Around 45 million buildings in the U.S have unhealthy levels of mold.
And while it’s terrible to have mold in commercial properties, discovering mold in crawl spaces at home is even worse. But how bad is it exactly?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s why mold in crawl spaces must be taken care of ASAP.
What Is a Crawl Space?
Before we discuss what to do if you find mold in crawl space, it’s important to understand what we mean by the term.
A crawl space is an open area that sits between the ground and the bottom of the house. Your home perches on the foundation walls and the crawl space is made from cinder blocks with brick facing.
Here you’ll find the essential “guts” of your home as it contains AC, heating, insulation, ductwork, plumbing, and electrical wiring.
What Causes Mold?
Crawl space mold is caused by being in a damp, warm environment. Mold in crawl space under house occurs because of bad ventilation, plumbing leaks, and groundwater flooding.
Condensation mixed with mold creates the perfect hotspot for mold and rot behind the insulation.
Why Are Crawl Spaces so Susceptible to Mold?
A moldy crawlspace is a consequence of a dark, moist environment compared to those exposed to sunlight. The main reasons include:
Penetrating Damp
If your crawl space is closed then it could be vulnerable to penetrating damp. This term means moisture enters your crawl space after coming from a completely different source.
For instance, walls, plumbing leaks, or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) failures can seep into the crawl space.
Rising Damp
As the name suggests, rising damp refers to the moisture that travels upwards from the ground. This can be disastrous for crawl spaces that haven’t been encapsulated or protected by a vapor barrier.
Condensation
You’ll need crawl space mold removal if your ventilation is poor. This is because the outside air is warmer than inside the crawl space which is a problem in hot climates as it often flows into the crawl space.
When the cool and warm air come into contact, condensation is formed and seeps into your crawl space.
How to Identify Crawl Space Mold
If you notice an outbreak, mold removal in crawl space is crucial. It’s important to know what to look for as a mold-covered crawl space can contaminate your home’s airflow and cause health problems.
Take action if you find:
- Green, pink, and black spots around baseboards
- Anything that looks like water stains
- Anyone in your household has respiratory illnesses like a persistent cough
- A moldy smell even if you can’t see any
All of these are tell-tale signs that you have a mold problem on your hands.
Preventing Mold In Your Crawl Space
The best way to avoid any mold in crawl space health problems is to take preventative measures.
There are various methods in doing this but the most effective one is the encapsulation of your crawlspace as it’s long-lasting.
Encapsulation is when you completely seal your crawl space in white plastic. During this process you also install a sump pump, and a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in your crawl space so mold can’t flourish.
A major advantage of this process is how it cleans the air of your entire home, and you can store belongings there as the area is entirely pristine.
The Benefits of Cleaning Your Crawl Space
There are many advantages of clearing your crawl space. The most important one is your health as a dirty area can become a host to several allergens.
Further, cleaning your crawl space will stop water and pests from damaging your home’s structure. It also means your insulation is intact and a clean HVAC unit keeps your home’s systems running smoothly and efficiently so you save money.
And, of course, regular cleaning prevents the buildup of extra moisture and a mold outbreak.
Removing the Mold
First, you must remove the moisture source as new mold grows on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours.
The most effective way to clean mold is by using detergents that tackle the source. Many commercial detergents are effective, just be on the lookout for an EPA-approved antifungal property.
If the mold hasn’t been dealt with in some time, hire professional mold remediation to eliminate the source of moisture.
Remediation is when you remove contaminated materials and prevent a fungi buildup so your home is safe again. It’s important to hire a company that is certified by the IICRC in Mold Remediation and Water Damage Restoration.
How Often Should I Clean My Crawl Space?
You should clean your crawl space every spring when there’s more rainfall as it’s likely to enter your home. Be on the lookout for leaks, dampness, and a musty smell.
Do the same for winter or when the temperature drops because pests may reside in your home for extra warmth. So do an inspection at least every six months or after a period of bad weather.
That’s How to Eliminate Mold In Crawl Space
Now you know how to prevent and remove mold in crawl spaces. This is crucial for your home’s airflow and, as a result, your health.
Inspect your crawl space every six months and after bad weather to prevent any moisture build-up. If the problem continues, hire a reputable mold remediation company to tackle your problem so your home is safe again. Good luck!
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