Mold Solutions by Cowleys Before & After Photos

We were contacted by the owner of a beautiful vacation house in Atlantic Highlands, NJ that was located a block from the beach that the family used only during the summertime. On a recent visit to check the condition of the home, he came across an unfortunate development — surface mold had started to grow under a window. Apparently, there was a small leak around the window flashing and water had seeped in.

After arriving and equipping our personal protective equipment, we applied a powerful EPA registered anti-microbial called MAPS 1. This product attacks mold at its DNA and kills it instantly. Next, we applied MAPS 2, which is a patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergenic. MAPS 2 is also moisture-sensitive and reactivates whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

Although the mold was killed and rendered completely harmless, there was still residual staining. While mold stains themselves are harmless, they are aesthetically unattractive. We thoroughly wiped down the stains with a mold stain remover and we were able to remove most of the stains. However, deep mold stains are particularly difficult to remove no matter how long and hard you scrub, and it’s next to impossible to remove the mold stains completely. Fortunately, once MAPS 1 & 2 has been applied, the mold is no longer a threat.

We talked to the homeowner about the job after we were done and he was pleased that we could treat the mold so quickly and without having to remove any building materials. While we were able to remove most of the staining, there were a few residual patches. The owner told us that “it was an easy fix” to get those areas repainted.

This homeowner in Brielle converted a pool house, which was located above a crawl space, into an additional living space. As part of the conversion, he installed a bathroom with a sewage pump put in the crawl space. The new residents in this converted unit soon noticed the tell-tale musty smell of mold, so we were called to inspect. Sure enough, the crawl space had mold growth on the cross beams and sheeting. The homeowner wanted a permanent, long-term solution beyond getting rid of the existing mold, so this problem would not resurface. 

We first treated the mold. Initially, we applied a powerful anti-microbial, and then we applied our patented, proprietary sealant that contains micro-particles of silver, which instantly kills mold on contact. This unique sealant kills mold at the cellular level rendering it inert and harmless. Also, it reactivates with water or high moisture levels, so it serves as a protection against future mold growth.

We explained to the homeowner that a crawl space always has a high risk of mold growth if it is not kept dry. Once indoor humidity exceeds 50%, which is common in virtually all open, vented crawl spaces, mold can grow, and over 60%, mold thrives. The homeowner agreed that it would be best the investment to take care of this crawl space once and for all. He contracted with us to insulate and encapsulate the crawl space, creating a barrier against the destructive outdoor elements. We also installed a special commercial-grade dehumidifier to keep down humidity, and well as a sump pump. We explained that his new “clean space” would not only keep out not only hot, humid outdoor air but also insects and rodents. The air in the living space above would be cleaner, crisper, and healthier. The homeowner and the new residents of this living space were pleased with our installation, and happy that the mold was gone, along with the smelly air and all of the potential health issues that mold can bring. 

A church in Asbury Park, NJ, like many residences and commercial structures in this oceanfront city, deal with groundwater issues because of its high water table. The water table is the level at which the soil and gravel are completely saturated with water, and properties near oceans and other large bodies of water face exceptionally high water tables. When compounded by heavy rains or significant accumulated snowmelt, the water table is often at or above basement and crawl space levels. Once this occurs, groundwater becomes a serious nuisance, seeping through the porous concrete foundation, often causing flooding. 

Once there is a water intrusion in a basement or crawl space, there is not only potential damage from the water itself. Another significant problem will inevitably arise — mold! Mold is a living breathing fungus that consumes wood and other organic materials. It grows and colonizes through airborne spores. Over time, mold will destroy wood, drywall, carpeting, and many other building materials. Beyond property damage, mold is also a serious health issue. Its airborne spores can have a devastating impact on indoor air quality and cause respiratory problems for those living or using the premises. 

Unfortunately, this church did not deal with its groundwater issues in a timely fashion and found itself with a serious mold problem in its basement. They knew the mold problem had to be addressed or matters would just get worse, and contacted Mold Solutions By Cowleys to get rid of the mold. 

