Mold Growth in Crawl Spaces

By Christeena Satterfield

Crawl spaces are highly susceptible to mold growth, moisture can easily be trapped in these spaces and since homeowners don’t spend much time there, it is often unnoticed.  Let’s take the crawl space location into consideration – it sits on the earth as your home’s foundation making contact with soil and dirt.  Both of which contain moisture.  Moisture is one of the main requirements for mold growth, which can be a problem for crawl spaces since it is common in this small space.  Crawl spaces are common mold breeding grounds.  Mold growth in the crawl space can be the most difficult and costliest mold removal projects due to the restricted space, time, and tools it takes to properly remove the mold.

Preventing Mold in Crawl Spaces

• Be sure to check your foundation for cracks and spaces, water can enter here. Also, check there are no holes or cracks in the ceiling of the crawl space.  Holes and cracks in the ceiling can be a gateway for mold transport into your living space.
• Check for gutter damage and make sure gutters and downspouts are clean, clear and drain away from your house, especially during wet seasons. Taking these preventative measures will ensure unnecessary water doesn’t accumulate near your house and find its way into the crawl space.
• Proper ventilation of the crawl space is also important. We recommend having at least 1 square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of crawl space area.  It’s also a good idea to have your vented crawl space insulated tightly against the subfloor.  Be sure to properly and effectively secure the insulation with mechanical fasteners up in the subfloor, making sure the paper side (vapor barrier portion) is against the subfloor.  Do your due diligence and make sure existing insulation is not missing and is properly secured to the subfloor.  This could suggest water problems if the insulation is sagging or nonexistent.
• Layers of plastic sheeting should cover the entire dirt crawl space and overlap a few inches alongside the foundation walls. Make sure there is no standing water on the sheeting.  Plastic sheeting can serve you well as a vapor barrier in your crawl space.
• Inspect your HVAC ducts and plumbing components for leaks.
• Make sure your bathroom, kitchen and dryer vents terminate to the outside and not into the crawl space.

Scheduled a Mold Inspection for Your Home or Business in Utah

If you suspect mold or have mold in your crawl space, contact Green Home today to schedule an inspection.  We have over 30 years’ experience in the industry.  We pride ourselves on our reputation and want your home to be safe and mold-free.

For more information, please contact Green Home Air:

Green Home Air:
3704 Laurelcrest St
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
(801) 784-2401