The Importance of Crawl Space Mold Removal
Crawl Space Mold Removal
Many homeowners don’t treat the crawl space as part of the home. They ignore it and don’t worry about water problems until they start affecting the rest of the house. What they don’t understand is the importance of crawl space mold removal in their home.
The Importance of Crawl Space Mold Removal
One of the biggest problems with the crawl space environment is when mold is present. If you have mold in the crawl space you need to remove it. The dangerous part of mold is two-fold: one breathing in mold spores can cause respiratory problems and two letting mold grow uncontrollably can actually cause rot if it gets into the wood framing and destroy the structure of the house.
Mold Can Be Harmful to Your Health
If mold is contaminating the air in the crawl space, that air can and will travel upstairs to the air you and your family breathes every day. The EPA says 50% of the air found in the upper levels of the house actually comes from the basement or crawl space. The air moves up through chimney effect or stack effect. As the warmer air rises and escapes through the roof new air has to replace that air. The natural occurrence is pulling the air from outside and from under the house.
INFOGRAPHIC: Asthma Rates Growing in the US (BasementWaterproofing.com)
Mold Causes Structural Damage
Mold that is ignored can cause serious structural damage. Mold alone can destroy natural materials like wood studs; however it is also a sign of moisture problems in the crawl space. Any water problems and high levels of moisture anything above 50% relative humidity need to be corrected.
The best option is crawl space mold removal and completely waterproofing the crawl space with a preventative system to keep water from getting in as well as a water diversion system with a French drain system to allow for the water to get out. The crawl space should be lined and encapsulated to prevent future problems. Remember, never use fiberglass bat insulation in the crawl space or basement. It does not work well if there was a moisture problem.
The process of crawl space mold removal can be dangerous. If you are doing it yourself protect your skin and wear a respirator. Don’t ever breathe in mold spores or work around mold without a respirator. It is best to call a professional contractor to help you remove the mold. Basement waterproofing contractors, crawl space contractors or mold remediation contractor can help.
If you have a mold problem, be sure to call us for crawl space mold removal.
