Mold is a fungus that can grow in dark and damp areas of your home, such as in crawl spaces. Left unchecked, mold can cause extensive damage to your home and health. Luckily, there are steps you can take to detect mold from the crawl space yourself and prevent it from coming back.
Blog Outline
1. Inspect the floors to your first floor to see if the crawl space is warping
2. Identify if the source of the moisture that is causing the mold growth is due to water damage
3. Dry out the crawl space as much as possible and see if you can hire a third-party company to come sand and encapsulate the area. They will let you know if it needs to be insulated as well
4. Apply a biocide to kill off the mold spores
5. Add ventilation to allow proper airflow to go through the areas
6. Monitor the floor to see the crawl space for further signs of mold growth
Inspect The Crawl Space For Any Visible Mold
1. Mold can be a serious health hazard, so it’s important to inspect the crawl space for any visible signs of mold
2. If you do find mold, take action immediately to clean it up and prevent it from spreading into the home
3. There are several ways to clean up mold, depending on the severity of the problem
4. If you’re not sure how to clean up mold or if the problem is too severe, contact a professional for assistance
5. Make sure to keep an eye on the floors to your home especially if it’s wooden slabs to see if there are any signs of the floor having soft spots or caving in.
Identify The Source Of The Moisture That Is Causing The Mold Growth
The moisture that is causing the mold growth is most likely coming from a water leak but could also be due to relative humidity or improper ventilation. The leak could be coming from a pipe, ducts or somewhere else in the property. The sooner the leak is identified and repaired, the less damage will be done to the property and the mold will be less likely to grow.
Dry Out The Crawl Space As Much As Possible
The best way to dry out a crawl space is to use a dehumidifier. This will help to remove the moisture in the air and will help to prevent any further damage from occurring. You should also make sure that you have ventilation to pass airflow throughout the crawl space to ensure the humidity does not build back up. Keep the area as clean as possible and that you remove any debris or items that may have been damaged by the water.
Apply A Biocide To Kill Off The Mold Spores
Mold spores can cause harsh health problems, so getting rid of them as soon as possible is important. One way to do this is by using a biocide. This is a disinfectant that kills mold spores and other microorganisms. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using a biocide, and always wear gloves and goggles and all appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Seal Off The Crawl Space From Outside Moisture
To seal off the crawl space from outside moisture, you will need to install a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier is a sheet of plastic that is placed over the ground in the crawlspace to prevent moisture from entering. You can buy a vapor barrier at your local hardware store or have professionals come and do it for you.
Monitor The Crawl Space For Further Signs Of Mold Growth
If you have a crawl space in your home, it’s important to monitor it for signs of mold growth. Mold can cause a variety of health problems, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it from growing in your crawl space.
One way to monitor your crawl space for mold is to check the relative humidity levels. Another way to monitor your crawl space is by looking at the floors to see if there are any soft spots or damages to the floor. You can buy a Psychrometer at most home improvement stores. If the humidity level is high, you may need to install a dehumidifier or added ventilation in your crawl space.
You should also check for signs of water damage. If you see any water leaks or puddles, you will need to address them immediately. Repairing water damage is essential for preventing mold growth.
If you’re having trouble monitoring your crawl space yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional inspector. A professional inspector can help you identify any potential problems and give you the correct steps to address them.
Conclusion
Mold in a crawl space can be a serious issue and should be removed immediately. In this article, we’ve outlined the steps you need to take to remove mold from your crawl space yourself or which questions to ask the professionals you hire. We recommend hiring a professional if the job seems too daunting or if you have any concerns about potential health hazards. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a fresh, healthy crawl space in no time!