Job Stories

This homeowner in West Orange, NJ had extensive visible mold growth on the wood paneling throughout his basement. Using our hygrometer, an instrument that measures temperature and indoor humidity levels, we determined that the basement had 72% indoor humidity level, a condition that was ripe for mold growth! Indoor humidity levels should be kept between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth. We equipped our personal protective equipment and then treated the basement with an EPA registered antimicrobial application called MAPS 1. MAPS 1 attacks mold on a cellular level and immediately kills it. Next, we used our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the mold growth throughout the area. Afterward, we applied MAPS 2, which is our patented sealant that encapsulates the service the mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergenic. MAPS  2 is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate when it gets wet to prevent future mold growth. Lastly, we installed a commercial-grade Sedona SaniDry XP dehumidifier to control the humidity levels in the basement. These powerful maintenance-free dehumidifiers are specifically designed to work in basements and crawl spaces and operate automatically, turning on and off according to a built-in hygrometer. 

A Cowleys Mold Solutions team was dispatched to a Cliffwood, NJ, residence to resolve a severe mold problem. We were referred by a Cliffwood Township home inspector who knew of our work and our results. These homeowners were interested in our treatment process because they were hoping to avoid an expensive renovation project. As long as the building materials are structurally sound (no severe water damage), our process avoids the time and expense of building tear-outs and renovations.  This home’s master bathroom had heavy black mold growth. Mold growth results from some underlying water or moisture problem – flooding, leaky pipes, and even just from moisture in the air! Mold will often form in living areas of the home with high humidity like bathrooms, kitchens, and washer/dryer areas, and non-living areas like crawl spaces, basements, and attics.. With this home, there was sustained moisture build-up in the bathroom over a period of months after the ceiling fan stopped working. With no working bathroom fan to vent out the steam, moisture had condensed everywhere — on all four walls, the floor, and ceiling. Once there is a water or moisture problem, all you need for mold to grow is some organic food source, even processed wood-based building material like drywall. Mold can even grow on non-porous surfaces like tile or concrete because of dust and other residues that contain organic material.  We first treated the affected areas by applying our EPA-registered anti-microbial (MAPS 1). After a waiting period, applied a commercial-grade stain remover to the mold-stained surfaces. Finally, we applied our patented polymer sealant (MAPS 2). This sealant destroys not only destroys any existing mold. It is also moisture-sensitive and reactivates to prevent the return of any new mold growth in the treated area. We treated the mold is less than a day. Because the underlying bathroom drywall was not damaged, the homeowners avoided an extensive tear-out/renovation project. When we left, there was not the slightest trace that this bathroom once had a severe mold problem. Now, with the bathroom fan repaired and the moisture problem fixed, mold would not return. 

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. 

There wasn't visible mold in this home in Howell, NJ basement but there was a high mold spore count versus the spore count from the outside. The bank that was selling the property wanted all the wood panels removed and the actual concrete and wall joists treated for mold to ensure that the mold wouldn't form.. those pictures just show that we're a well round mold treatment company that could tear out the materials whether it's necessary or not where in this case the customer (the bank) wanted everything removed.. In situations where concealed mold is suspected due to an indoor mold test, or there is knowledge of previous conditions which could have led to mold. Cowleys can perform demolition work to remove any structurally damaged In this bank-owned property, there was no visible mold, but testing showed a very high mold spore count. The bank asked us to remove all the wood panels so that the concrete and wall joists could be treated with the MAPS patented sealant, guaranteeing a mold-free home so the sale could go through.

A homeowner in Howell, NJ was having chronic allergy problems in her home. Often, when someone is experiencing chronic allergy symptoms and is having respiratory difficulties, it is often mold growth in the home, especially if the problems are not happening during “allergy season” when pollen counts are high. Different people have different sensitivities to mold, and occupants of a home do not uniformly react to mold growth. At a loss to determine why she was having allergy issues that would not resolve, the homeowner finally had a mold test done in the crawl space. The test indicated that mold spores were high even though visible mold growth could not be located anywhere. During our inspection, it was clear to us that the crawl space’s air quality was poor, and crawl space air circulates throughout the entire home. Even though crawl spaces are “out of sight, out of mind,” the air down below enters the home’s living spaces above.  We treated the crawl space with an EPA-registered antimicrobial (MAPS 1), followed by a patented sealant (MAPS 2) that kills mold at the cellular level. This sealant renders any mold growth inert, harmless, and non-allergenic. While in the crawl space, we realigned the vapor barrier. Vapor barriers insulate your crawl space walls and prevent moisture from affecting your home’s structure. However, to work, they must be where they are supposed to be. Vapor barriers can detach, and it is important to periodically check their condition.  When we were finished, the crawl space air was noticeably better. We are hopeful that with the basement now treated for mold growth, this homeowner’s allergy issues will be resolved.    

