If your home has a crawl space, one of your primary concerns is the development of crawl space mold. Unfortunately, crawl spaces rarely receive a lot of attention. They are dark, moist environments that we seldom enter; however, with the addition of slight excess moisture, they can become a breeding ground for mold.
Usually, the homeowners are unaware of the mold until some repair is needed; a leaky drain line, an issue with heating ducts, or a home inspection when selling a home.
There are three classifications of molds depending on how they affect people.
- Allergenic molds: These molds aggravate people with allergies and are the least dangerous types.
- Pathogenic molds: These molds are toxic and affect people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and young children.
- Toxigenic molds: These molds produce mycotoxins that will cause severe health problems. Exposure can be by touch, inhalation, or ingestion. An example of this mold class would be the infamous black/white/gray mold in a crawl space.
Why Crawl Space Mold May Be Present
Crawl spaces can be ideal places for mold to flourish. Often, conditions in crawl spaces contain the right ingredients; a lack of UV light, warm temperatures, organic food sources like paper on insulation or wood, and most importantly, moisture in the form of water leaks, rainwater, or high humidity.
Sometimes unwanted visitors or residents under your home can also cause crawl space mold. Mice, rats, or other animals may decide that your crawl space would make an ideal home. Verman tunnel or chew their way in, creating a moisture-entry point.
One of the best ways to detect a mold problem is with the human nose. Almost all molds emit a musty, earthy smell. You may not see it, but you may smell it. If you do detect a musty smell, don’t ignore it. It won’t go away or get better as time passes. Instead, the problem will get worse.
Mold Is a Fungal Organism, Not Dirt or Dust
- You can’t eliminate mold with ordinary cleaning chemicals or detergents.
- It is best not to attempt to sweep it or brush it away.
- Chlorine bleach is 98% water should not be used to remove mold from porous surfaces like joists or plywood. The water in the bleach will further supply the mold’s needs for water.
- What kind of mold is it? It doesn’t matter; you don’t want to keep it; get it removed.
Call For Professional Crawl Space Mold Removal
Once you discover mold in your crawl space, how do you get rid of it? Crawl Space mold removal is not a task to be taken lightly. Unless there is minimal mold in a minimal area, professional mold remediators should perform crawl space mold removal.
At American Eagle Services Incorporated, our team of experts are certified and trained in the science of mold growth. We are prepared to take on any remediation project your home or business needs. Our mold remediation techniques focus on controlling mold levels and ensuring your property is safe and protected from damage mold can cause. Other than crawl space, you can also look into preventing mold in basement surfaces to ensure your entire home is protected from mold.
