Basements and crawlspaces are the most common areas for homeowners to have mildew and mold problems due to the moist and damp conditions that are often present

South Carolina is especially susceptible to mold growth because of its humid climate. But most homeowners rarely spend any time in their crawlspace, which is why mold problems can be a real and present danger. A mold issue can lead to health concerns such as respiratory distress and allergy suffering, and over time, can result in chronic illness if the mold is not eliminated. Mold spores are found everywhere in the environment, but they can only grow and multiply if fed under the right conditions. By reducing humidity and water problems, you can stop the growth of mold in your home and prevent it from coming back.

What are the Most Common Causes of Mold in Crawlspaces?

Nearly all mold issues stem from the combination of high humidity and moisture. Because a crawlspace sits beneath your home and right on top of the earth, it creates ripe conditions for mildew and mold growth. Soil and dirt naturally contain a high concentration of moisture, especially in the South, leading to increased likelihood of mold. And if you don’t have a vapor barrier in your crawlspace, it is easy for moisture to form, which makes it a prime breeding ground to supply mold spores with all that they need to become a serious issue. Additionally, with our hot and humid climate in South Carolina, combined with more powerful current air-conditioners, the dew point created by the massive difference between the air ducts and the outside air can actually make it “rain” in your crawlspace. When there is nowhere for that moisture to go, it will become a problem for your home and the air inside it.

Other sources of mold growth in your crawlspace can come from:

  • Footer drain issues
  • Sump pump issues
  • Groundwater seepage
  • Plumbing issues or leaks
  • Flooding conditions
  • Poorly performing or gutters - or no gutters at all

What is Mold Removal?

Mold removal removes harmful mold growth in your home and then takes steps to prevent it from returning. This is based on the extent of the issue and how severe it is.

Crawlspace Mold Removal

The reason that you have mold in your crawlspace is that the conditions were ripe for it to grow. Whether that was because there was not enough ventilation or your gutters were not performing properly, if you don’t fix the reason it grew in the first place, then it will return.

Mold abatement is a process in which the conditions leading to moisture and humidity are tackled so that mold can no longer regrow. Mold abatement involves removing any organic material such as sheetrock or wood that is affected and then addressing the sources of water and humidity directly.

Crawlspace mold removal

The second phase of mold removal, after the crawlspace has been sufficiently dried and the existing mold is removed, is a cleaning phase, which includes spray cleaner and biocide application.

Once the mold has been eliminated, the area must be protected to prevent it from recurring. Dehumidifiers work to remove moisture from your crawlspace area. Additional ventilation might also be needed to reduce the risk of surface moisture. Another tool that might be necessary is to seal some crawlspace vents and enclose the area with a moisture barrier, which sometimes includes the liners running up the walls and the piers.

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