The owners of this commercial building in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ were having trouble controlling the moisture and humidity in the basement. Chronic moisture and humidity problems can trigger dangerous mold growth and attract insects and other pests that thrive in damp, dark conditions. 

The owners knew they had potential problems on their hands if this situation was not resolved, and contacted Cowleys for help. The single best long-term solution to prevent high humidity and moisture conditions in basements and crawl spaces is by installing a commercial-grade dehumidifier. As long as humidity levels are kept low (below 55% relative humidity),  mold can’t take hold. Also, the occupants of a home or commercial structure benefit as well. Air currents circulate basement or crawl space air throughout the entire structure, and dehumidifying these non-living spaces improves the indoor air quality throughout the entire structure and gets rid of those stinky musty smells that carry upward from those damp moist areas. 

At Mold Solutions by Cowleys, we install SaniDry dehumidifiers. These fully automatic workhorses are specially designed to work in crawl spaces and basements. They are daily maintenance-free with no water pan to empty or worry about overflowing. With this particular installation, we installed the dehumidifier with a  condensate pump that drains directly into the main sewer line. Often, we are able to have the dehumidifier to drain the water extracted out of the air directly into the sump pump. 

The owners of a beach house in Brick, NJ found themselves with an unpleasant surprise when they returned to get the home ready for summer: there was mold growing behind a cabinet and drywall. They contacted Cowleys Mold Solutions and a two-man crew was dispatched to treat the mold. 

The homeowner wanted us to removing the cabinet, which was no problem. However, he was hoping to avoid a tear-out and replacement of the drywall panels that had developed mold. Since there was no structural damage to the drywall, we could potentially leave it in depending on whether there was some behind the drywall responsible for the mold growth, and whether we needed to access the area in order to fix the problem. Mold is a sign that a home has some type of water intrusion or chronic moisture from high humidity. While it is important to treat the mold, it is just as important to address the underlying problem that’s causing mold growth in the first place. Otherwise, the mold will return. To check behind the drywall, we cut out four small “peepholes” at the tops and bottoms of each moldy area of the drywall so we could visually access the wall void and determine the water source triggering the mold growth. As it turned out, a condensation drain for AC was dumping water into a bay directly above the mold-affected infected area. We repositioned the condensation line so it would drain water away from the home.

We treated the mold problem with our mold treatment process that that involves two separate applications. First, we applied an EPA-registered antimicrobial (MAPS 1) to the affected areas. Next, we applied our patented sealant (MAPS 2), for which Cowleys is a licensed distributor. This sealant kills molds on contact at the cellular level rendering it inert and harmless. Mold is dangerous because its airborne spores can cause various respiratory problems, and some strains of mold contain actual toxins. This sealant is also moisture-sensitive. If the conditions that trigger mold growth return, this sealant has the ability to reactivate and kill any new mold growth in the treated areas. The owners were pleased that we could complete this job in less than a day, that the drywall could be saved thereby avoiding a tear-out/renovation project. And, most important for them, there would be no delays in using the beach house over the summer.

Oftentimes, mold is discovered in the non-living areas of the home during a home inspection performed as part of a pending sale on behalf of the buyer to determine whether the home has any structural issues that require correction. Although home inspectors are not generally mold experts, most are aware that mold is a concern for buyers and they are able to identify the signs of mold growth and the water intrusion or moisture issues that may be causing the mold growth. For all the parties involved – buyer, seller, and realtor – the discovery of mold could not happen at a more inopportune time. It is to no one’s advantage to postpone or kill a potential sale because of a finding of mold. 

During a home inspection of a home in Lakewood, NJ on behalf of the buyer, the inspector discovered mold growth in two different areas of the crawl space. Crawl spaces are a notorious trouble spot in a home. They are often used by insects and wildlife, and their high humidity can trigger mold growth. At this juncture, given the pending sale, the sellers were focused on having the existing mold treated and were not seeking long-term solutions to prevent future mold growth. To protect their investment, the buyer should consider dehumidification and other possible improvements to the crawl space.

A two-person Mold Solutions By Cowleys crew treated the mold problem with our mold treatment program. This program involves two separate applications in areas of mold growth. First, we applied an EPA-registered antimicrobial (MAPS 1) to the affected areas. Next, we applied our patented sealant (MAPS 2), for which Cowleys is a licensed distributor. This sealant kills molds on contact at the cellular level rendering it inert and harmless. Mold is dangerous because its airborne spores can cause various respiratory problems, and some strains of mold contain actual toxins. This sealant is also moisture-sensitive. If the conditions that trigger mold growth return, this sealant has the ability to reactivate and kill any new mold growth in the treated areas. Finally, we wiped down any visible staining.

The seller homeowners were pleased that we could complete this job in less than a day and that the sale would not be delayed because of mold. The sellers could now represent to the potential buyers that the crawl space mold problem was treated, and the crawl space is now safe and mold-free. 

A new customer in Island Heights, NJ called Mold Solutions after smelling a "moldy & musty" odor in his home. After inspecting the inside of the home and not finding any mold, we inspected the crawl space (since 40% of the air we breathe in a home comes from it). Sure enough, we found mold all over the joists. What caused it? High humidity levels in the crawl space. 

First, we removed all of the insulation and applied our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. This solution attacks mold at its DNA and kills it instantly. Next, we applied our mold stain remover and scrubbed away the mold stains. Afterward, we applied our patented sealant which encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergenic. This sealant is called MAPS 2 and it's also moisture sensitive, which will prevent mold from returning.