Our Mold Solutions team treated all of the mold growth throughout the entire basement. First, we applied our EPA-registered anti-microbial called MAPS 1. This product attacks mold at its DNA and kills it instantly.

After applying MAPS 1, we then wiped away all the mold and applied MAPS 2. MAPS 2 is a patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it useless and non-allergenic. Unfortunately, due to the fact that mold has been present in the basement for such a long period of time, it stained the walls. Fortunately, these stains are purely aesthetic and pose no health risk. Once MAPS 1 & 2 have been applied, the mold is no longer a threat.

Recently, we went on a service call for a homeowner in Asbury Park, NJ who contacted Cowleys to resolve a mold issue that had developed in his attic. Attics are one of the more common places in a home to find mold growth. Attics can suffer from high humidity levels, especially during the summer, as well as water intrusion problems because of roof or soffit leaks. Unfortunately, mold growth in attics often goes unnoticed. It is important to periodically check the non-living spaces in your home like attics and crawl spaces for mold and other issues.

After suiting up with our personal protective equipment (mold is a serious bio-hazard in enclosed spaces), we began our inspection of the attic. Almost immediately, we discovered an area that had evident mold growth. Whenever mold is discovered, to resolve the problem long-term, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of the mold growth and have those issues remedied so that mold doesn’t return. Here, after a thorough inspection, we determined that the mold growth was due to poor ventilation. Attic ventilation is something that few homeowners think about. However, inadequate attic ventilation can lead to very expensive repairs, unnecessarily high utility bills, and as this homeowner found out the hard way, mold growth! Circulating airborne mold spores can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation, especially with the young, the elderly, and those who are immune-compromised. There is no safe level of mold and, if found, it must be treated.

With our mold treatment process, we first applied MAPS 1, an EPA-registered anti-microbial application. MAPS 1 (Mold Abatement Polymer Solution 1) is specifically designed to kill active mold growth. We then scrubbed the surface mold from the attic and applied MAPS 2, a patented polymer sealant that encapsulates the existing dead mold and prevents future mold from growing.

Mold releases enzymes to decompose wood, which leaves a stain. Here, the mold growth had gone unchecked for such a long period of time, and there were some areas where the mold had left deep stains that could not be fully removed. While it appears that there is still mold, these stains are purely aesthetic and pose no health risk. Once MAPS 1 & 2 have been applied, the mold is no longer a threat. The remaining stains are inert, harmless, and non-allergenic. Also, MAPS 2 will reactivate with moisture to fight future mold growth.

Although we treated the mold in the attic, there was still the issue of the underlying condition that triggered the growth in the first place: poor attic ventilation. The homeowner decided to deal with this issue once and for all. He will be hiring our contractor division to install static vents in his attic. Static vents, by improving air exchange, will reduce attic humidity levels and the risk of mold growth. Also, with the installation of these vents, the home will be more comfortable and his utility bills will be reduced. All in all, a very worthwhile investment!

Earlier this week, I went out on a service call for a homeowner in Asbury Park, NJ who was having a bit of an issue. Recently, as the homeowner was renovating his garage area, a pipe burst behind the drywall and began leaking water. He was able to stop the water leak in time but missed a portion in the garage. In a short amount of time, mold had developed. 

Mold is considered a biohazard in enclosed spaces, therefore, I need to equip my personal protective equipment. I began surveying the garage and was able to spot the mold growth. Any strain of mold, not just toxic black mold, is potentially hazardous. The elderly and young children are especially susceptible to health issues from indoor mold. Mold Solutions by Cowleys has a new technology solution that kills active mold and its mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are the primary allergens associated with mold spores that cause most severe allergic reactions.

First, I removed the contaminated portion of the drywall and then treated the entire area with an EPA-registered, non-toxic antimicrobial solution called MAPS 1. MAPS 1 breaks down mold at a cellular level and kills it instantly. Next, I applied MAPS 2, which is a moisture-sensitive sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and reactivates when it gets moist to prevent the growth of any future mold colonies. The homeowner told me that he hired a contractor to take care of the broken pipe.