These Farmingdale homeowners were in the process of selling their home. As often happens, mold was discovered during the home inspection. Often, mold grows in those humid, damp areas of the home that are rarely visited, especially is there had been a water intrusion at some point because of a roof leak, groundwater seepage, or a broken pipe. With this home, the inspector discovered mold on some of the wall sheathing in the attic. Mold will feed on anything that is alive or was once alive, including oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing, which uses an engineered manufacturing process to make rigid uniform panels for wood-framed walls that has no core voids or knotholes. Although OSB sheathing looks nothing like the trees from which it was made, mold will still grow on it as long as there is sufficient water or moisture.The homeowners were concerned that this discovery of mold would delay putting their house on the market, and they contacted Mold Solutions By Cowleys. They called us in to do our mold treatment. We first treat affected areas by applying our EPA-registered anti-microbial (MAPS 1) and then apply our patented polymer sealant (MAPS 2).  While completely safe and non-toxic, this sealant destroys mold. Upon contact with the sealant, any mold is instantly rendered inert, harmless, and non-allergenic. The sealant is also moisture-sensitive and reactivates to prevent the return of any new mold growth in the treated areaThe homeowners chose Mold Solutions By Cowleys because they did not want mold to delay the sale of their home. Our treatment process allows most mold projects to be completed in less than a day. Why?  We directly treat the mold itself instead of tearing out the mold-affected materials (as long as they are not structurally damaged). Also, unlike traditional mold remediation, we warranty our mold treatment process against returning mold.Unfortunately, even when mold is removed, it leaves behind staining and discoloration. This staining is caused by the release of enzymes and certain pigmented compounds. For non-living spaces of the home like crawl spaces and attics, it is an aesthetic choice to have these stains removed, and for certain porous materials like drywall, mold stain removers are ineffective. Residual mold stains, while unsightly, pose no health risk. What’s of critical importance, and our focus, is getting rid of the mold. And after our treatment, not only is the mold is gone, but also any treated areas are protected from future mold growth. Because our process restores the home’s indoor air quality, mold-related respiratory problems are avoided.

The Mold Solutions crew treated this basement in Hazlet for mold. The basement had extensive mold due to water damage. This was a particularly intensive job because of the level of mold growth. There was a lot of tedious wiping and scrubbing, so all of us worked us a good sweat to get this mold problem under control. At Cowleys, we treat the mold right where it sits instead of removing building materials out of the home. If certain building materials have lost their structural integrity, we need to remove them from the home. But if the materials are good and simply have superficial mold growth, no tear-out is required. First, we electro-statically fogged the entire basement with an EPA-registered antimicrobial (MAPS 1) solution to kill the mold. Next, the entire team painstakingly wiped every nook and cranny of this basement. We divided up the basement into sections, and the entire crew thoroughly wiped all of the walls, wood furniture, doors and beams to ensure all of the mold was removed. It was hard work, but also very satisfying!  Once completed, we electro-statically fogged the basement again — this time with a patented sealant (MAPS 2) that will reactivate with moisture to kill any mold that attempts to grow in any treated area.  For long-term mold control, the most important preventative measure is keeping the space free of excess moisture that comes with high indoor humidity. As long as humidity levels are kept low, mold cannot grow. With this home, we finished off the job by installing a commercial-grade maintenance-free SaniDry dehumidifier. With the current mold gone and the dehumidifier in place, this homeowner now has a mold-free basement. Even more important, the homeowner and all of the residents will be able to “breathe easy,” enjoying healthy, clean indoor air.

A homeowner in Colts Neck, NJ was in the process of selling his home. He had accepted an offer and during the home inspection, something interesting was discovered in his crawl space — mold! In order for the homeowner to sell his home, he needed to get rid of the mold, so he called Mold Solutions by Cowleys for help. We equipped our personal protective equipment, since mold is a biohazard in enclosed spaces, and began inspecting the crawl space. Within a few moments of our inspection, we found mold all over the floor joists. We reported what we found to the homeowner, who then informed us that he had a pipe burst not too long ago. He had the pipe fixed immediately, cleaned up and removed all the water damaged material, and thought that was the end of the problem. Since he rarely goes into the crawl space, he had no idea that mold was starting to grow. One of the main causes of mold in a crawl space, attic, or basement, is high moisture levels. 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.  For treatment, we applied an EPA-registered, antimicrobial solution called Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions, or MAPS 1 for short. MAPS 1 breaks down mold at a cellular level and kills it instantly. Once that solution dried, we applied a patented sealant called MAPS 2. This moisture-sensitive sealant encapsulates mold, rendering it inert, harmless, and non-allergenic. Also, MAPS 2 reactivates when it gets moist to prevent the growth of any future mold colonies. Now that the mold has been eliminated, the homeowner can continue with the sale of his home. 

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!