Mold in Crawl Space
For those of us living in the Southeast, humidity is a normal part of life. But this moisture can cause problems for your crawl space in the form of mold growth.
This is a prevalent issue in many households. Often, mold remains hidden, silently thriving under your home until it spills over into your living space or causes health problems over time.
Mold demands prompt action to safeguard not only the structural soundness of your home but also the well-being and safety of your family. At AFS, we deliver leading crawl space encapsulation solutions, ensuring a secure and healthy home environment.
Our team has over 20 years of experience dealing with these issues, providing a comprehensive solution to eliminate the source and avert future occurrences. On this page, discover why mold grows in the first place, the dangers it poses, and how our moisture control solutions will prevent it from coming back.
What Is Crawl Space Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that flourishes in damp, dark, and mostly secluded areas.
Its presence in a crawl space is usually due to high humidity, the presence of water, and organic materials like wood joists. Mold manifests in various forms, typically as black, brown, white, or greenish discolorations and patches.
It spreads via airborne spores, which can disperse throughout your house as air travels up through the crawl space. This is particularly hazardous for individuals with mold allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities. It’s essential to address crawl space mold since it impacts the overall air quality and structural health of your house.
What Causes Crawl Space Mold?
Mold growth requires three elements:
- A food source (organic materials like wood)
- Moisture/water
- Humid air
Other factors contributing to crawl space mold include:
- Open vents and the stack effect
- Certain climate conditions (humid summers, rainfall, floods)
- Standing water after a storm
- Plumbing leaks creating puddles underneath the home
- Wet crawl space insulation
- High humidity levels (over 55%)
Promptly addressing these factors is key to implementing effective repairs and preventing further complications.
Can You Fix Crawl Space Mold?
Certainly, it’s possible to rectify mold issues in a crawl space, but it necessitates a comprehensive strategy to tackle both the mold and its root causes.
DIY mold removal, like using bleach, are insufficient. They will not solve a mold problem or prevent it from returning. Also, entering your crawl space can be hazardous without the proper tools or training, and we advise against it.
Professional mold remediation is the best way to deal with active mold growth. At AFS, we use soda blasting, an effective and non-toxic method, to remove mold quickly.
Professionals can also help you address the moisture problems that caused mold growth in the first place. AFS provides a comprehensive home solution, creating a dry and healthy crawl space environment. Our methods mitigate the conditions that lead to mold growth, ensuring lasting results and a safer home.
How to Fix Crawl Space Mold
As mentioned earlier, professional mold removal is the first step, followed by resolving moisture issues. After all visible mold is removed, AFS employs the following strategy:
- Conduct an in-depth inspection to pinpoint specific issues and their causes.
- Seal off crawl space vents and replace access doors to prevent external air and water entry.
- Install an interior drainage system and a sump pump to collect and expel water.
- Lay drainage matting on the floor to guide water towards the drainage system.
- Attach thermal insulation panels to the walls to regulate internal temperatures.
- Encapsulate the floor and walls with a vapor barrier.
- Install a dehumidifier to control humidity levels.
- Place IntelliJack™ crawl space support posts for even more protection.
- Offer regular maintenance checks to ensure continued protection.
By adhering to these steps and utilizing AFS’s specialized products, designed for crawl space challenges, you achieve optimal mold protection. Our products surpass those in general retail stores, customized for your home’s specific needs.
Why Address Mold in Crawl Space Now
Addressing mold issues is critical for several reasons:
- Health Advantages: Eliminating and preventing mold enhances indoor air quality, benefiting particularly those with allergies or respiratory issues.
- Structural Preservation: Tackling mold aids in safeguarding your home’s structural elements from deterioration.
- Prevent Additional Damage: Immediate action stops mold from spreading and causing more severe damage.
- Increase Home Value: A mold-free crawl space adds value to your property when selling.
Rely on AFS and our specialized solutions for a comprehensive resolution to your mold concerns. We have developed unique products for maximum quality and effectiveness in mold and moisture control.
Contact AFS for Dependable Crawl Space Encapsulation Solutions
Don’t let crawl space mold jeopardize your home and health. AFS’s team of experts has the tools and experience needed to completely remove mold from your crawl space.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection. You can take the first steps toward a healthier home for you and your loved ones!
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