Mold Removal & Mold Services Before & After Photos

This Shrewsbury, NJ homeowner found himself with mold growth on a dining room wall behind a recently hung mirror. This particular job highlights the fact that it does not take much of a water or moisture intrusion for mold to grow.

Homeowners often associate mold growth with only significant water intrusions like flooding or a leaky pipe. However, that is far from the case. Often, we see mold growth formation from sustained high indoor humidity levels, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. With the mold growth in this home, mold had started to form either because there was preexisting moisture on the paper and cardboard backing of the mirror or the direct contact of the mirror against the wall allowed for condensation since the was no room for the room air to move and naturally keep the wall surface dry. Either way, to the surprise of the homeowner, significant mold growth had formed behind the mirror.

I wanted to be sure that there was no mold growth inside the mirror itself behind the paper and cardboard backing, and with the homeowner’s permission, I removed the mirror backing (which was already damaged from moisture build-up) to see if there was anything lurking underneath. Out of an abundance of caution, I treated the backside of the mirror with our treatment products as well as the wall itself (see photos of damaged backing and mirror with the backing removed).

Our treatment uses two products that work in sync with each other. First, we apply an EPA-registered antimicrobial (MAPS 1) followed by a patented proprietary sealant (MAPS 2). This sealant will reactivate when exposed to water or moisture, so it not only kills the existing mold but also stands ready to kill any future mold growth in the treated areas. I recommended to the homeowner that when the mirror is reinstalled that spacers be used to keep it from directly touching the wall. Keeping the mirror off the wall will allow air circulation behind the mirror which will reduce condensation and mold growth. Also, spacers help protect the wall paint.

Mold stains are different than the mold itself. Mold is a fungus, a living organism, that spreads through releasing mold spores that reattach on new surfaces. Mold is the culprit that can cause respiratory sensitivities, allergies, and in severe cases, lung infections. Mold stains are the non-living residual markings left by mold from its enzymes that dissolve whatever organic materials that the mold is using for food. Although mold stains are unsightly, they are non-allergenic and their removal is an aesthetic decision such as whether the mold is in a living or non-living space of the home. Often, mold stains are so deeply embedded that they cannot be completely removed through scrubbing and a mold stain remover, and the only way to obliterate the mold stains is to paint over them. 

Here, you can see the residual staining on the wall after the mold was treated and we tried to manually scrub away as much of the staining as we could. The homeowner’s concern was to have the mold treated so there would no longer be any active mold growth in his living room. We were able to successfully treat his home and make his living room safe in less than a day.

The Mold Solutions team was sent to a duplex in Neptune, NJ. In a somewhat unusual case, mold growth in one residence became a shared problem with the adjacent residence. While we often see cockroaches, bed bugs, and other pests spread among attached residential units like in apartments, dormitories, and nursing homes, mold is usually a stand-alone problem within a single residence, even with attached residential units. This particular situation, however, was somewhat different. 

The customer shared a common wall with a neighboring family. While the neighbors were away on vacation, their water pipe bust. The pipe was in the wall void of the shared wall. Whenever there is a water intrusion problem, mold growth soon follows. Since the neighbors were away, the leaking pipe went undetected, and the resultant mold growth affected the two separate residences. 

After the pipe was fixed, Mold Solutions was called in to treat the mold, which had spread to both sides of the shared wall. As shown in the picture, there was visible mold on the sheetrock above the baseboard heating vents in the customer’s home.

We first treated the affected areas by applying our EPA-registered anti-microbial using electrostatic fogging, which kills any surface mold as well as any airborne mold spores. After a short waiting period, we then applied a commercial-grade stain remover to mold-stained surfaces. Finally, we applied our patented polymer sealant, also using electrostatic fogging. This unique sealant, which is derived from coatings used for human medical implant devices, is available only to authorized pest control operators licensed to apply chemical products inside structures. While completely safe and non-toxic to people, this sealant destroys mold at the cellular level. Any mold we treat is 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 area.

We were able to treat the mold is less than a day. Extensive renovations were avoided since no building materials were removed, and there was no need for the family to temporarily relocate. With our process, we treat and kill the mold right in its tracks. By avoiding tear-outs of building materials that have no loss of structural integrity, we also avoid disrupting the mold and inadvertently disbursing mold spores to reattach elsewhere. Needless to say, the customer could not have been more pleased with the service.

