Crawl spaces are one of the most ignored parts of a home. After all, we’ve all heard the phrase — out of sight, out of mind. However, without proper care and attention, your home’s crawl space might become home to pests, germs, and, worst of all, mold! But why are crawl spaces so beloved by mold spores, and what can you do about it? Let’s find out!
Why Does Mold Grow in Crawl Spaces?
Generally speaking, mold spores are always present in the air. However, the spores need humidity and moisture to be able to develop into what we know as mold. Unfortunately, crawl spaces provide the perfect environment. In fact, since they are right up against the ground, crawl spaces tend to have a higher moisture content than the rest of the home. And where there’s moisture, there’s also humidity!
Signs of Mold in Crawl Spaces
Once mold starts to grow, it leaves marks and spots that vary in color. For instance, white-colored patches might indicate mold is in the early stages of development, so you’ll need to act fast to remove it. In contrast, darker shades could point towards an older infestation that has had enough time to spread to other areas of your property.
Apart from visually checking the mold, there are other signs you may notice. As an example, mold can cause allergy-like symptoms, like sneezing, skin rash, itching, runny nose, and even chest tightness. While these symptoms usually occur in people with asthma or high sensitivity to mold, they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
How Can I Prevent Mold in Crawl Spaces?
Prevention is always better than cure, which is why you should take the necessary precautions to avoid mold infestations. These include:
- Properly seal off and encapsulate your crawl space.
- Regularly check for any leaky water pipes. Keep in mind that water infiltrations will promote mold growth.
- Ensure that your dryer vent is not blowing humid air into the crawl space.
What If My Crawl Space Already Has Mold?
Whether you’ve found black or white mold in your crawl space, you need to take care of it immediately. It’s important to understand that even small amounts of mold can quickly grow and spread throughout your home.
But, unlike basements and attics, crawl spaces require the help of a professional. The reason for this is that professionals have the tools necessary to find the root of the issue and provide a permanent solution. Therefore, we recommend contacting a local mold remediation company to inspect and handle the infestation.
Mold Solutions provides premium mold remediation for residential and commercial buildings. Using our cutting-edge technology, we can get rid of all types of mold, regardless of their location. And, with the help of a proprietary coating, your home will be mold-proof for years to come. So be sure to give us a call and let our mold experts take care of your home!
