Can I Remove Mold from the Crawl Space Myself?
No one wants to find mold in their home. If you were to find mold in your crawl space, what would your first reaction be? If you’re like many people that fear mold and mildew, then chances are that you’ll get worried. Many homes are infested with mold more than homeowners even know. Thankfully, there are fast and effective ways to kill dangerous mold in the crawl space.
Types of Mold Common in Crawl Spaces
If you aren’t aware, there are several types of mold that can invade your home. One of the most common types of mold is yellow mold which damages items in the crawl space.
Another type of mold, one that invades and destroys the wooden materials within the crawl space, is serpula lacrymans. It’s commonly known as “house eating mold” because it can grow rapidly on wood and cause dry rot.
However, you’re more likely to find Aspergillus within the home. It doesn’t cause any harm to adults, however, it can be harmful to those with allergies or younger children. Prolonged exposure to Aspergillus can cause respiratory related complications but still, the CDC says that Aspergillus is an inevitable airborne fungus.
Why Mold Occurs in the Crawl Space
Black mold can grow on virtually any organic material as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Molds can grow on wood, carpet, insulation, food, and paper. Being that mold eats or digests what it is growing on, crawlspace mold will cause structural damage if left unaddressed.
To prevent damage to the home and building components, save money, and avoid health problems, it’s important to control the moisture within your crawlspace’s environment and eliminate any current mold growth.
There are two main factors when it comes to mold growth within the crawlspace—the common thread being moisture. Mold occurs when the wood moisture content (the amount of water in the pores of the wood) exceeds 20%, and/or the relative humidity within the crawlspace exceeds 55% for a period of time.
Pipe leaks or prolonged exposure to standing water will accelerate mold growth and put your home at higher risk for repairs
Is All Mold Bad?
Some mold strains pose significant health risks, but even those that do not, can trigger a number of allergy and asthma related symptoms, in addition to attacking the integrity of the wood structure.
The symptoms of exposure to mold or mold spores can be:
- Nasal & sinus congestion
- Itchy, red & watery eyes
- Respiratory problems, such as wheezing & difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Throat irritation
- Headaches
- Sneezing
What to Consider Before Removing Mold
Before you decide to tackle the challenge of removing mold from your home by yourself, you should understand that it’s a difficult physical job that requires lots of scrubbing into far reach places. It also requires thoroughness to be properly done.
You will probably want to hire a professional company to remove the mold if you aren’t a professional yourself. The entire process of removing mold can be lengthy and complex for those that are non-experienced. Hiring a professional is truly the best option because they will be able to get it done quickly and effectively for you.
Crawl Space Mold Treatments
When it comes time to have a mold treatment done in your home, have it done right the first time with Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement.
Our mold treatments consist of a two stage treatment process.The treatment kills and inhibits mold growth and comes backed with a 10-year transferable Warranty. Following the application of the two materials applied, our technicians ensure that the material penetrates the wood for decades of protection.
A proper mold treatment that will remain effective for years requires the use of a material that contains a mold inhibitor. In addition to the material, it is essential to correct the conditions that had led to the mold growth in the first place.
We analyze the conditions to determine additional measures to adequately protect your home from future mold growth. Our highly trained technicians perform a two step treatment to clean your wood and surfaces within the crawlspace, kill any mold, and inhibit any future growth.
Call us today to schedule an evaluation with Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement!