becomes a toddler — but being more mobile also opens your child up to a whole new world of dangers in your home. Taking the time to search your house for potential hazards could save your toddler’s life.
12 WAYS YOUR HOME COULD HURT YOUR KIDS
– March 2017
Have a toddler underfoot? Tackle these hazards now for peace of mind and a safer environment.
UNDERSTANDING VOCS AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY
– November 2016
Freshly painted walls, gleaming wood floorboards, and tightly insulated attics are on many buyers’ wish lists. But some materials, processes, and finishes can make for toxic spaces. Help your buyers and sellers keep their homes healthy.
WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T SKIP THESE 11 SPOTS WHEN SPRING CLEANING
– November 2016
Washing windows and scheduling a carpet cleaning may be a good start to spring cleaning, but your home isn’t white-glove test clean if you neglect these 11 things.
H2WHOA! IS YOUR TAP WATER SAFE?
– June 2016
RTK founder Robert Weitz warns about the dangers that could be lurking in your tap water, including lead, pesticides, and bacteria.
THE POISONOUS EFFECTS OF LEAD IN OUR BROKEN WATER SYSTEM
– April 2016
Drop by contaminated drop, we’ve been slowly discovering the poisonous effects of toxins in our tap water. Our water sources have recently been testing positive for a wide selection of disinfection byproducts, chemicals, heavy metals, and even pharmaceutical drugs.
BUILDERS FINDING WAYS TO MAKE HOMES STAND UP TO MOTHER NATURE’S FIERCEST OUTBURSTS
– February 2016
A movement in the home-building industry to adapt to risks of climate change is gaining momentum, promising new houses that are tougher and more able to bounce back from extreme weather events.
ALL ABOUT MOLD: WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND HOW TO FIGHT IT
– February 2016
Robert Weitz, owner of RTK Environmental in Fairfield County, tells the Examiner that there are different signs to look for in winter versus summer. In summer, the worry and the danger stem from the humidity and condensation, but sometimes winter brings more insidious challenges.
NEWEST HOMES BUILT TO STAND UP TO MOTHER NATURE’S FIERCEST OUTBURSTS
– February 2016
A movement in the home-building industry to adapt to risks of climate change is gaining momentum, promising new houses that are tougher and more able to bounce back from extreme weather events. Although much attention has focused on green building practices, resilient-design strategies take the concept of building efficiently a step further with a proactive approach to creating durable homes that can withstand almost anything Mother Nature throws at them.
WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T SKIP THESE 11 SPOTS WHEN SPRING CLEANING
– November 2016
Washing windows and scheduling a carpet cleaning may be a good start to spring cleaning, but your home isn’t white-glove test clean if you neglect these 11 things.
THE DANGERS OF FAKE CHRISTMAS TREES
– December 2015
It’s an aesthetic choice – a real pine Christmas tree or one you bought at a big store that came in a box. Something you may not take into account is where the artificial tree was made, and what toxins it may contain.
HIDDEN CAMERA INVESTIGATION REVEALS TECHNICIAN CHARGING $700 FOR EASY AIR VENT FIX
– November 2015
RTK’s Robert Weitz helps INSIDE EDITION’s House of Shame series put more home repairmen to the test – this time to see if they give a fair deal for cleaning a home’s air vents.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN YOUR NEW HOME
– October 2015
The process of buying a home wouldn’t be the same without the home inspection. Unfortunately, a regular home inspection can only tell the buyer so much. RTK gives insight into other tests you may need to make sure the home is safe.
HOW TO PREVENT AND DEAL WITH HOME FLOODING
– September 2015
Great tips from RTK to prevent basement flooding, including clear gutters and leaders and have a Shop-Vac at the ready.
HURRICANE SEASON PREP: GETTING YOUR HOME, CAR AND DATA READY
– July 2015
As heat waves continue to emerge and peak hurricane season is on its way soon, homeowners should prepare for power failures and flash flooding which could take down your access to electricity for several days.
STOP MOLD IN ITS TRACKS WHEN RENOVATING
– March 2015
Before demolishing a wall, ceiling, or structure, a savvy contractor will order asbestos and lead testing to make sure that demolition won’t spread those toxins into the air. But what happens if you break through the surface and you uncover what looks like widespread mold? What should you do?
HOW TO PREVENT FROZEN PIPES THIS WINTER
– January 2015
Water damage caused by frozen pipes are one of the most common types of claims homeowners make on their insurance, according to a report published by ISO, a Verisk Analytics company.
PREP YOUR PLACE FOR EXTREME WEATHER
– December 2014
RTK founder Robert Weitz shares tips on preparing your home for extreme winter weather with real estate website Trulia. This article was reprinted on Forbes.com.
PREP YOUR PLACE FOR EXTREME WEATHER
– December 2014
RTK founder Robert Weitz shares tips on preparing your home for extreme winter weather with real estate website Trulia.
ASK AN EXPERT: MOLD BASICS
– August 2014
In this Journal News article, Robert Weitz is interviewed regarding suspected mold growth in the Katonah-Lewisboro schools in Westchester County, New York.
