Located between the ground and the first floor, crawl spaces provide easy access to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. These spaces are responsible for 50-60% of the air in your home.
However, these spaces are prone to moisture, pests, and mold and are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance and mold remediation. According to research, 19% of homes experienced mold spore transmission from crawl spaces to the indoor environment.
Did you know that an average American spends 90% of their time indoors? And having mold and mold spores in your environment can lead to various health issues, including asthma and respiratory issues.
In addition, ignoring mold spores in crawl spaces can compromise the structural integrity of your home. That is why it is crucial to address the mold issues ASAP, especially from crawl spaces.
How Does Mold Grow in Crawl Spaces?
Mold grows by releasing tiny spores that thrive in dark, damp places. Since crawl spaces are situated right above the ground, they easily get wet and humid, especially during rainy times. This makes crawl spaces an ideal spot for mold to grow quickly and spread into your home.
What are the Dangers of Mold in Crawl Spaces?
While mold growth is a natural process, it doesn’t mean you need not do anything just because you can’t see it in crawl spaces. Even a small amount of mold can be harmful to your health as well as your house.
Mold in crawl spaces leads to the release of mycotoxins that can make their way into your living space via the HVAC system. Inhaling these spores can cause various health issues, including:
- Asthma
- Anxiety
- Bronchitis
- Coughing and wheezing
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain and weakness
- Migraine
- Sinusitis
- Irritation in eyes
- Skin rashes
- Runny nose
- Respiratory issues
Mold can worsen the situation, especially for people with weak immune systems. So, removing mold from crawl spaces should be at the top of your priority list.
What Causes Mold To Develop In Crawl Spaces?
- Mold is a common problem in homes. However, homes with crawl spaces are more prone to mold, especially when the space is damp. Spaces with over 60% humidity level are more likely to have mold issues than dry or low-humidity areas.
- Condensation is a common cause of crawl spaces mold. When hot crawl spaces meet with cold surfaces, condensation occurs. When moisture enters the air, it leads to high humidity, which in turn leads to mold growth.
- Issues with wet floor insulation lead to water leaching into the surrounding wood, further leading to mold growth.
- Plumbing issues in crawl spaces are hard to identify. Most of the time, the subfloor insulation traps moisture and makes it difficult to identify mold for months or years. This can lead to mold growth or wood rot fungus in crawl spaces.
- Since crawl spaces are situated near the ground and often poorly ventilated, they can be particularly susceptible to mold. They can attract moisture from the soil; any leakage or flooding can worsen the situation.
What are the Signs of Mold in Crawl Spaces?
Mold in crawl spaces can be challenging to detect, but the signs listed can help you identify potential issues. So, here are the common warning signs that can help you recognize whether mold is present or not:
- Musty odor: Mold emits tiny particles that create a musty or earthy smell. Moreover, moisture buildup can cause the wood and structural material inside your crawl spaces to rot and decay, resulting in a musty odor. So, if you notice an unpleasant smell in your house or crawl spaces, it is a sign that you have a mold issue.
- Pest infestation: Several bugs and pests, including cockroaches, booklice, crickets, and fungus gnats, are attracted to mold as they feed on mold. So, if you notice relatively more pests in your home, there is a chance that mold is lurking in the crawl spaces.
- Water damage: Since mold thrives in damp and humid conditions, it is vital to monitor it, especially after water damage in your home. Water damage can be caused by leakage or flooding. So, take proactive steps to prevent mold growth after water damage.
- Sagging floors: Mold feeds on organic materials like wood, paper, and fabrics. As a result, the surface of your home deteriorates and sags. So, if you notice an uneven floor, this can be due to mold.
- Allergic reactions: Prolonged mold exposure can lead to allergic reactions. While the most common symptoms of mold exposure include cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and skin rashes, people with weakened immune systems may experience headaches, sinusitis, etc.
- Discoloration on walls and floors: If mold is present in your home, you may notice discoloration and a fuzzy appearance on walls. However, the mold color can vary depending on the type of mold. So, it is recommended that you consult a professional who can conduct a mold test.
- Decaying beams: Moisture buildup can lead to mold, further compromising your home’s structural integrity. Wooden beams start to rot, decay, and change shape due to mold. So, if you notice something weird with the structural support of your home, there is a chance of mold.
- High energy bills: Mold in crawl spaces can affect your home’s insulation and HVAC efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption and utility bills.
