The Benefits of Crawl Space Mold Treatment

How Mold Forms

Mold only needs a few things to grow and thrive: 

• Air 
• Moisture 
• Organic Materials 

Most crawl spaces have open vents that allow air and precipitation inside. This subterranean area is naturally cooler, but hot summertime air and cold winter air can drastically affect the temperature inside. 

Especially during muggy days, the air and any groundwater or precipitation will drive up humidity levels. Mold will begin to form when the relative humidity in the crawl space is above 50 percent. 

Mold’s typical food source is organic material like wood crawl space supports and fiberglass insulation. 

What Mold Does to Your Home and Family

Once mold has taken hold in your crawl space, it can wreak havoc on this area, as well as the rest of your house. That’s because the stack effect – the movement of air in a building from bottom to top – is at work in vented crawl spaces. This means crawl space conditions and hazards like mold spores can become airborne and circulate throughout your living space. 

Here’s a look at some of the ways mold growth affects your crawl space, home, and family: 

• Attracts pests 
• Damages fiberglass insulation 
• Feeds off wooden supports 
• Leads to sagging floors and structural instability 
• Grows in other areas of your house 
• Damages belongings (carpet, drywall, etc.) 
• Emits unpleasant, musty smells 
• Worsens asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems 

Crawl Space Mold Treatment: What Not to Do

DIY projects work well in many situations, but crawl space repairs like treating mold are not among them. 

Crawl spaces are both fragile and treacherous, so going into this area under your house for any reason is ill-advised. 

There are several “home remedies” you can apply and other actions you can take on your own that DIY enthusiasts often recommend. Again, these are not recommended, but we simply wanted to list them here to illustrate what you should NOT do regarding treating or removing crawl space mold. 

• Spraying and scrubbing with vinegar 
• Using bleach 
• Mixing chemicals and cleaning agents 
• Scraping mold off wood supports 

These “quick fixes” won’t get to the root of the problem, which means you’d have to continually purchase these materials and apply them. Not only are they a waste of time and money, but they can also expose you to health risks. 

How Professionals Treat Crawl Space Mold

You’ve seen what mold can do to your home and family, so it’s clear that it needs to be properly addressed as soon as possible. 

Rather than put your health and safety at risk, your best bet for effectively addressing crawl space mold is with professional assistance. You’ve got your pick of area experts serving Northern Ohio, including mold remediation specialists and crawl space repair pros, like Ohio Basement Systems. 

Here’s how our team tackles the problem with crawl space mold treatment. 

Apply Biocide Spray

Before going into a crawl space, our team suits up in proper protective gear including gloves, eyewear, and masks. 
Using a biocide spray, our crews can apply this treatment to the affected area, like wood supports, to kill the mold. This involves applying an antimicrobial solution and using special tools to remove any residue. 
While this does not remove the mold, it does work to kill it. 
It’s important to remember that while killing the mold is vital, it won’t necessarily prevent mold from growing in your crawl space again. You need to tackle the source of the problem – moisture. 

How to Prevent Crawl Space Moisture Issues and Mold Growth

Crawl space mold treatment with a biocide spray is a crucial step, but it is not the only one that should be taken to keep your crawl space safe, healthy, and mold-free. 

Here are steps the pros take to permanently address crawl space problems so mold won’t have a chance to take hold of your crawl space again. 

Install Water Management Solutions

Waterproofing your crawl space is an essential step in preventing the growth of mold. Keeping water from entering your crawl space by installing an interior drainage system and a sump pump can go a long way toward mitigating mold issues. 
Once the water in your crawl space is addressed, crews can apply the biocide spray and move on to sealing the crawl space.

Fully Encapsulate the Crawl Space

Encapsulation involves completely sealing off your crawl space from the outside environment. This includes sealing any existing cracks, gaps, and open vents; placing a vapor barrier on the walls and floor; and insulating the crawl space walls to help maintain a consistent temperature. 
These measures help to create a controlled environment that is free of excess moisture or other conditions that may encourage mold growth. 

Control Humidity with Dehumidification

Dehumidification is the process of removing humidity from the air in your crawl space, which inhibits mold growth by depriving it of the moisture it needs to thrive. 
Units from big-box stores are no match for crawl space humidity, but professional air systems work to dry out the air effectively and efficiently. Opt for a unit that controls high humidity, filters the air, removes odors, is self-draining, and is energy efficient. 

Create a Mold-Free Home with Help from Local Pros

 Mold spores and growth in your crawl space can seriously affect your home and pose health hazards. If you suspect that there is mold in your crawl space, it’s important to contact a professional for mold treatment and encapsulation. 

Encapsulation can help to prevent moisture from entering your crawl space and causing mold growth while improving the air quality in your home, saving you money on your energy bills, and increasing the overall value of your home. 

Our team of experts at Ohio Basement Systems has been encapsulating and transforming crawl spaces for more than 20 years. We are eager to help you create a safer and healthier home. It takes just a few minutes to get started. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and repair estimate.