More About Mold
Wet Crawlspaces Cause Major Issues
How overlooked crawlspaces outside, cause health concerns inside.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Annapolis, MD (August 27, 2011) --
As Hurricane Irene impacts the mid-Atlantic region this weekend, homeowners can expect significant flooding. High winds, rain, and storm surge are three major concerns with this type of storm. While it is easy to see the impact if storm waters enter the four walls, should you be concerned if the crawlspace floods?
"Absolutely!" says Todd Stevens, licensed inspector and owner of American Mold and Restoration in Maryland. "There are several concerns when a crawlspace isn't dry or functioning properly. In homes with crawlspaces, approximately 40-60 percent of the home's make-up air, and thus the air we breathe, comes from the crawlspace. If it gets wet, a number of issues arise"
Flooded crawlspaces are a major source of indoor air quality complaints. Wet lumber, soaked insulation, and water trapped on top of the crawlspace vapor barrier create an environment for mold and other fungal growth, as well as deterioration to the home's structural components.
As mold grows, airborne spores are drawn into the living environment from natural forces that pull and push the air from the crawlspace. According to Stevens, the primary reason mold grows is because the crawlspace and building materials are wet or the humidity inside the crawl is high.
"There are a several things that a homeowner can do to reduce indoor air quality risks, as well as damage to the structure itself," Stevens said. "First, be safe. Make sure standing water is removed and no dangers like hanging electrical lines exist. Then, get wet materials out as soon as possible. Many emergency response companies are either not equipped or not willing to do this type of work, while AMR does.
"Next, improve drainage and ensure that ground water is abated making sure that the crawlspace is adequately dry prior to restoring the vapor barrier and insulation," said Stevens.
While a flooded crawlspace can be disheartening and stressful, in most cases the crawlspace and home can be restored in relatively short order. The key to a healthy living space is healthy crawlspace. Keeping the crawlspace dry and clean is necessary and achievable.
Crawl Space Mold Removal
in our experience, most homeowners avoid their crawlspaces
There is good reason; they can be very nasty places, especially in humid climates like Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic area. Crawlspaces here are almost always wet or damp either from excessive humidity or water intrusion. Of course, when you combine a moisture problem with all the “mold food” available in every crawlspace it’s no wonder that these areas are prone to fungal growth. American Mold & Restoration prides itself on it's mold inspection and mold
removal abilities.
Crawlspace mold is most readily noticed when it grows on the floor joists and beams, but it can grow almost anywhere including on the exposed ground, the insulation (especially the paper backing) and the settled dust on pipes and HVAC ductwork. Mold anywhere in your home is not good, including the crawlspace. It’s not good for your health and frankly is not good for your property value.
Making matters worse, is that now that most homes are air conditioned, the warm moist air in crawlspaces easily condenses on the HVAC ducts as well as the wood sub-flooring. Think of a glass of ice water that you take outside on a warm summer day; the water that forms on the outside of the glass comes from the condensation from the air—the same thing happens in your crawlspace!
Remember, all it takes for mold to grow is humidity of 60% and 24 hours. When is the humidity ever below 60% during the summer in this area? Not often.
Another major source of moisture in a crawlspace is water intrusion. If your home is located in an area with high groundwater, there is a good chance that water is making it into your crawlspace, either through the floor or through the foundation. Of course, most who have a groundwater problem notice even more wetness after a good rain.
Haven't checked your crawlspace for mold lately (or ever)?
Let’s face it, sometimes it’s not easy to get to and not the most pleasant of jobs. They can be damp, buggy, moldy, cramped and overall creepy.
In checking your crawlspace, look for:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Damp, wet, or stained masonry
- Visible mold or mildew (musty smell?)
- Wetness either above or below the plastic sheeting (if you have it)
- Discolored or stained wood beams
- Wet or damp insulation
- Any rusted metal (I-beams, pipes, insulation hangars, etc.)
- Signs of insect or vermin activity
- Rotting wood (gently poke with a screwdriver)
So, what’s the big deal about a little (or a lot) of water in the crawlspace?
Like it or not, you and your family breathe crawlspace air! In fact, building scientists say that up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor of your home is air that came from your crawlspace. This is exacerbated by the new construction methods which create a more air-tight home (that white plastic sheeting that they wrap around the structure). A well known phenomenon called the “chimney effect” causes air to be drawn from a crawlspace to replace the air that vents through your attic.
How does air get into the house from the crawlspace?
A great question with a really simple answer: Air molecules are really, really small --- they easily travel between joints in the floorboards, around pipes, through holes for the wiring, through duct chases, etc. Remember that the air is being drawn from the crawlspace through the differences in air pressure caused by the chimney effect. If you are unconvinced, try this: Take a can of air freshener, spray paint, or other equally smelly stuff and squirt it in your crawlspace. Go into your house and within minutes you’ll see (or smell) what we mean.
Other than mold, what are the negative effects of a damp crawlspace? The increased humidity causes:
- Sticking doors and windows
- Smelly damp carpets
- Buckling hardwood floors
- Aggravated asthma or allergies (more humidity, more dust mites, etc.)
- Condensation in upper floors or in the attic
- Increased pest activity (termites love moisture)
Not sure what is going on in your crawlspace? Call us and we’ll come out for a free inspection.
Most of the time, what we find are things that are easy to repair: Cracks in the masonry, a torn or missing vapor barrier, uninsulated pipes that drip condensation, etc. If you want to fix the simple stuff yourself, that’s fine with us (still no charge for the inspection).
If you want to have your crawlspace reconditioned what does that entail?
Of course, most crawlspaces require a unique plan of attack in remediating a moisture problem. Sometimes accurately identifying the water intrusion culprit is a challenge, but we have the finest tools to do so, from infra-red camera technology to moisture detecting devices.
After the moisture intrusion problem is properly diagnosed, a remediation plan is laid out for you. First, we recommend ways to eliminate or minimize the moisture problem. Then, if there is mold present we safely remove it and apply a biocide if appropriate.
In more severe cases, the insulation will be removed and replaced. Other steps may be required if needed, however, most of the time a new vapor barrier is put in place and extended up the walls to just a few inches below the sill plate.
Reconditioning your crawlspace is generally not that a big a deal! (except for the benefits you derive)
At American Mold & Restoration, we will always work with you to find an appropriate solution which will improve the safety and health of your family while working within your budget.
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