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How to get rid of mold in Crawl Space?
The presence of mold in crawl spaces is often due to the damp conditions and absence of sunlight. Typically, poorly designed sump pumps or other drainage systems that have succumbed to regular wear and tear are the starting point for mold growth.
Mold is a hazardous fungus that poses serious health risks, including respiratory issues. It releases harmful spores into the air that can lead to symptoms such as itchy eyes, nose, and throat. If left unaddressed, a mold infestation could potentially cause neurological problems, sinus infections, allergies, and flu-like symptoms.
If you suspect the presence of mold in your crawl space, it’s highly recommended to contact a professional mold remediation company like Restoreez. They can handle mold in crawl spaces safely and effectively. However, if the affected area is less than 10 square feet, there are certain measures you can take on your own to address the mold issue. This blog will delve into the usual causes of mold in crawl spaces and how to manage such situations.
Types of Mold in Crawl Space
There’s a wide variety of mold species in existence, from the allergenic Alternaria to the poisonous Stachybotrys. However, for simplicity and practicality, we’ve categorized them into white, yellow, and black molds, as it’s virtually impossible to identify specific fungi species with the unaided eye.
White Mold
White mold, which you may often notice on food, bears a resemblance to soft, fluffy snow. This type of mold is frequently found in crawl spaces, particularly in areas with high humidity levels and insufficient ventilation.
The emergence of white fungal growth can be an initial stage in the development of mold, as it can eventually darken to become black mold.
Yellow Mold
Yellow mold remains relatively unknown to many. Like other fungi, it thrives on organic substances and dampness – conditions which accurately describe most crawl spaces. This type of mold typically grows on wood, causing it to deteriorate and eventually crumble. Thus, if you notice yellow mold in your home, our mold remediation company stands prepared to assist.
Black Mold
Black mold commonly develops on carpets, walls, subflooring, and other damp, unventilated crawl spaces. It’s regarded as the most hazardous species of fungus and warrants immediate attention. If you believe mold has begun to grow on your crawl space walls or floors, it’s crucial to eradicate the infestation promptly. Delaying could result in inhalation of black mold spores, potentially leading to health issues.
Read more about how to get rid of mold on floor joists in crawl space.
What Causes Mold in Crawl Space?
Mold frequently infests crawl spaces and basements due to high moisture levels. The growth of mold can be traced back to several causes, such as water damage, floods, and leaks in plumbing systems. Inadequate ventilation, inefficient drainage, and cracks in the crawl space foundation could also contribute to this issue. The primary step in any mold remediation process is to pinpoint the source of the contamination. Without identifying the root cause of the mold growth, it’s impossible to rectify the underlying issue, leading to a recurrence of the mold problem.
Basement Cracks and Flooding
Crawl spaces are susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall. Once the water subsides, mold can swiftly materialize in your crawl space. If there are cracks in your basement floor or walls, it’s worth examining whether they are associated with moisture intrusion that could be aggravating your mold issue. For instance, malfunctioning sump pumps, improper grading around your foundation, or inadequately sealed windows might be the root cause.
Certain crawl space designs recommend the use of plastic sheeting on the floor, acting as a barrier that holds water against the foundation walls. However, over time, this plastic deteriorates. As it wears away, holes form, allowing water to leak into the soil. This leads to water pooling in the crawl space, much like it would in any basement.
Humidity and Condensation
A damp crawl space provides an ideal habitat for mold spores to attach themselves to surfaces and proliferate. It’s essential to maintain the humidity levels in your crawl space below 50%, as exceeding this limit can result in condensation, which further amplifies the humidity. Depending on the degree of humidity, consider using fans or dehumidifiers to manage and reduce it.
Read more about How to treat mold in attic?
How to get rid of mold in crawl space? – Tips
After identifying and rectifying the source of the problem, the next step is to address the mold itself. Due to the potential health hazards linked with exposure, it’s strongly advised to enlist the help of a professional for the mold elimination process.
Remediating crawl space mold can prove to be quite challenging due to the limited space and presence of floor joists. If the affected area is smaller than ten square feet, there are certain measures you can take to address the issue yourself. It’s important to note, however, that these methods differ from those employed by professionals.
When dealing with suspected mold, ensure your personal safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes goggles or eye protection, gloves, and N-95 masks.
How to Eliminate Mold in Crawl Spaces: 5 Essential Steps
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ASSESS THE SITUATION
While wearing your protective gear, carefully evaluate the amount of mold present in the crawl space. Install adequate lighting and place plastic sheets to collect any mold that is removed from surfaces. If the task appears overwhelming, promptly seek assistance from a professional mold remediation company.
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CLEAN THE MOLDY AREAS
To effectively clean affected areas, follow the guidelines provided by FEMA or consider using vinegar, baking soda, or borax. These cleaning agents are known to be effective in tackling the issue at hand.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how to use each:
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Vinegar
Utilizing vinegar is a widely favored home cleaning method for mold eradication, as it eliminates various bacteria, including molds. Simply prepare a solution of equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray this mixture onto the impacted sections of your crawl space walls or floor. Allow it to sit for a few moments before scrubbing the area. Afterward, rinse the area with water.
