Moisture And Mold Solutions

For property owners in New Jersey

Mold Remediation Experts

Helping homeowners live more comfortably for over 100 years

Mold is a common issue in Ocean County and Monmouth County, where high humidity levels and frequent rainfall can lead to damp conditions in crawl spaces and basements. If left untreated, mold can lead to health problems such as allergies, asthma, respiratory issues, and structural damage to your home. Professional moisture and mold control ensures your home is safe, healthy, and protected from further damage.

The 'Stack Effect'

How air circulates throughout your home

Excess moisture in your home, often from damp basements or crawl spaces, can lead to severe issues like mold growth, and pest infestations. The 'stack effect' plays a major role in spreading moisture throughout your home or business by pulling air from lower levels, like basements and crawl spaces, into your living areas. This means damp, contaminated air doesn't stay contained—it circulates, affecting your entire home. Some "stack effect' issues you may feel include:

Temperature Control Issues: The stack effect can make it difficult to maintain temperatures in the building, especially during winter seasons.
Poor Air Quality: The stack effect can cause dust and polluted air to circulate throughout a home or business, potentially triggering allergy or asthma symptoms and even leading to other serious health issues.
Increased Humidity Levels: High humidity creates a conducive environment for mold and mildew growth on surfaces like walls, ceilings, and flooring.

Rectangular stainless steel wall vent installed on a light gray concrete block wall outdoors.

Upgrade Your Living

Benefits of upgraded flood vents include:

Reduced risk of foundation damage from hydrostatic pressure
Reduced airflow to keep crawl spaces dry and discourage mold
FEMA compliance, helping your home meet local building codes
Lower flood insurance premiums for homes with approved flood mitigation
Enhanced property value and peace of mind during storms

The image to the left is a properly installed flood vent.

Black metal vent cover with cross-hatch design installed on red brick wall exterior near ground level.

Update Your Vents

At Ozane, we specialize in making sure your home is protected the right way. Our team can assess your current vents and recommend the best solutions to keep your property safe, secure, and in compliance. If your existing vents are rusted, blocked, or not compliant with current standards, they may be doing more harm than good — leaving you vulnerable when it matters most.

The temperature-controlled vent, pictured here, is not FEMA compliant in a flood zone like ours. Let us help you safeguard your investment with reliable, professional service.

Contact The Pros

Common Questions About Mold

Expert answers to clear the air

What causes mold growth?

A combination of moisture, a food source, and conducive environmental conditions typically cause mold growth in homes and buildings. Here are the main factors that contribute to mold growth:

1. Moisture

Leaky Pipes and Roofs: Water from plumbing leaks or a damaged roof creates a damp environment ideal for mold.
Flooding: Water intrusion from floods can saturate building materials, leading to mold development if not dried quickly.
Condensation: Warm, humid air can condense on cool surfaces like windows, walls, or pipes, creating moisture pockets.
High Humidity: Indoor humidity levels above 55% provide a breeding ground for mold spores.

2. Poor Ventilation

Inadequate airflow can trap moisture in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces.
Stagnant air allows moisture to linger, encouraging mold growth on walls, ceilings, and furniture.

3. Water-Damaged Building Materials

Materials like drywall, wood, and carpet can absorb and retain moisture, providing a perfect environment for mold spores to thrive.

4. Lack of Maintenance

Failure to repair leaks, clean gutters, or maintain HVAC systems can create conditions for mold growth.
Blocked drainage systems can lead to water pooling, further increasing moisture levels.

5. Temperature

Mold thrives in warm temperatures between 60°F and 80°F, though it can grow in colder conditions if moisture is present.

6. Organic Food Sources

Mold feeds on organic materials commonly found in homes, such as wood, paper, dust, and even some types of insulation.

7. Poor Drainage Around the Building

Improperly graded landscaping or clogged downspouts can cause water to pool near the foundation, leading to damp basements or crawl spaces.

8. Unresolved Water Damage

Even minor water damage, if left untreated, can lead to hidden mold growth behind walls, under floors, or in ceilings.

By addressing these factors and ensuring proper ventilation, moisture control, and routine maintenance, homeowners and building managers can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth.

How can I tell if I have mold in my home?

Common signs of mold indoors include a musty odor, visible mold patches, and increased allergy or respiratory symptoms.

Can I clean mold myself, or do I need professional remediation?

Small patches can sometimes be cleaned by homeowners, but larger or hidden mold issues require professional remediation to ensure the mold is fully eliminated.

Do freezing temperatures kill mold, and can winter prevent mold growth?

Freezing temperatures can slow mold growth, but it doesn't kill mold. Mold spores can survive temperatures as low as freezing (32°F or lower). While growth typically halts in these conditions, the spores remain viable and can become active again when conditions improve. Some molds can survive in environments close to 0°F but will not actively grow until they are exposed to moisture and warmth.

Moisture And Mold Solutions

Mold Remediation & Prevention Experts Are Here To Help