Crawl spaces are a vital yet overlooked component of a house’s construction. Crawl spaces are generally dark, moist, and poorly ventilated, providing the ideal setting for mold growth. Crawl space mold can cause numerous issues, such as wood decay, structural damage to the structure, and health concerns for the residents. Quickly removing mold is crucial. However, many homeowners make common mistakes during the mold removal process. These errors can make the problem worse or make the removal ineffective.
When dealing with crawl space mold, it’s essential to approach the problem with care. Simply removing the visible mold is not enough; it’s equally important to address the underlying causes of humidity that allow the mold to grow and thrive in the first place.
Mold In Crawl Spaces And Why It Must Receive Immediate Action
Before exploring mistakes to be avoided, it should be mentioned that mold in crawl spaces is a serious threat. High humidity, poor drainage, and inadequate ventilation provide perfect conditions for mold growth, resulting in structural deterioration and indoor air quality concerns. Mold spores may travel throughout the house, triggering respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma. Removing mold in crawl spaces is imperative for the security and well-being of your home.
Common Mistakes To Avoid During Crawl Space Mold Removal
Let’s review the common errors homeowners make while removing crawl space mold. These errors make the process more difficult and can cause long-term damage or health hazards.
1. Overlooking Safety Precautions
Mold removal is a dangerous process unless the right safety precautions are observed. Mold spores can injure your health, especially if you have respiratory problems, allergies, or a compromised immune system. In many cases, homeowners ignore safety precautions while removing mold, which puts them in contact with dangerous spores.
Mistake
Failing to wear protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and goggles, when removing mold.
Solution
Always prioritize safety by wearing the appropriate protective gear. This includes an N95 respirator mask, rubber gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing. The N95 mask will filter out mold spores, reducing the risk of inhaling harmful particles. Additionally, make sure the crawl space is properly ventilated. Opening windows, using fans, or using an air scrubber can help prevent spores from circulating into the rest of the house during the cleaning process.
2. Not Fixing the Source of the Moisture
Moisture is where mold forms. Mold will keep growing if the source of the moisture isn’t fixed. Whether due to a leaky pipe, poor drainage, excessive humidity, or lack of ventilation, crawl space mold remediation will be a short-term solution at best if the source of the moisture hasn’t been resolved.
Mistake
Removing mold without fixing the underlying moisture problem, such as leaks, poor drainage, or inadequate ventilation.
Solution
Before beginning the mold removal process, it’s critical to identify and eliminate the source of moisture. Start by inspecting the area for leaks in pipes, cracks in the foundation, or any signs of water intrusion. If your crawl space has high humidity levels, install a vapor barrier to avoid allowing moisture into the space. Ventilation must also be enhanced to facilitate the circulation of air, which will dehumidify the space and discourage further mold growth. In addition, if your crawl space is likely to have standing water, install a sump pump or drain around the foundation to push water away from the space. Eliminating the source of moisture is the most important step to prevent mold from returning after removal.
3. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Most homeowners use bleach as a solution to remove mold. Bleach can kill surface mold but not on porous materials like wood, insulation, or drywall. Bleach might penetrate the surface but not the root of the mold growth, which can then cause it to come back over time.
Mistake
Use bleach or domestic cleaners that don’t kill mold on porous surfaces.
Solution
Rather than bleach, a mold killer formulated for porous materials is applied. The cleaners have fungicides that seep into the material more deeply and destroy the mold at its source. Many products that are safe to use in crawl spaces and better at not allowing the mold to return are available.
For extremely infested locations, you can also apply a combination of cleaning chemicals and specialized gear, like a HEPA vacuum cleaner or a mold fogger, to clean hidden mold spores. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for any product you utilize so that it functions effectively.
4. Ignoring Structural Damage
Whereas mold elimination is essential, it’s no less imperative to determine the extent of damage that mold might have inflicted upon your house’s structural integrity. Mold compromises wooden beams, insulation, and other essential materials. Not checking these materials for damage might result in serious problems in the future, such as having to carry out expensive repairs or even risking the structure’s safety.
Mistake
Ignoring signs of structural damage, such as rotting wood or weakened beams, while focusing only on cleaning the mold.
Solution
Once you’ve removed the mold, inspect the crawl space carefully to evaluate the structure’s condition. Check for any indication of wood rot, staining, or softening of wooden beams. If you identify damage, replacing or repairing damaged materials before re-sealing the crawl space is imperative. Proceeding to ignore damaged structural material will only cause progressive damage in the future.
At other times, you’ll need to employ a professional contractor to evaluate the damage and make the repairs. If mold has had a strong impact on structural components, including the foundation or beams, these problems should be addressed before mold becomes a perpetual issue.
5. Underestimating the Need for Professional Help
Although DIY mold removal may seem like a good option, hiring a professional service is sometimes necessary. Having a professional take care of the problem is usually the most effective if the infestation is extensive, deeply rooted in materials, or has resulted in extensive structural damage. Mold removers are equipped with the necessary knowledge, equipment, and protective gear to eliminate mold safely and effectively and ensure the issue is resolved correctly.
Mistake
Trying to eliminate extensive mold growths without the assistance of a professional.
Solution
Assume the mold growth is in a big area (usually over 10 square feet), penetrated structural materials, or has resulted in significant damage.
Then, it’s time to call in a mold remediation professional. These professionals have the equipment, including HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers, to clean the mold out with minimal risk of spreading the spores to the rest of the house. They can also inform homeowners of additional hidden mold and water damage areas that homeowners are not likely to notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the mold in my crawl space by myself?
If mold infestation is minor and you possess the correct protective equipment, you can undertake the task yourself. However, if the mold is extensive or has resulted in a substantial structural compromise, it’s advisable to seek the services of a professional mold remediation firm.
How can I stop mold from returning?
Solving the moisture issue is key to preventing repeated mold growth. Ensure your crawl space is properly ventilated, has leaks sealed, and has a vapor barrier to manage humidity.
How do I know if I need professional mold removal?
If the mold is spreading over more than 10 square feet, is heavily embedded in surfaces, or, in severe cases, has structural damage, it is advisable to have a professional mold remediation company fix it. They possess the technical knowledge and equipment to treat the problem safely and efficiently.