Job Stories

Cowleys installs and services Sanidry commercial-grade dehumidifiers that are specifically designed to maintain an ideal relative humidity level in basements and crawl spaces, stopping mold and mildew, and eliminating those stinky musty odors that accompany these problems. Crawl spaces and basements are common high humidity “troublemakers” in a home where problems can stay hidden for quite awhile because these subterranean spaces are rarely visited let alone inspected. Often, water, moisture, mold, and insect problems are not discovered until the problem starts to spread to the living areas of the home above (for example, you start noticing a woodsy, musty smell rising up from below) or the problem is found at the worst possible time — during a home inspection on a pending sale!  These dehumidifiers, by keeping indoor humidity levels low, prevent mold growth from high moisture conditions. Also, a home’s indoor air quality is dramatically improved by these machines pumping out clean, dry air. These units have a two-stage filtration that captures mold spores, dust mites, and other pollutants.  Just as important, these machines are “set and forget.” First, there is no water pan to empty or worry about overflowing. Instead, the water extracted from the air drains directly to the sump pump, french drain, or a hose that exits the home. Second, these machines are energy-efficient. They have a built-in auto-humidistat that senses the moisture level in the space that automatically turning the unit on and off as necessary to maintain the desired humidity level. However, just like with your furnace and air conditioning units, annual servicing is essential to keep these machines performing at their best and preventing malfunctions and costly repairs. Our trained technicians inspect, clean, and replace the filter and any parts so the dehumidifier keeps working at optimal efficiency.  This photo show the servicing of one of these dehumidifiers for a homeowner in Shrewsbury, NJ.

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.

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.    

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.

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.  

A homeowner in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, decided it was time to sell his home and wanted to put it in on the market. What was stopping him? The mold that had grown all over the rafters in his attic! The attic is one of the most common places for mold to develop because of chronic humidity issues. After a thorough inspection, we came to the conclusion that the mold growth in the attic was due to a lack of ventilation. Now that we determined the cause, it's time for the solution! First, we applied an EPA-registered antimicrobial called Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions 1 (MAPS for short). MAPS 1 attacks mold at a cellular level and kills it instantly. Next, we applied our mold stain remover, scrubbed away the mold stains, and applied MAPS 2. MAPS 2 is a moisture-sensitive sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it inert, harmless, and non-allergenic. MAPS 2 also reactivates whenever it gets wet to prevent the growth of any future mold colonies.    Lastly, with the owners permission and to increase the air flow in the attic, we installed several static vents. Now the owner can put his home on the market and not worrying about mold stoping the sale! 

As the holidays were approaching, this homeowner in Atlantic Highlands, NJ decided to take down the decorations from his attic. As he was moving the storage containers, he noticed that there was mold growing on several of the rafters! Since he uses Cowleys for pest control services, he knew we treat for mold too, so he called our office for help.  As we inspected the attic, we determined that the cause of the mold was improper ventilation in the attic. Improper ventilation can create an environment that encourages mold growth. When moist air is allowed to stay in the attic, or when the attic is ventilated, mold has a much greater chance of spreading. We informed the owner, who will hire a contractor to install several attic fans once we remove the mold. First, we treated the attic with MAPS 1, which stands for Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions and is an EPA registered antimicrobial. This application targets mold at its DNA and kills it immediately. Next, we applied our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the mold stains. Lastly, we applied our patented sealant called MAPS 2. MAPS 2 encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless, inert, and non-allergic. It is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

After noticing an abundance of mold growing throughout his attic, this customer in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, contacted Mold Solutions by Cowleys for help. Once we arrived, we inspected the attic to determine the source of the mold growth. After a few moments, we determined that the conducive condition of the mold growth was a severe lack of ventilation in the attic. We reported our findings to the owner and he mentioned that he will install several attic fans after we remove the mold.  First, we treated the entire attic with our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1, which stands for Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions. MAPS 1 attacks mold at its DNA and immediately kills it. Afterward, we used our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the excess mold staining throughout the attic. Lastly, we treated every square inch of the attic with our patented sealant called MAPS 2. This application encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless, inert, and non-allergenic. MAPS 2 is also moisture-sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent future mold growth!

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.

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.