A homeowner in Neptune, NJ was in the process of a massive renovation project. Unfortunately, during the tear-out, there was an unwelcome discovery — mold was found behind the insulation and sheetrock.  The contractor removed all of the mold-covered insulation, and the homeowner called Mold Solutions By Cowleys to treat the mold found on the studs and sheathing. 

Signs of mold growth are often subtle, especially in situations such as this where the mold growth is not visible. Hidden mold can grow out of sight behind walls in the wall cavities. These spaces can contain pockets of humid, moist air where mold can thrive. Mold requires an organic food source, and drywall is high in cellulose. Mold does not only grow on the visible side of the drywall. It can just as easily grow on the hidden side. As this homeowner found out, insulation is a fertile reservoir for mold. It may not only contain organic material, but it also traps large amounts of dust that, amazingly enough, is also food for mold. Insulation that has mold on it must be removed and replaced.  Mold may be hidden underneath the insulation’s spongy layers, so it cannot be directly treated or completely cleaned out. 

First, we applied our EPA-registered anti-microbial called MAPS 1. This product attacks mold at its DNA and kills it instantly. 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. The sealant is also moisture-sensitive and reactivates to prevent the return of any new mold growth in the treated areas. In order words, the sealant not only kills today’s mold growth; it stops tomorrow’s growth as well.

The homeowners were pleased that their hidden mold problem was resolved in less than a day and that the renovation schedule was not delayed. Since these building materials just had superficial mold growth and there was no loss of structural integrity, all of the materials could be saved and there was no major reconstruction of the home beyond what was already planned and budgeted.

Here in New Jersey, homes are often built with crawl space foundations rather than full basements. They are called crawl spaces for good reasons. Many have heights of three feet or less, so you can only get around hunched over or crawling on your hands and knees. They aren’t built with comfort in mind! The two main reasons for builders choosing crawl spaces are cost and accessibility. Crawl spaces are less costly to build than full basements. First, there is less excavation work. Second, many Jersey Shore areas have a high water table, and dry basements built below the water table have added costs. You must have a properly installed exterior water management system for groundwater control or basement flooding will be a constant headache. Sometimes, crawl spaces can be less expensive than building a concrete slab. For example, moving dirt to level a sloping lot can get expensive. As far as accessibility, crawl spaces provide access for electrical, plumbing, and ducts work for HVAC systems. With crawl spaces, these systems are easy to service for future maintenance and repairs. 

However, everything is not rainbows and butterflies when it comes to crawl spaces. First, they are rarely visited by homeowners and when problems underneath develop, they often go unnoticed for quite awhile. Contrary to what building scientists know today, most crawl spaces are vented, supposedly to get the moisture out. In fact, the opposite happens!  Moist, humid air, especially during our notoriously humid Jersey Shore summers, are sucked into the crawl space. Chronically high humidity and moisture in the crawl space leads to all sorts of problems. In this “tropical” environment, insect populations thrive and mold will start to grow. Often, homeowners don’t realize there is mold in their crawl space until the earthy, musty mold smells start wafting into the living areas of the home. When mold starts growing in the basement, the mold spores are carried everywhere on air currents. Mold can start growing elsewhere in the home and the home’s occupants can start developing mold-related respiratory problems. 

This home in Mantoloking, NJ, was experiencing high relative indoor humidity levels in the crawl space and the homeowner was concerned about the potential for mold growth and other moisture-related issues. He decided to deal with the issue rather than wait for problems to develop and contacted Cowleys to have his crawl space encapsulated. Cowleys has a dedicated team of technicians that convert damp crawl spaces into clean, dry areas where mold can’t grow.

With this home, we conducted a careful inspection to determine the problem areas and develop a treatment strategy. First, we had to remove all of the water-damaged insulation that was not salvageable. We then treated the crawl space for possible mold given the high moisture conditions. We treat indoor mold growth with two different applications, an EPA-registered antimicrobial (MAPS1) followed by a patented sealant (MAPS2) that both kills mold on contact and reactivates to kill future mold growth. We then sealed all of the vents and encapsulated the entire crawl space with a thick vapor barrier. Finally, we installed a commercial-grade dehumidifier that will keep down humidity levels. Mold will only grow if there is sufficient moisture content in the air. With proper dehumidification, the mold is stopped in its tracks.

The homeowner was quite pleased with the end result and was relieved that he no longer had to worry about his problem crawl space. His only regret was not doing this work sooner!

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.