Get rid of Mold in Crawl Spaces

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Get rid of Mold in Crawl Spaces.

This article is intended to give the reader some general information concerning the identification, remediation and prevention of mold in a crawl space. Getting rid of mold in a crawl space can be a daunting task if you choose to undertake the process alone. We advise homeowners to contact a local professional mold remediation company to ensure the type of mold you are dealing with and the safety of your family. Mold spores are everywhere, the key is to starve the mold spores of very nutrients they require to thrive (Water and Cellulose).

Not every home has a crawl space. Some homes are built on a concrete slab at grade level. Other types of home construction will consist of a wooden or concrete structure that is built on a concrete basement or cement pored foundation. Crawlspaces are found underneath a typical single family home foundation with the space under the house which you usually cannot stand up in and can be as constructed as low as a foot in height. The floors are usually made of dirt and are damp and musty. The sole purpose of a crawl space is to allow the home owner access to the mechanicals of the home such as water pipes, electric service and heat ventilation. Crawl spaces cannot be used as living but may be used as storage. Unfortunately if you have a crawl space you most likely have molds and mildew. They are a breeding ground for fungus and spores.

The tricky part can be removing the mold and keeping it from returning. Because crawl spaces are damp, shady with little sun light and hold in heat, it can be difficult to control mold and mildew. It is a good idea to contact a mold remediation company and try to determine the type of mold growing in your crawl space. A professional mold premeditator can also give you some tips on dealing with your mold problem and possibly save you time and money.

Step 1: Ventilation is a key factor in circulation the air and drying out the soil in the crawl space area. Set up some flood lights giving you the necessary light required to see and do a extensive inspection of the crawl space making sure no mold is left behind.

Step 2: Prepare for the removal of mold in your crawl space. Insure there is adequate air ventilation throughout the entire crawl space. Lay out a 2 mill thick sheet of plastic for the purpose of collecting any mold the may fall. You want to remove as much mold as possible disposing the plastic sheet in an approved landfill when the job is complete. Scrub all walls and ceiling down with light concentration of bleach, soap and water. This will remove any dust, oil and dirt that may prevent the professional mildewcide from penetrating the affected area and killing mold and mildew.

Step 3: There are several ways to apply the many professional mold killing products available in today’s market place. Make sure the products your using are commercial grade and be sure to compare the active ingredient to ensure you are purchasing the most affective product and do the job right the first time. The most common way of applying a mold product is to dilute with water according to the directions and spray the affective area with a garden sprayer. This is probably the most common application. Mold Foggers are probably the easiest way to apply product evenly to the affective area. Ensure the proper amount of product is used and ensure that you follow the directions listed on the label. This is very important, the spores that cause mold to grow and the chemicals that we use to kill mold can be very toxic the humans. Purchase a respirator, mold resistant safety suite suitable for the cleanup, goggles and gloves.

Step 4: Install proper ventilation and consider a dehumidifier. Ventilation is the key to mold and mildew control in a crawl space.

Step 5: Vapor Barrier, consider using a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier will help to prevent moisture from entering your home. A vapor barrier is simply seals in the crawl space with a thick layer 20 mil plastic. The vapor barrier will cover the entire dirt or concrete floor up the floor joists of the home encasing the crawl space eliminating moisture from entering the home.

Mold is everywhere, it is part of the environment; it creeps into every nook and cranny of our home. Fortunately there are many ways to get rid of mold in crawl spaces and other areas of our home as well. Remember, safety first and call a professional mold remediation specialist at the first sign of mold, mildew or fungus. They will assist you with a proper protocol and get you going in the right direction. Look into an air quality professional. There are several in your local phone book.

By: Bradley Skierkowski