Your crawl space: It’s easy to forget about, right? Out of sight, out of mind. But what if it’s secretly becoming a mold haven? Crawl spaces are notorious for moisture buildup, making them prime real estate for mold growth. And that mold can lead to serious health issues and even damage your property.
The key is catching it early. The longer you wait, the more extensive (and expensive!) the problem becomes.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mould in your crawl space: how to spot it, the risks it poses, and, most importantly, how to prevent and get rid of it for good.
What Makes Crawl Spaces Susceptible to Mold?
Crawl spaces are, by their nature, prone to mold growth. Here’s why.
The Ideal Environment for Mold Growth
Mold thrives in certain conditions, and crawl spaces often offer that perfect mix.
Darkness and Moisture
Crawl spaces tend to be dark and damp, which creates an ideal environment for mold to flourish.
Poor Ventilation
When there’s not enough airflow, moisture gets trapped, encouraging mold to grow and spread.
Common Causes of Moisture in Crawl Spaces
Water can find its way into crawl spaces in a number of ways.
Water Intrusion
Leaks, flooding, and poor drainage around your foundation can all introduce water into the area.
Condensation
Temperature differences between the air and surfaces in the crawl space can lead to condensation.
Missing or Damaged Vapor Barriers
Without a properly installed vapor barrier, moisture from the ground can easily enter the crawl space.
How to identify mold in your crawl space
The key to getting rid of mold is spotting it early. Here are a few things to look and smell for.
Signs of a mold infestation
- Visual clues. Take a peek around the crawl space, looking for mold on the walls, joists, or insulation.
- Musty odors. If you notice a musty or mildewy smell, it could be a sign of mold.
- Water stains and damage. Look for water stains, warped wood, or any other signs of water damage.
Recognizing different types of mold
There are lots of types of mold, and you’d need to test a sample to know what kind you’re dealing with. However, it’s worth keeping an eye out for black mold, which is one of the more concerning types.
What are the health risks of crawl space mold?
Mold in your crawl space can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. You might experience:
- coughing
- sneezing
- a runny nose
- itchy eyes
- skin rashes
If you’re exposed to mold for a long time, especially black mold, you could develop more serious health issues.
If you suspect you have mold-related health problems, you might want to consider getting tested for mycotoxins. These are toxic substances produced by some molds.
Preventing Mold Growth in Crawl Spaces
It’s much easier to prevent mold from growing in your crawl space than it is to get rid of it once it’s there. Here are some things you can do to keep your crawl space dry and mold-free.
Moisture Control Strategies
- Vapor Barriers: Lay down a polyethylene vapor barrier that’s 10-20 mil thick to keep ground moisture from rising into the crawl space.
- Dehumidifiers: Use a dehumidifier designed for crawl spaces to keep the humidity low.
- Proper Drainage: Make sure water drains away from your foundation, not toward it.
Improving Ventilation
- Crawl Space Vents: Install vents to promote airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
- Crawl Space Fans: Consider using fans specifically designed for crawl spaces to keep the air moving.
Other Preventative Measures
- Insulation: Insulate pipes and floor joists to prevent condensation from forming.
- Regular Inspections: Check your crawl space regularly for any signs of moisture or mold.
- Maintain Exterior: Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and in good repair so they can do their job of diverting water away from the house.
DIY vs. professional mold remediation
If you discover mold in your crawl space, you might be wondering whether you can tackle the cleanup yourself or whether you should call in a professional.
When DIY is appropriate
If the moldy area is small—less than 10 square feet—you may be able to handle the cleanup yourself. First, make sure you’re dealing with surface mildew rather than a deeper mold infestation.
Why professional remediation is often necessary
For larger infestations, professional equipment and expertise are generally required. Mold often grows in hidden areas, such as behind walls or under insulation, so it can be difficult to find and eliminate it all.
Professionals have the training and equipment to safely remove mold and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your home. Because mold can cause health problems, it’s important to take the cleanup seriously and not risk exposing yourself or your family to harmful spores.
Professional Crawl Space Mold Removal and Remediation
If you find mold in your crawl space, you might consider hiring a professional mold remediation company. Here’s what you can expect:
- Assessment and Inspection: A pro will thoroughly inspect your crawl space to determine how bad the mold problem is.
- Containment and Isolation: They’ll seal off the area to keep mold spores from spreading to other parts of your house.
- Mold Removal and Cleaning: Using special equipment and cleaners, they’ll remove the mold.
- Sanitization and Disinfection: They’ll sanitize the area to kill any leftover mold spores.
- Addressing Moisture Sources: Most importantly, they’ll find and fix what’s causing the moisture in the first place, so the mold doesn’t come back.
Crawl space encapsulation: A long-term solution
Crawl space encapsulation means sealing off the crawl space to keep it dry and climate-controlled.
An encapsulation system usually includes:
- a vapor barrier
- insulation
- a dehumidifier
Encapsulation helps to:
- prevent mold
- improve air quality
- lower your energy bills by as much as 18 percent per year.
Putting It All Together
Mold in your crawl space can cause serious problems. So, it’s important to take care of it quickly. Preventative steps, like controlling moisture and ensuring good ventilation, can keep mold from coming back.
If you suspect a mold problem, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional.