Crawlspace Mold

“Crawlspace mold” is simply the common term for fungi which grows in crawlspaces — the low or narrow areas beneath a floor or roof which allow access to electrical wiring and plumbing. Mildew can grow in these places as well. The main difference between mold and mildew is that mildew tends to be lighter in color, such as yellow or white, and has a fluffy, powdery texture. Mold, on the other hand, is normally green or black. It grows on things which have gotten wet and can have a slimy or fuzzy texture. Both, however, are surface fungi which give off toxins and can cause health problems if not eliminated from your home. Like other airborne hazards, just because we can’t see them doesn’t mean they can’t affect us! Even if you rarely enter your crawlspaces, the air still gets circulated throughout your home.

Some signs that your home may be harboring mold in its crawl spaces are:

• Musty odors
• Water damage or stains on wood
• Mold growth, which is visible as black, gray, green, white, yellow, or red patches or spots
• Moisture or high humidity
• Mold exposure symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, irritated, watery eyes, sore throat, skin rash, wheezing, and sinusitis (inflammation of your sinuses) — especially if you only experience these symptoms while at home. 

Completely removing mold and mildew from crawlspaces can be a challenging undertaking without the right equipment, not to mention the restricted mobility you’ll experience in these tight areas. This is especially true because:

• Even if it appears you’ve eliminated the mold, spores can continue to spread.
• Any mold which wasn’t eradicated can quickly return, often worse than before.
• Without the proper tools, some spaces are nearly impossible to reach.

Remember, mold and mildew can grow in places we can’t see or touch. Because of this and the complexity of the elimination process, if the affected area is greater than 10 square feet, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends calling in the pros.

After we perform an extensive inspection of your crawlspace, we’ll thoroughly clean and remove the mold and mildew from the area, as well as take measures to ensure that the mold doesn’t come back. This includes killing off any remaining spores by the use of UV lamps. After ventilating, we’ll dehumidify the crawlspace to create an environment inhospitable to fungi, and we’ll make recommendations for future prevention. We may also install new insulation, as missing or incorrectly installed insulation is one of the many ways excessive moisture is allowed to seep in (and remain) inside the crawlspace.

Without professional assistance, the best treatment for crawlspace mold is preventing it from occurring in the first place.

• Ensure there are no cracks in your home’s foundation. Seal existing cracks with hydraulic cement mixture, allowing the first layer to dry for an hour or two before applying the next layer. For serious foundation issues, don’t try to do it yourself, as excessive splitting could be an indication your house needs leveling.
• Install a dehumidifier in the crawlspace area if possible. Without moisture, mold and mildew are not able to grow, and low humidity keeps existing fungi from getting worse (although it can still occasionally emit spores).
• Install a plastic vapor barrier. This is plastic sheeting which will cover the floor, walls, and ceiling of the crawlspace, keeping the interior dry.

We have the knowledge, licensing, and equipment to tackle and fully eradicate crawlspace mold. When it comes to these difficult areas, you won’t have to worry about suiting up in coveralls and a face mask before lying on your back and scrubbing joists with a bleach-soaked sponge. Not to mention the dust, insects, and dim lighting conditions that await you. Who wants to mess with all that? We do! It’s our pleasure to make your home a safe haven for your family. With Twin Home Experts, you’ll have a professional team taking care of the entire process in areas large and small. Give us a call today for your crawlspace mold remediation needs.