Job Stories

Job Stories

Attic Mold Treated by Cowleys' team in Metuchen, NJ
A Mold Solution team was sent to a home in Metuchen, NJ. The homeowner had extensive mold growth in her attic. Although mold is commonly found in basements and crawl spaces, attics can also be a mold trouble spot as well. Just like in basements and crawl spaces, homeowners can find themselves with mold in their attic for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, attic mold is caused by chronically high indoor humidity levels, especially in those attics with poor ventilation or non-working attic fans This particular home had a significant water intrusion from a roof leak. Although the leak was repaired, the problem was that because of poor attic ventilation, mold had formed on the water-saturated wood. And the poor attic ventilation exacerbated the problem. We first treated the attic by applying our EPA-registered anti-microbial (MAPS 1). This application kills surface mold and airborne mold spores. Next, we scrubbed off any visible mold. Mold stains are a residue from mold enzymes. They are not harmful or allergenic. However, they look horrible, especially when it comes time to sell the home. Prospective buyers are always cautious about mold growth in the non-living spaces of the home. We then applied our patented polymer sealant (MAPS 2). This unique sealant destroys any mold at the cellular level. It is also moisture-sensitive and reactivates to prevent the return of any new mold growth in the treated areas.  To prevent mold from returning to the attic, it is important to address those underlying problems that facilitated the mold growth in the first place. Ensuring good air circulation in the attic is essential in order to prevent moisture buildup. A key part of any attic ventilation system are having soffits and gables with built-in vents that allow proper air circulation. Especially during the summer, these vents exchange cooler air from outside the house with the hot, humid air collecting in the attic. This prevents water vapor from collecting on roof sheathing and rafters, eventually causing rot wood and triggering mold growth. Also, air inside attics can reach temperatures that can warp and damage roof shingles. You also need attic air flow during the winter to prevent ice dams from forming on the roof. Blocked soffit vents will stop airflow and trap humid air, creating an environment perfect for mold growth. Even well-insulated attics need good air circulation. With this Metuchen home, we wanted to ensure that the attic had good airflow by installing plastic baffles (also called wind baffles, venting chutes, rafter vents, or insulation baffles) in the rafter bays. Baffles establish a pathway for air to circulate between insulation and the roof sheathing. They prevent insulation from restricting air movement and allow air to circulate under or near the insulation. It is common for wind blowing through soffit vents to disturb the insulation by moving it out of place and blocking the vents, especially with blown loose fiber insulation. Baffles act as screens to separate the insulation from the air currents blowing through the vents. Also, baffles allow you to insulate the entire attic floor space. Without them, you have to keep the vents clear of insulation, so a portion of the attic stays unprotected. We finished up this mold job in less than a day, and with our treatment process, the homeowner avoided extensive, expensive renovations. This attic is now mold-free, and more important, will remain mold-free. We advised this homeowner, as we would any homeowner that had attic mold, to periodically inspect the attic for roof leaks, to monitor the attic’s humidity levels, and to make sure that the attic fan is in good working condition.
Commercial-grade dehumidifier installed in Brielle, NJ
This homeowner in Brielle, NJ wanted a better alternative to a store-bought dehumidifier for her damp basement. According to the homeowner, the humidity  level in her basement was so high that, on some days, she had to empty the water pan two or three times a day — and this was a low capacity dehumidifier, not even a commercial-grade machine designed to work in a crawl space or basement.  We replaced her dehumidifier with a hassle-free SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier. Now, she will never have to go down to the basement to empty the machine. With these SaniDry dehumidifiers, there are no messy trays or buckets of water that fill up and can overflow. Rather, the machine is directly connected to the sump pump or other drainage system, so the whole process requires no human intervention. They work automatically and are maintenance-free.  When installed in a basement or crawl space, this dehumidifier helps prevent mold and reduces musty odors. It produces dry, healthy air without that musty smell you often find in damp, moist areas of the home. This particular dehumidifier has the capacity to remove 100 pints per day of water out of the air and moves over 300 cubic feet per minute of dry air around your crawl space or basement. Mold will thrive if the moisture content in the air is too high. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that you need a leaky pipe, a flood, or some other water intrusion for mold to form. That’s not true!  High indoor humidity is more than enough to trigger dangerous mold growth. This dehumidifier will keep your basement or crawl space below 55% relative humidity, and this level is too low for mold to grow. Also, with this lower humidity, dust mites will die off. Dust mite fecal matter is the primary cause of indoor allergies.By improving indoor air quality and preventing mold growth, these commercial-grade SaniDry dehumidifiers are a great investment for your family’s health.