SUSPECT MOLD? HERE’S THE 4-1-1 ON INSPECTIONS
– July 2014
Certified Microbial Investigator Robert Weitz explains in this article how homeowners gain knowledge and unbiased information from his company’s mold inspections in the Washingon, DC area.
12 ON HEALTH: URANIUM FOUND IN STAMFORD, CT WELL WATER
– March 2014
RTK Environmental Group’s Robert Weitz explains to homeowners how to test well water for uranium and other toxins after the substance was found in 70% of wells in Stamford, Connecticut.
TOP MONEY DRAINS IN YOUR HOME
– December 2013
Robert Weitz explains the preventative maintenance habits homeowners should be forming now in order to avoid headaches and big repair bills in the future.
TOP MONEY DRAINS IN YOUR HOME
– November 2013
In this television story, Robert Weitz illustrates how simple repairs in your home can help save you tens of thousands of dollars down the road. This includes the HVAC system, a termite inspection, a bathroom fan, dryer vents. He also recommends inspecting the roof annually and check for mold, including the basement, attic, and bathrooms
RISKY RECONSTRUCTION
– August 2013
In this story, WCBS-TV’s Dr. Max Gomez speaks with Robert Weitz about how effects from Hurricane Sandy could still harm your health including mold, lead paint, and asbestos in hazardous debris.
TIPS FOR BABY-PROOFING YOUR HOME
– August 2013
More than 80% of homes contain at least on environmental hazard, says RTK
Environmental’s Robert Weitz, CMI, in this important article in Westchester Magazine.
12 ON HEALTH: DOCTORS SAY REMOVING MOLD PREVENTS RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS AND MOLD ALLERGIES
– July 2013
News 12’s Gillian Neff says wiping mold away with a damp sponge won’t get rid of the problem. She interviews RTK Environmental Group to find out what to do if you have basement mold and how sump pumps prevent basement flooding.
KANE IN YOUR CORNER: THE TOXIC LEGACY OF SUPERSTORM SANDY
– June 2013
News 12 New Jersey’s investigative reporter Walt Kane hires RTK Environmental Group to take independent soil samples of a home in Little Ferry, NJ to test for cancer-causing PCB’s, petroleum products, metals, and lead.
THE MONEY SAVER: THE DANGERS OF CUTTING COSTS ON HOME MAINTENANCE
New York – January 2013
CBS2 anchor Maurice DuBois interviews Robert Weitz on how small tune ups throughout the year can save homeowners thousands.
THE TOP MONEY DRAINS ON YOUR HOUSE
– January 2013
Robert Weitz is interviewed on-camera for this story where he explains how certain types of home maintenance can really save homeowners a lot of money and headaches down the road.
RESIDENTS URGED TO CHECK GUTTERS, DOORS FOR POSSIBLE LEAKS
– November 2012
Reporter Vanessa Murdock speaks with Robert Weitz on how to prepare your home for Hurricane Sandy. Weitz inspects a home’s roof, door sills, gutters, and basements.
GOOD DAY NEW YORK: CLEANING UP AFTER HURRICANE IRENE
– August 2011
The anchors interview Gene Burch of RTK Environmental Group on what to do if you had flooding from Hurricane Irene in your home. Burch describes how mold grows underneath carpets and inside walls.
GOOD DAY NEW YORK: PREPARING FOR HURRICANE IRENE – WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE MOLD IN YOUR BASEMENT?
– August 2011
Anchors Steve Levy and Rosanna Scotto sit down with RTK’s Gene Burch on what homeowners can do right now to prevent indoor flooding and mold from Hurricane Irene.
WATER TODAY – MOLD TOMORROW
– March 2011
In this article, Robert Weitz is interviewed about the particularly difficult winter of 2010-2011 and how the snow created problems for homeowners and mold.
IS YOUR OFFICE SAFE AND HEALTHY? WATCH OUT FOR THESE WORKPLACE HAZARDS
– May 2009
Your immune system differs from your colleague’s, and can react badly to fumes from cleaning supplies, says Robert Weitz in this interview.
AVOIDING TOXINS IN YOUR BUILDING
– December 2008
From mold and lead, to asbestos and radon, there are many hazards that affect New York City co-ops and condos. Robert Weitz of RTK Environmental Group lists many of them in this story.
WHAT’S FURRY AND THIRSTY AND LOVES THE DARK?
– May 2007
In this article, the New York Times tags along with Robert Weitz as he inspects a home in Katonah, New York for mold. You won’t believe what he finds!
FILTHY RICH BUSINESS
– February 2007
In this article, business owners who deal with disgusting items—including Robert Weitz who started RTK—explain how they’ve build solid businesses on disgusting things (like testing for mold in a damp, dreary basement.
HOW TO TREAT A SICK OFFICE: GO AFTER HIDDEN ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
– December 2006
In this article, RTK Environmental Group explains how routine maintenance to your building can prevent “sick office” and poor indoor air quality.
