How To Protect Your Crawl Space From Mold

Because crawl spaces sit on the moist earth, they are susceptible to humidity

, mold and mildew. A phenomenon called the "stack effect," causes homes to suck air from a crawl space up into the main area of a home. Mold spores, fecal material from dust mites, and other organisms come with the air, creating breathing problems (like asthma) and a variety of other health issues. There are a few simple ways to protect your home from a mold infestation and if you already have a mold problem, help is on the horizon.

The best way to prevent a mold infestation is to encapsulate the space, this is also known as a vapor barrier. This discourages insects and critters from living there by creating a barrier, so their traffic into the home is minimized. Plus, a barrier seals off the space and separates the home from the earth's moisture. The result is a drier space and also a warmer home. The space could also then be used for storage with less risk of belongings being ruined in a damp environment.

But installing a vapor barrier is only the first step to encapsulation. By itself a vapor barrier will not be successful. To eradicate mold spores, the space must have 60% humidity or less. This means the crawl space needs continuous dehumidification, which is also known as conditioning. The best way to condition your space is to use a dehumidifier made specifically for crawl spaces, like the SaniDry CSB dehumidifier. This will dry out your space to below 60% humidity so that mold does not have a chance to thrive again.

Is your crawl space neglected?

How many times a year do you go into your crawl space? Maybe once or twice a year if you're like most homeowners. That means you don't see what's happening in your crawlspace on a regular basis. If heavy rains do force water into your crawl space in a big storm, chances are you probably won't notice and mold will be able to get in your door. Instead, install a sump pump if you don't have one. This way if heavy rains cause water to enter your crawl space, the sump pump will automatically turn on and lead water out of your crawlspace and away from your home. Plus the dehumidifier will also run and dry out your space even more.

The crawl space mold solution

When all these steps are implemented at the same time, the result is a drier crawl space that resists mold and mildew much better than without these treatments. If you do believe you have a mold problem, the most effective solution is to contact a responsible encapsulation specialist. They will assess your crawl space and suggest solutions that can be customized for your home. For example, if you already have a sump pump installed, a professional can make sure it was installed properly, as well as make other suggestions to keep your space as dry and structurally sound as possible.

Responsible crawl space contractors

To be sure you're working with a responsible contractor, be sure to ask for references in your area and ask if they are rated by the Better Business Bureau. A responsible contractor will also give you a written estimate telling you how much the repair will cost before work is done on your home. If a contractor does not have these qualifications, they may not be the most reputable crawl space company to work with.

To fix or assess your basement or crawl space mold problem, contact a professional mold remediation expert.

by: John Smith

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