How Much Mold In Crawl Spaces Is Acceptable?

Mold growth in a crawl space

If you've ever been worried about mold in your crawl space, or noticed a weird smell, you're not alone. 

Mold in a crawl space is a common concern for homeowners. Knowing how much mold is acceptable and when it becomes a problem is crucial for maintaining a healthy home.

In this blog, we'll discuss how much mold in a crawl space is OK, signs you have mold, what it looks like, and how to get rid of it. Let's get into it.

So, how much mold in a crawl space is acceptable?

The short answer is, no amount of mold is acceptable in your crawl space.

Mold, even in small quantities, can cause health issues and structural damage over time. If you spot any mold in your crawl space, it's essential to take action immediately. 

5 signs you have mold in your crawl space

Okay, so we know mold in your home is bad, but how do you know if you have mold in your crawl space? Here are the most common signs to look for:

• Musty odors You know the smell. A damp, earthy scent will be your first indicator of mold in your crawl space. 
• Pest Small pests and bugs like cockroaches and crickets feed off mold. Having mold in your crawl space is an open invitation for a little bug party... Otherwise known as, pest infestation.
• Moisture issues Mold obviously loves moisture. Standing water, condensation, or high humidity levels can lead to mold growth.
• Sagging floors If your kitchen floor is starting to sag, you might have a mold problem. Mold weakens the beams in your floor joists, leading to sagging floors.
• Allergies An increase in sneezing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing can be a sign of mold as it brings increased allergens into your home.

What does mold in a crawl space look like?

Mold can appear in several forms in your crawl space.

It can often appear as black, white, or green spots on wood beams, insulation, or even the soil.

Mold can also appear fuzzy or slimy, and typically, has a musty odor. It's best to inspect your crawl space, even if it's just looking through the opening with a flashlight, to check if you have any mold forming. Identifying early is key, and can prevent larger issues down the line. 

We get asked often if mildew is worse than mold. And we're here to set the record straight: mildew is mold. 

Mildew is a specific type of mold and appears as a thin, black, or white layer on surfaces. Mold is a broader term that includes all species of fungi. While mildew might seem less severe, it can still cause significant damage and should be treated with the same urgency as mold.

How to get rid of mold in a crawl space?

The best way to get rid of mold is to call in the professionals. They have proper training and equipment to properly remove mold at the source and ensure it never grows back. 

There are a few steps you can take, though, while you wait for a professional to inspect the situation:

Improve ventilation. Install a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels and increase air circulation.

Control moisture: Fix any leaks or plumbing issues causing moisture to enter your crawl space.

Seal entry points: Seal cracks and gaps in your foundation to prevent outdoor moisture from entering the crawl space.

Preventing mold and mildew in crawl spaces

1. Encapsulate your crawl space Encapsulation involves sealing your crawl space with a vapor barrier. This barrier, usually made of heavy-duty plastic, covers the floor, walls, and sometimes even the ceiling of the crawl space. By encapsulating your crawl space, you create a moisture-resistant environment that prevents water vapor from entering. This significantly reduces the risk of mold growth by maintaining a dry environment.
2. Improve ventilation Proper ventilation is essential to allow any moisture that does enter the crawl space to escape. Ensure that your crawl space has adequate vents that are not blocked. Additionally, installing a ventilation system specifically designed for crawl spaces can help regulate airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Mechanical ventilation systems can be particularly effective in areas with high humidity.
3. Use a dehumidifier A dehumidifier is a valuable tool in maintaining a low humidity level in your crawl space. Choose a dehumidifier designed for crawl spaces, as these are typically more effective in smaller, confined areas. Regularly monitor the humidity levels and adjust the dehumidifier settings as needed to maintain a humidity level below 60%. This discourages mold and mildew growth by keeping the air dry.
4. Regular inspections Conducting regular inspections of your crawl space is crucial for early detection of potential problems. Look for signs of mold, mildew, or any moisture issues, such as damp spots, water stains, or a musty smell. Check the integrity of your vapor barrier and ensure that there are no tears or gaps. Regular inspections allow you to address issues promptly before they become more serious.

Additional tips for mold prevention

• Fix water leaks: Ensure that there are no leaks in your plumbing or foundation that could introduce water into the crawl space.
• Grade your landscape: Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling near the crawl space.
• Install a pump pump: In areas prone to flooding or with high water tables, a sump pump can help remove excess water from the crawl space.

The most important thing to do is to call a professional

If you think you might have mold in your crawl space, it's best to call a mold removal contractor. They'll inspect your crawl space, and take the necessary steps for removal.

Although Thrasher doesn't provide mold removal services, we are experts in crawl space encapsulation, dehumidifiers, and structural support. We know how serious ignoring issues like this is. Ignoring won't make them go away, no matter how much you wish it would. In fact, it'll only make it worse.

If you are in our service area, and would like to chat about your crawl space, we can help. We can point you in the right direction with a mold removal company, and if you're interested in learning about our services, we can set up a free home inspection to see what's going on in your crawl space.

Contact us today by starting a chat in the bottom right corner, filling out the form below, or calling us at 1-800-827-0702.