A realtor who was trying to close on a short sale had contacted me. He couldn’t sell his investment property in East Brunswick, NJ unless and until its widespread mold growth was taken care of.  

This home was a “perfect storm” for mold growth, and had one of the most severe mold problems I’ve ever encountered. And after the mold problems I’ve seen following Sandy, that’s saying a lot. This vacant home suffered from neglect, poor ventilation, no power, and, if this weren’t enough, it was located in an area with a naturally high water table. The soil around the foundation was always saturated, and with no power, there was no operational sump pump. Water entered the structure and, with no mechanism to remove it, collected and remained stagnant in the basement. It was a horrendous situation. If a microbiologist wanted to grow mold, this home would have made the perfect laboratory.

Upon entering the home, the smell of mold hit me like a slap in the face. I immediately knew that I would not need to do much detective work to find the mold in this house. There was nothing subtle about this mold problem. I entered the basement and immediately found heavy mold growth on the sub-floor, joist beams, the walls that were painted, and all the basement drywall. 

The solution to treating this mold problem was our patented MAPS system. 

After the water intrusion inspection, there are three key steps: 

Step 1: Eradicate any existing mold. We apply an anti-microbial killing agent using electrostatic fogging. This is an EPA-registered, multi-purpose, anti-microbial based in quaternary ammonium salts that works as a bactericide, virucide, disinfectant, fungicide (mold is a type of fungus), cleaner, mildew stat and deodorizer. This solution kills mold and mildew (and even bacteria and viruses!!) within 10 to 15 minutes. Its job is then done, and the product dissipates and is no longer present.   

Step 2: Prevent the regrowth of mold. We apply our patented, polymer sealant using electrostatic fogging. This sealant is the key product of the MAPS System, and is not available elsewhere. It enhances the effectiveness of the anti-microbial by sealing any treated surfaces, porous or non-porous. The sealant acts as a shield against future mold growth on treated surfaces. The product, developed by a world-renowned biomaterials scientist, is derived from coating used in human implant devices. The sealant uses silver, nature’s natural anti-microbial metal, at a nanoscale level to create an impermeable silver barrier. Any microorganism that comes into contact with this sealant, including mold, immediately dies. The sealant also has built-in “moisture intelligence,” which is the ability to travel through any surface water and seek out the moisture in mold spores. When a mold spore comes into contact with the sealant, its molecular DNA is broken down and rearranged. The mold is no longer allergenic or otherwise harmful to the home’s occupants. This step is essential for preventing the regrowth of mold and for resolving a mold problem for the long-term. This sealant is unique to the Mold Exterm System and is what separates our mold treatment process from any other that is offered on the market.

Step 3. The installation of a commercial-grade SaniDry upright dehumidifier in the basement. 

Once the power to this home was turned back on, with the dehumidifier and annual yearly service, reducing indoor humidity levels and an operational sump pump, I was able to guarantee that this home would remain mold-free for 5 years from the date of treatment. No similar guarantee is offered by traditional mold remediators. That is because they simply remove the mold (as well as huge quantities of building materials) and do not attempt to treat it. In contrast, we are able to offer a long-term guarantee precisely because our products and our process are designed to treat and remove the threat of mold for the long-term, not just for today. 

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.

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. 

This homeowner in Middlesex, NJ had massive flood in her home all because two bathroom toilets weren't installed properly! Due to this, water had leaked behind the walls of the living room, basement, & family room and caused severe mold growth. The materials were so badly damaged and contaminated with mold that we had no choice but to tear them out and dispose of them. It's no wonder why the homeowner had so many breathing problems!

Fortunately, the leak was repaired by a licensed professional. After carefully and properly removing all of the contaminated materials, we applied an EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. This application attacks and kills mold on a cellular level! Afterward, we applied our mold stain remover, scrubbed away the mold stains, and applied our patented sealant called MAPS 2. MAPS 2 encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders mold non-allergenic, inert, and harmless. Also, because MAPS 2 is moisture sensitive, it'll reactivate to prevent any future mold from growing.

After noticing a musty smell in his crawl space, this homeowner in Kendall Park, NJ contacted our office for an inspection. As we examined the area, we noticed that the insulation was hanging down, which means that there is too much moisture in the crawl space. When we removed a small portion of the insulation, we found mold growth behind it! Turns out that the homeowner was renovating the crawl space and during the renovations he opened a few of the vents, which caused the moisture issues. After reporting what we found to the owner, we went right to work!