Types of Mold in Crawl Spaces
While there are over a hundred thousand different types of mold, six common types of mold found in crawl spaces include:
|
Mold Name |
Type |
Where it is found |
Description |
|
Stachybotrys (Black Mold) |
Toxigenic |
Damp areas and ventilation systems |
This is the most toxic form of mold that is found in areas with poor indoor air quality. |
|
Penicillium (Blue-Green Mold) |
Allergenic |
Anywhere with moisture |
Grows in humid areas and are often found in water-damaged buildings or materials. |
|
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (White Mold) |
Pathogenic |
High damp area that is in close proximity to the soil |
Typically found near soil in areas with poor ventilation and excessive moisture. |
|
Aspergillus (Yellow-Green to Brown Mold) |
Pathogenic |
In the Air, HVAC systems, buildings with water damage |
Frequently found in air and ventilation systems, especially in damp environments. |
|
Serpula (Brown Mold) |
Allergenic |
Wooden structures |
Attacks wood and can cause significant decay, especially in damp wooden areas. |
|
Ulocladium (Dark Blacking Brown to Black Mold) |
Allergenic |
Damp areas, like bathrooms, drywalls, etc. |
Common in bathrooms and areas prone to water exposure, such as drywall and basements. |
How to Prevent Mold in Crawl Spaces?
Fortunately, mold in crawl spaces can be prevented by taking a few precautions. So, here are the tips to prevent mold in crawl spaces:
- Inspect the foundation walls: A damp and humid environment provides the best breeding ground for mold. So, pay attention to cracks or leaks in the walls and holes and cracks in the ceiling of crawl spaces. These spaces allow moisture to seep in, leading to mold growth.
- Pay attention to gutters and downspouts: Channeling rainwater away from your property is crucial. Flowing rainwater towards your home can lead to mold growth. So, ensure the direct water flow is at least 6 feet away from your home to prevent rainwater from pooling near your foundation.
- Check for leaks: Mold is common, especially after water damage. So, inspect the crawl spaces at least twice or thrice a year to ensure there is no pipe leakage. In addition, fix all the plumbing issues above the ground to prevent mold growth in your house.
- Add insulation to pipes in crawl spaces: Fluctuating temperature leads to condensation and mold growth. So, ensure you insulate the pipes to avoid condensation due to fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels.
- Install a vapor barrier: Vapor barriers are made of plastic or foil sheets that keep moisture away from crawl spaces. So, consider adding vapor barriers in crawl spaces.
- Proper ventilation: It is the key to preventing mold growth. It effectively keeps moisture away from the space and keeps everything dry, helping prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
- Use a dehumidifier: Installing a dehumidifier in crawl spaces can help keep the space dry and filter out mold spores from the air. So, it helps ensure proper humidity levels and prevent mold growth.
- Regular HVAC maintenance: HVAC systems can be a hidden source of mold if not properly maintained. Regularly changing filters and cleaning ducts can prevent mold spores from spreading through your home via the air circulation system.
How to Remove Mold in Crawl Spaces?
While prevention is better than cure, if you’ve already developed mold in crawl spaces, you may need professional help. But before that, you have to identify the underlying cause for effective mold removal in crawl spaces. Otherwise, it will regrow.
- Increase airflow in the crawl space to reduce humidity levels.
- Use mold-killing solutions like bleach or commercial mold removers.
- Check the wood moisture level, and if it is over 20%, try to control the moisture level.
What are the Long-Term Consequences of Mold in Crawl Spaces?
Neglecting mold in crawl spaces can lead to serious health issues and damage to your house that may further require expensive repairs. Long-term consequences of mold in crawl spaces include:
- Structural damage
- Poor indoor air quality
- respiratory problems
- Decrease home value
- Enhanced energy costs
- Pest infestation
When to Call a Professional?
Mold in crawl spaces can be fixed, especially when identified at an early stage. So, it is recommended to schedule a professional inspection of your home for mold at least once or twice a year.
And if you notice visible mold and health issues that get worse over time, it is good to call a professional for crawl space mold removal in NJ. At Above & Beyond, we have been a trusted provider of crawl space mold remediation services in the Tri-state area since 1998. We have a team of MICRO CMI-certified experts equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a fleet of vehicles to handle multiple projects at a time across New Jersey and New York.
No matter how much severe the mold issue is, we can handle it all and ensure the improved air quality in your home. So, what are you waiting for? Call us to schedule an appointment with us and get rid of mold now!