Small Leak Caused a Big Mess with Mold in Brielle, NJ
This homeowner in Brielle, NJ, called Mold Solutions after noticing a massive amount of mold growth throughout his attic. Once we arrived and started inspecting the attic, we found a few leaks in the roof. Unlike other areas of the home that are used on a regular basis, a leak that drips into an attic may go unnoticed for a long period of time. Roof leaks may not be noticed until the leak progresses enough to damage the top floor’s ceiling, and by that point, the attic’s mold growth could be extensive. After reporting what the cause of the mold growth was, the owner immediately called a roofer to come out and fix the leaks in the roof. In the meantime, we began our treatment for the mold. First, we treated the attic with our EPA registered antimicrobial called Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions 1, or MAPS 1 for short. This solution attacks mold at a cellular level 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, inert, and non-allergic. MAPS 2 is also sensitive to moisture and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.
Mold Halts the Sale of a Home in Colts Neck, NJ
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. 
High humidity causes extensive mold in Manasquan crawl space
The Cowleys Mold Solutions crew was dispatched to a home in Manasquan to treat the crawl space for mold. Upon arrival, we found extensive mold growth throughout the entire crawl space area that was caused by high humidity levels.  Mold, a fast-growing fungus, is the inevitable result of water or moisture problems inside a structure. There is a popular misconception that you need a major water issue like flooding or a broken pipe to trigger mold growth. In fact, as this homeowner found out the hard way, sustained high indoor humidity levels is more than enough to trigger mold growth. While mold growth can happen anywhere in a home, dark, damp basements and crawl spaces are often prime breeding grounds for mold. Crawl spaces are notorious trouble spots in a home. One of the primary reasons is that the vast majority of crawlspaces are still vented despite the overwhelming proven benefits of crawl space encapsulation. Venting not only allows thick, humid outside air to enter the crawl space area, but also provides easy access for insects and other pests. Crawl space problems are often compounded because this ignored area of the home is often “out of sight and out of mind.” Because homeowners or a repair person rarely ventures into a crawl space unless some work needs to be mold, moisture, and water problems can be festering for months or even years before they are identified and corrective action taken. This mold problem was discovered because the home was recently listed for sale and the homeowner wanted to be sure that everything was okay down below. It was not, and Cowleys was brought in to treat the problem. It was time to get to work! We treated the crawlspace by first applying our EPA-registered anti-microbial (MAPS 1) using electrostatic fogging to kill the surface mold as well as any airborne mold spores found in the crawlspace. After waiting for this treatment to dry and give the application time to kill the mold, we applied our patented polymer sealant (MAPS 2), also using electrostatic fogging. This sealant, which destroys mold at the cellular level, is moisture-sensitive, so it will reactivate if exposed to moisture or water and prevent the return of any new mold growth in the treated area. Finally, we scrubbed off all of the visible mold growth. Because of the chronic humidity issues in the crawl space, we recommended to the homeowner that a commercial-grade dehumidifier be installed to keep down crawlspace humidity levels to prevent further mold growth. To stop re-occurring mold issues, it is critical to correct the underlying conditions that caused the mold growth. However, since the home is for sale, the owner did not want to make this long-term investment. In these situations, all we can hope for is that any buyers will hire a good home inspector that will identify the dampness and humidity issues in the crawl space. Also, the seller is obligated to disclose mold issues to any buyer. The Mold Solutions team was hired to get rid of the mold and restore the home’s indoor air quality. We did a great job of doing just that — and we did so in less than a day without tearing out any building materials.    
Mold Discovered After Buying New Home in Manasquan, NJ
New homeowners in Manasquan discovered mold in their basement shortly after buying the home. There are numerous strains of mold and mold comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. Not all mold is toxic black mold, and all mold can be potentially dangerous depending on the respiratory sensitivities of those residing in the home. This white mold found in the basement had a chalky texture, and looked crystalized.    A two-person Mold Solutions crew was sent in to quickly treat the mold problem. There were no structurally damaged building materials so we were able to directly treat the mold without removing any materials. This is commonly the case unless there is major water damage. Our mold treatment program includes two separate applications in areas of mold growth. We first apply an EPA-registered antimicrobial (MAPS 1) to the affected areas, and then cover the affected areas with our patented sealant (MAPS 2), for which Cowleys. This sealant immediately kills molds on contact, an also moisture-sensitive. If the conditions that trigger mold growth return, this sealant will reactivate and kill any new mold growth. Finally, we wiped down any visible staining. In less than a day, the basement was mold-free. New homeowners can find unexpected surprises after the closing and taking occupancy. If mold is not discovered during the inspection, it’s not the end of the world. The usual scenario is that we can treat the mold quickly and avoid expensive tear-out/renovation projects.