First, we removed the all contaminated insulation & debris and sealed off the vents. Although we offered to encapsulate the crawl space for the owner, he wanted to encapsulate the area on his own and will do so at a later date. Next, we treated the entire crawl space with our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1, which attacks mold at its DNA and kills it instantly. We then treated the joists with 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 non-allergenic and harmless. MAPS 2 is also moisture-sensitive and reactivates whenever it gets wet to prevent the return of mold. Since the homeowner already purchased a commercial grade dehumidifier and will install it on his own, mold growth will no longer be an issue.

After finding an extensive amount of mold growth in his attic, this homeowner in Middlesex, NJ called our office for help. When we arrived and started inspecting the area, we noticed a high amount of condensation throughout the attic. Condensation is a common attic problem because this area of a home is the barrier between the outside elements and a home’s temperature-controlled living area. When warm air from the living space of the home reaches the cold air on the attic walls and roof, condensation can form. We recommended that the homeowner replace the fiberglass insulation with TruSoft Blown-in Cellulose insulation as well as seal up any air gaps in the attic. The homeowner agreed and scheduled an appointment with us to come back at a later date.

In the meantime, we are going to get rid of the mold! The first thing we did was remove any contaminated insulation and apply MAPS 1. This is an EPA registered antimicrobial that targets mold at its DNA 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 and non-allergic. MAPS 2 is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

This office building in Kendall Park, NJ recently had a flood in one of their lower conference rooms. The dishwasher broke and, since no one noticed cause it happened over the weekend, water had pooled in the kitchen and leaked into the conference room. The dishwasher was removed, but unfortunately mold has developed along the baseboards. Unfortunately, the mold growth was so bad that we had to remove the drywall and the carpet in several areas of the conference room and kitchen. Once we did and disposed of all the contaminated materials, we began our treatment.

First, we treated the affected areas with our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. This solution targets mold at its DNA and immediately kills it. Next, 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 and non-allergic. MAPS 2 is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

This homeowner in Carteret, NJ had a water intrusion in her first-floor bathroom because of a leaky pipe and had gone unnoticed for quite some time. This triggered extensive mold growth behind the sheetrock. First, we removed the water-damaged sheetrock that had lost its structural integrity and could not be salvaged. Next, we applied our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. This treatment attacks mold on a cellular level and immediately kills it. Next, we used our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the mold growth.

Lastly, we applied our patented sealant called MAPS 2, which is a moisture-sensitive application that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless, inert, and non-allergenic. After killing the mold dead in its tracks, we replaced the sheetrock with a new piece!

A new customer in Milltown, NJ, called our office after noticing a substantial amount of mold growth throughout his basement. Once we arrived and inspected the basement, we determined that the conducive condition that caused the mold growth was high humidity levels in the basement. If the conditions are right, mold can grow on cement and concrete surfaces. Since concrete is porous, it can hold water and provide the nutrients needed for mold growth.

First, we treated the entire basement 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 and scrubbed away all the mold stains. Next, we 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. 

Lastly, to resolve the high humidity levels in the basement, we installed a Sedona Sandi-Dry XP dehumidifier. A Sedona Sandi-Dry XP is a powerful, energy-efficient dehumidifier that outperforms standard household dehumidifiers by as much as 10 times while using the same amount of energy to run. Now the homeowner can rest assured knowing that his home is mold-free and the chronic humidity in his basement has been resolved. 

After a pipe had burst and flooded the basement, this homeowner in Kendall Park, NJ, called our office after discovering mold growing on the walls. After a thorough inspection of the basement, we determined that the structural integrity of the wood panelling and the sheetrock was comprised (due to the water leak and the mold growth) and a full mold remediation was needed. 

First, we carefully removed all the comprised materials and then disposed of them properly. Once all the contaminated materials were removed and carefully disposed of, we treated the area with our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. MAPS 1, which stands for Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions, attacks mold at its DNA 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 and non-allergic. MAPS 2 is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth. Now the homeowner can repair all the damages in his basement without worrying about mold impacting his or his family's health. 

We were sent out to a new customers home in Highland Park, NJ, to treat for mold in the attic. The first thing we must do before we begin our treatment process is determine the conducive condition that caused the mold growth to begin with. In this case, it was a couple of roof leaks in the attic. We told the owner who is going to hire a roofer to come out and fix all the leaks in the roof.

Now that we've uncovered the cause for the mold growth, now it's time to get rid of it! First, we treated the entire attic with an EPA-registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. This application attacks mold at its DNA and kills it immediately. Afterward, we used our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the mold stains throughout the attic. Lastly, 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 and non-allergenic. MAPS 2 also will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

Now the mold has been removed and the owner can move forward with repairing the leaks in her roof!