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Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular cleaner for effectively removing mold from various surfaces in your home. Simply sprinkle baking soda on your floor or furniture, allowing it to sit overnight. In the morning, clean everything with water, effectively eliminating not only the mold but also any accumulated dirt. One of the advantages of using baking soda is that it leaves behind a fresh scent, provided that you thoroughly wipe down everything.
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Borax
Borax is an effective compound for combating mold in crawl spaces without leaving any residue. However, it is important to be aware of its potential toxicity. Use it in well-ventilated areas and avoid ingestion. Additionally, take extra precautions to protect your skin, eyes, and pets.
One advantage of using borax is that once you have sprayed the affected area, there is no need to rinse. It is safe to leave as is.
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SCRUB OFF RESIDUE
Allow the affected areas to dry completely, and then employ a firm-bristled brush to diligently eliminate any lingering mold. Although this process may demand time and effort, it is crucial to eradicate as much mold residue as feasible.
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DISPOSE OF EVERYTHING
Gently fold the plastic sheeting, ensuring it is neatly creased, then securely seal it within a sturdy garbage bag. Dispose of any contaminated gear, such as coveralls and brushes, in the same manner. Store the bagged items outside until they can be collected during trash pickup.
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CONTROL CRAWL SPACE CLIMATE
When it comes to managing the climate in your crawl space, there are various approaches you can take. However, the most cost-effective and efficient solution is often the installation of a dehumidifier. To ensure optimal performance, consider choosing a model specifically designed for tight spaces. Additionally, it’s a good practice to include crawl space inspections as part of your regular spring and fall home maintenance routine. This will help ensure the long-term health and functionality of your crawl space.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF MOLD IN CRAWL SPACES?
A humid crawl space provides an ideal breeding ground for mold, which can swiftly infiltrate wood, leading to structural issues and potential health concerns.
Here are four telltale signs indicating the presence of mold in the crawl space of your home.
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STRONG, MUSTY ODORS
Unpleasant odors from mold consistently waft upwards and permeate the ground level.
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ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Mold beneath the house can often trigger allergic reactions, such as runny noses, itchy eyes, headaches, and respiratory problems.
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MOLDY BASEBOARDS
As mold spreads from the crawl space, it affects the baseboards on the floor above.
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PESTS
The moisture and humidity associated with mold growth attract various pests. If you suddenly notice spiders, crickets, termites, slugs, millipedes, or centipedes in your home or crawl space, it is likely that mold is present.
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DISCOLORED CRAWL SPACE COMPONENTS
Mold growth on crawl space walls, posts, and floor joists manifests as fuzzy, slimy, or powdery patches. Keep an eye out for these color-coded indicators:
- Black: The most prevalent molds, including Alternaria and Cladosporium.
- Green: Also quite common, potentially Aspergillus, Cladosporium, or Penicillium.
- Greenish Black: Exhibiting a slimy appearance, this particular mold can be hazardous (Stachybotrys chartarum).
- White: Varieties of Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium.
- Brown: Commonly Aureobasidium pullulans or Pithomyces chartarum.
- Yellow: Wood-damaging Serpula lacrymans or Epicoccum nigrum.
- Orange: Varieties of Serpula lacrymans.
Stay vigilant and be aware of these signs!
How to Prevent Mold in Crawl Space
Preventing mold growth in your crawl space is the best course of action. It is much easier (and less expensive) to take steps for prevention than mold remediation. If your house has a crawl space, make sure to keep it ventilated and dry. Any moisture or water on the ground of your crawl space can contribute to mold growth, so make sure to keep it dry. Insulate your pipes and keep them sealed to prevent water from seeping into the dirt, where it will contribute to humidity levels. Also, make sure that the dirt doesn’t pile up too much there since this can clog all your vents, allowing water inside your crawl space.
Crawl space insulation is one of the best tools to use for prevention. Insulation can easily be purchased at your local hardware store. Be sure to use mechanical fasteners to attach the insulation snugly to the subfloor. Seal all the seams with weatherstripping so that air cannot get inside easily.
If the current ventilation system doesn’t work that well, consider installing a new one. Make sure to check with your HVAC contractor about setting it up because you will want the fresh air to be pulled out and not pushed in.
Call Restoreez 24/7 for Crawl Space Mold Remediation!
If you are facing water damage or notice any signs of mold in your crawl space, reach out to Restoreez without delay. Our team of compassionate, empathetic, and highly experienced technicians is fully equipped to address your mold-related concerns. Your safety and peace of mind are our utmost priorities, which is why we employ the best cleaning methods and cutting-edge technologies that are both effective and environmentally friendly. Contact us today via phone or visit our website to connect with your local Restoreez location.