Mold Solutions by Cowleys Before & After Photos

This homeowner in Manasquan, NJ was having a chronic moisture problem in his basement. The basement ductwork had a chronic condensation problem — water droplets were forming on the outside of the ducts, creating a big mess. Condensation on ductwork can lead to all sorts of problems including damage to ceilings and drywall as well as mold growth. 

Unfortunately, this homeowner found himself with mold growth throughout the basement because of the heavy condensation that had formed on the ducts. Prior to Mold Solutions By Cowleys arriving to treat the mold, he had the ducts properly insulated and also installed a dehumidifier. When we arrived we were happy to hear that the homeowner took care of the conducive conditions that lead to the mold growth! Now we just gotta get rid of the mold!

First, we applied our EPA registered anti-microbial called Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions 1 (MAPS 1 for short). MAPS 1 targets 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. 

With the mold destroyed and the underlying problem that had caused the mold growth fixed, this homeowner permanently solved his basement’s moisture and mold issues.

Recently, I went on a service call to a home in Manasquan, NJ after the homeowner contacted us because of mold growth in his basement. As I was equipping my personal protective equipment to start my inspection, I asked the homeowner about any water intrusions that could have triggered the mold growth. He stated that, a short time ago, his water heater had a small leak, spraying water all over the sheetrock wall. Although the leak was fixed immediately, it wasn’t caught quickly enough, and mold started to form. 

Mold is a living fungus that grows by digesting organic matter and spreads by releasing airborne spores that attach on surfaces to form new colonies. In nature, mold is essential to decompose wood, leaves and other plant debris. However, indoor mold poses a serious health hazard. Mold growth can be triggered inside homes because of chronic humidity or some water intrusion, and mold can form on pretty much any surface, from wood and wallpaper to insulation and carpeting. Because mold thrives on water and moisture, any water leak, even a small one, can trigger mold growth. Mold spreads by airborne spores attaching to damp surfaces. Spores in outdoor air can find their way inside homes through open windows or by attaching themselves to anyone or anything entering the home. Short of forming an airtight seal around your home, it is impossible to stop mold spores from coming inside. In fact, mold spores surround us all the time. But just like other invisible allergens, they are too small for us to see!

I began my inspection, and immediately located the obvious mold growth next to the water heater. However, mold growth could attach anywhere once it forms, and to be thorough, I inspected every nook and cranny of the basement to determine if there was mold growth in other areas. Fortunately, the mold growth was localized to the one area near the water heater and no other areas were yet affected. In some instances, sheetrock or other building materials with severe water damage have lost their structural integrity and must be removed. Often, however, the materials just have superficial growth and it is not necessary to remove the materials. Instead, we treat the mold directly right where it sits, which saves the homeowner from an expensive tear-out and renovation project. Here, to the relief of this homeowner, it was not necessary to remove the mold-affected sheetrock.

First, I began treating the affected area with an EPA-registered antimicrobial solution, called MAPS 1 (Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions) that kills existing mold. Then, I follow it with a patented sealant called MAPS 2 to encapsulate the mold rendering it inert, harmless, and nonallergenic. The sealant not only kills the existing mold, but it’s formulated to reactivate to kill any future mold growth. Now the risk of dangerous mold growth, both now and in the future, has been removed.

A homeowner in Manalapan, NJ called contacted Cowleys after spotting mold in his garage. The ceiling in this garage had a small area of mold growth due to a leaky roof. The homeowner had the leak repaired, but mold stilled formed. Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects. Those who are sensitive to molds can suffer nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. 

We equipped our personal protective equipment and began inspecting the garage. We spotted the mold growth in the garage and began our treatment. We treated the entire garage space with Maps 1. Maps 1 is an EPA-registered anti-microbial solution that is specifically designed to kill active mold growth. We then scrubbed away the surface mold and applied MAPS 2, a patented polymer sealant that encapsulates the existing dead mold and prevents future mold from growing. Once MAPS 1 & 2 have been applied, the mold is no longer a threat. The remaining stains are inert, harmless, and non-allergenic. Also, MAPS 2 will reactivate with moisture to fight future mold growth. 

This homeowner in Manasquan, NJ called our office after discovering some mold growth on the rafters in his attic. We arrived, equipped our personal protective equipment, began our inspection, and confirmed the homeowner's suspicion that there was indeed mold growth in his attic. Now that we discovered the mold, we need to determine the cause of it in order to properly treat it. Turns out that the attic fan had broken recently, unknown to the homeowner. This lead to poor ventilation in the attic and by the time the homeowner realized there was a problem, it was already too late. Fortunately, he hired a contractor to replace the attic fan which will take care of the ventilation issue.

Mold in your attic or anywhere else in your home is dangerous. Mold can lead to watery and itchy eyes, a weakened immune system, coughing, sneezing, and respiratory illnesses or infections among other related symptoms. To make it even more dangerous, mold can spread if you don’t take care of it. The mold spores can easily travel through openings of any size, making their way from the attic to living areas of your home.

First, we used our HEPA vacuum to remove the larger areas of mold growth. Next, we applied our EPA registered antimicrobial solution called Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions, or MAPS 1 for short. MAPS 1 targets mold at its DNA level and kills it instantly. We then scrubbed the surface mold and applied MAPS 2, a patented polymer sealant that encapsulates the existing dead mold and prevents future mold from growing. Once MAPS 1 & 2 have been applied, the mold is no longer a threat. 

A new client of ours contacted our office after discovering severe mold growth in her bathroom, so we suited up and headed out! 

All mold needs moisture to grow, and there a few places in your home with more moisture than a bathroom, especially a full bathroom with a shower or tub. Mold can appear in as little as 24-48 hours and even if mold doesn't appear on visible surfaces, it can still grow behind the walls and on bathroom ceilings, on the insulation, and anywhere else it has a food source and moisture exposure.

When we arrived, it was quite easy to spot the mold growth! Now we need to determine the conducive condition that caused the mold growth. After measuring the humidity levels, we determined that was the cause of the mold. Turns out the bathroom fan wasn't working properly, which was causing the high moisture and humidity levels. We brought this to the owner's attention who then called her brother-in-law to replace the broken exhaust fan with a functional one.

We began treating the area with MAPS 1, an EPA registered antimicrobial that kills mold on a cellular level and then scrubbed the mold away. Afterward, we applied our patented sealant called MAPS 2, which encapsulates the mold and renders it non-allergenic and harmless. MAPS 2 is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets moist to prevent mold from growing.

Due to the fact that mold has been in the bathroom for such a while, 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.