We also replaced all the old insulation with ComfortTherm® insulation. ComfortTherm® insulation provides excellent temperature and noise control, and comes with a vapor-retarder for use in hot, humid climates. Lastly, to control the high humidity levels, we installed a Sani-Dry Sedona commercial-grade dehumidifier. The Sedona directs the extracted water pulled out of the air directly into the sump pump and will properly control the humidity levels in the crawl space.

After finding mold in his crawl space, a new customer in Island Heights, NJ called our office for help and we were sent out to remove the mold. First, after equipping our Personal Protective Equipment, we inspected the crawl space to identify the conducive condition that caused the mold growth. After inspecting the area with our hygrometer, we discovered that the high humidity levels in the crawl space led to the mold growth. 

First, we removed and disposed of all the contaminated items in the crawl space and then applied our EPA-registered antimicrobial solution called MAPS 1. MAPS 1 (which stands for Mold Abatement Polymer Solution) targets mold at its DNA and kills it instantly. We then used our mold stain remover, scrubbed away all the mold staining, and applied MAPS 2. MAPS 2 encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergenic. MAPS 2 is also moisture-sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent future mold growth.

Finally, to control the humidity levels in the crawl space we installed a Sedona dehumidifier. This dehumidifier can effectively cover indoor living spaces over 3000 square feet, making it well-suited for basements and crawl spaces over 40" high! Now the crawl space is mold-free!

This homeowner decided to it was time to clean out some of the items he had stored in is crawl space. As he was reorganizing some of the containers, he noticed a lot of mold growth along the joists. He immediately went upstairs and called Mold Solutions for help. 

As soon as we inspected the crawl space we immediately identified the cause of the mold growth, high humidity levels! High humidity in the air can supply enough moisture for mold to grow. Humidity levels should be kept ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent.

After our inspection, we applied an EPA registered antimicrobial solution called MAPS 1. MAPS 1 attacks mold at its DNA and kills it instantly. Next, we applied our mold stain remover, scrubbed away all the mold stains, and applied MAPS 2. This is a patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergic. MAPS 2 is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

Lastly, to handle the high humidity issue, we installed a Sani-Dry Sedona commercial grade dehumidifier. These dehumidifiers cost less to run than other dehumidifiers, cover over 3000 square feet, are energy efficient, and will properly control the humidity levels in the crawl space.

This customer in Mantoloking, NJ had a serious mold issue in his basement. There was black mold all over the walls, on some of the shelves, and in several storage containers. Unfortunately, a majority of the items inside the containers had to be disposed of. After inspecting the area, we determined that the excessively high humidity levels in the basement lead to the mold growth. 

In order to remove the severe mold growth, we applied our antimicrobial solution called MAPS 1, which kills mold on a cellular level. We then used our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the excess mold staining throughout the basement. Next, we applied our patented sealant called MAPS 2. This application encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergenic. MAPS 2 is also moisture-sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent future mold growth.

Finally, to control the humidity levels in the basement we installed a Sani-Dry Sedona dehumidifier. This dehumidifier can effectively cover indoor living spaces over 3000 square feet, making it well-suited for basements and crawl spaces over 40" high! Now the mold is removed for good and the homeowner once again has a healthy, mold-free basement.

An elderly homeowner in Mantoloking, NJ called our office concerned that he might have mold in his attic. Once we arrived, we equipped our personal protective equipment and began inspecting the attic Unfortunately, within a few moments of our inspection, we found mold all over the rafters. After a thorough inspection we determined that the cause of the mold was due to improper ventilation.   

One of the main causes of mold in an attic is due to poor ventilation. Mold is a living, breathing fungus that multiplies and will continue to spread as long as the conditions in the home remain conducive to mold growth. Fortunately, the homeowner just recently had an attic fan installed, so the cause of mold has been addressed and all that's left is to remove the mold.

In order to remove the severe mold growth, we applied our antimicrobial solution called MAPS 1. MAPS 1 (which stands for Mold Abatement Polymer Solution) kills mold on a cellular level. We then used our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the excess mold staining throughout the attic. Next, we applied our patented sealant called MAPS 2. This application encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergenic. MAPS 2 is also moisture-sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent future mold growth.

One day, this homeowner in Mantoloking, NJ, realized that mold was growing around his A/C unit. Concerned, he called Mold Solutions for help. As we started inspecting the area, we discovered that the A/C unit was leaking behind the wall! Not only that, but there was black mold growing behind the sheetrock, on the insulation, and on the wooden beams. Unfortunately, a full mold remediation was needed. 

First, we removed all the contaminated sheet rock & insulation and properly disposed of them. Next, we treated the area with our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. This solution attacks mold at its DNA and immediately kills it. Afterward, we applied our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the mold stains. Lastly, we applied MAPS 2, which is our patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergic. MAPS 2 is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

Now that the mold is gone, the owner will contact a contractor to replace his broken A/C line and repair the damage to the wall. 

As this homeowner in Barnegat Light, NJ, was moving things around in his garage, he spotted something interesting behind the workbench - mold! A short while ago, he did have a water intrusion issue in the garage that was repaired, but not quick enough to stop the mold growth. After searching for a reputable mold removal company, he found Mold Solutions, gave us a call, and we were sent out.

Once we arrived and inspected the area, we discovered that the mold growth was so severe that we would had no choice but to remove all the contaminated sheetrock and the insulation. We brought this to the owners attention and he agreed, so we went right to work! After removing all the contaminated materials, we treated the area with our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. This solution targets mold at its DNA and immediately kills it.

Afterward, we applied our mold stain remover, scrubbed away all the mold stains, and applied MAPS 2. MAPS 2 is our patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergic and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth. Now that the mold is gone, the homeowner will hire a contractor to replace the sheetrock and the insulation.