Leak causes mold in bedroom in Manasquan, NJ home
Recently, I was sent to a residence in Manasquan, NJ to treat a mold problem resulting from a small leak in their bedroom window. Any water intrusion, moisture, or humidity problem can trigger dangerous mold growth inside a home. Here, the leak damaged the drywall, causing mold growth on the wood framing.  The homeowner already had the water-damaged drywall removed prior to my arrival. There was no loss of structural integrity to the wood framing, and i was able to directly treat the mold with no further tear-out of building materials. I first rating the framing with an EPA-registered antimicrobial (MAPS 1) and thoroughly scrubbed the wood to remove all visible mold growth. Mold spreads through microscopic airborne mold spores that travel on air currents and reattach elsewhere on other surfaces. During the mold treatment, I remove the mold to prevent any further re-colonization. After waiting for the anti-microbial to dry, I treated the area with our second application, a patented sealant that actually encapsulates the mold, destroying it at the cellular level and rendering it inert and harmless Whatever remaining mold that I would not scrub off or be neutralized by the anti-microbial would definitely be destroyed with this sealant  Our two-application process ensures that all of the mold is eliminated. Also, this sealant has a unique quality. It is moisture sensitive and will reactive if there are damp conditions that are ripe for mold growth. Should new mold attempt to grow in the treated areas, it too will be automatically killed.   With the bedroom mold treated, the homeowner could now safely replace the drywall without worrying whether there was still active mold in the home. In less than a day, I successfully treated the mold with minimal inconvenience to the homeowner. This job was typical of our mold treatment services  — a quick, effective, and permanent solution for resolving a residential mold problem.  
Extensive Bathroom Mold Treated in Cliffwood, NJ
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. 
Basement Mold Growth Treated in Perth Amboy, NJ
Mold Solutions By Cowleys was contacted after a Perth Amboy, NJ homeowner found mold growth in the back right corner of his basement. The sooner that a mold problem is identified and treated, the better. Fortunately, here, the homeowner contacted Cowleys immediately. The mold did not have time to spread and it remained localized in one area.  We applied an antimicrobial (MAPS 1) followed by a patented safe and non-toxic sealant (MAPS 2) that kills existing mold upon contact. This sealant is unique: it is moisture-sensitive and will reactivate to kill any future mold growth in the treated areas. As part of our mold treatment process, we thoroughly scrub down all hard surfaces to remove visible mold growth. As long as the building materials have not lost their structural integrity through water damage, our applications treat and kill mold right where it sits. By treating the mold directly, homeowners can avoid extensive and expensive tear-out and renovation projects.   We strive to remove all mold and all signs of mold including unsightly mold stains and musty mold smells. Someone should be able to go into a mold-affected room after our treatment and not have the slightest indication that mold was once present. But mold treatment is more than aesthetics. Indoor mold can trigger a variety of health issues. We want to make sure that a home’s indoor air quality is safe once again for all of the home’s occupants. 
Open Crawl Space Vents Causes Mold in Belmar, NJ
A new homeowner in Belmar, NJ had mold growing in her crawl space. This crawl space was wide open to the elements. As often happens, moist outdoor air enters this area resulting in high indoor relative humidity levels, and in turn, this sets the stage for mold growth. Unfortunately, mold formed on the damp insulation, contaminating it. Because the insulation is porous, once contaminated, it is not salvageable and needs to be removed. The homeowner will be installing new insulation after the mold problem is resolved. We first treated the affected areas by applying our EPA-registered anti-microbial called MAPS 1. This application 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 our patented sealant called MAPS 2. MAPS 2 is a moisture-sensitive application that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless, inert, and non-allergenic. One of the best features of MAPS 2 is that it will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent future mold growth. We also installed an EverLast™ crawl space vent door. These doors are made with a hard durable plastic that is installed against wood framing or masonry and creates an airtight, waterproof seal between the crawl space and the cold or humid air. 
Total Job Stories: 75

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