In coastal, high humidity, hot areas like Tallahassee, it’s easy for mold to build up in a crawl space. After all, it’s a dark and enclosed area. When the weather gets humid, the mold may have a chance to grow there. Poor drainage, evaporation from the water table and poor ventilation can produce the ideal conditions for mold growth.
However, just because it’s easy for mold to appear doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything to stop it. Consider the sources of moisture when developing a prevention plan for protecting your crawlspace.
How to Prevent or Eliminate Mold in Your Crawlspace
Factor One: Evaporation from the Ground
Evaporation from a shallow water table can introduce a significant amount of moisture into your crawlspace, the wood beams and sidewalls of the space.
Plastic sheeting, when properly deployed, can be quite effective in reducing the moisture levels under your home.
Factor Two: Poor Circulation
Proper ventilation in the crawlspace can reduce the levels of moistures. There are many options for introducing air and removing air from the crawlspace. Consult with an expert because adding steamy hot Tallahassee summer air into the crawlspace might make matters worse.
A dehumidifier which removes airborne moisture might be helpful. You’ll be able to create an environment that’s completely unfriendly to mold.
Factor Three: Air Conditioning Ductwork Condensation
You probably already know that you can have black mold in air-conditioner systems but did you know that condensation on the ductwork in the crawlspace can contribute to a mold problem under your house as well?
Proper insulation can prevent the sweating that can lead to problems.
Factor Four: Leaks from the Home
If you’ve had previous problems with leaks in the bathroom, water heater, air conditioning units, washer, roof or plumbing, you could have created the perfect environment for mold without realizing it.
Just because you’ve gotten rid of the leaks you can see doesn’t mean that all of the effects have been addressed. Have professionals come in and test your home for any additional mold. You might still need a remediation specialist.
If mold has managed to grow in your crawl space, there’s a good chance that it’s also gotten behind your walls, beneath your floorboards, or in other areas where it can’t be seen. We can use testing equipment to locate any mold or lingering moisture that’s present.
If we don’t find any contamination, you’ve solved your problems, and you can relax knowing that your family and investment is safe. However, if we do find mold, we’ll need to move on to clean up the remaining mold.
We’re trained and equipped to handle the major microbial issues like crawl space remediation. Our expert team is ready for issues like mold in HVAC system, mold in ductwork, and white or black mold on wood, and any mold that may have spread to walls, floors, and carpets.
Living in a home that contains dangerous spores can put you and your family at risk. Mold has been linked to all kinds of illnesses and can be particularly damaging to the elderly, pregnant women and newborns. You want to minimize exposure to black mold while pregnant and in those with a health problem or immune-related illnesses. Consider and address the factors above to ensure your families safety.
If you locate mold in your crawl space, don’t panic. We’re ready to handle your situation. We understand the climate, construction and remediation needs in Tallahassee.
