vapor barrier<\/a> is a reliable way to mitigate crawl space humidity and prevent mold from growing in the first place!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/dragoninsulation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/vapor-barrier-install-basement-greenville-sc-columbia-sc.jpg” alt=”Basement and crawl space vapor barriers installed Columbia and Greenville SC” title_text=”vapor-barrier-install-basement-greenville-sc-columbia-sc” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”10px||10px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”22px” header_2_font_size=”36px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
What causes mold to develop in a crawl space?<\/h2>\n
Molds are some of the most widespread organisms on earth and can be found nearly everywhere. The way molds reproduce is by releasing microscopic spores which are tiny enough to be easily spread through the air. When these mold spores settle on a suitable surface they will grow into a full blown colony.<\/p>\n
There are thousands of different types of mold and hundreds of different species commonly cohabitate with humans. The common feature amongst these molds is that they thrive in environments with a relative humidity above 60%. As long as the moisture levels are sufficiently high, the mold spores will germinate and turn into a mold colony.<\/p>\n
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What are the signs of mold in your crawl space?<\/h2>\n
A surefire way to tell if there is mold in your crawl space is to go crawling! However, a spelunking expedition into a moldy crawl space isn\u2019t most people\u2019s idea of a good time, so here are some signs of mold that can be detected from inside your home:<\/p>\n
Musty odors<\/h3>\n
This is simultaneously the most overlooked sign of crawl space mold and the most common way that homeowners learn they have a mold problem. If your home has developed (or has always had!) a musty smell that just won\u2019t go away, then you may have mold growing where you can\u2019t see it!<\/p>\n
To rule out the possibility of mold, it is recommended that you have a professional conduct a crawl space inspection.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”10px||10px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/dragoninsulation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/signs-of-mold-columbia-sc.jpg” alt=”Wet floor boards saggy floors show signs of MOLD” title_text=”signs-of-mold-columbia-sc” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”22px” header_2_font_size=”36px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Water stains on baseboards<\/h3>\n
Water damage and mold go hand in hand, so if you see water stains on your baseboards then you know you have a problem! It’s essential that you identify the source of the leak and get it fixed ASAP! If you wait too long then not only will you need to get the leak repaired, but you\u2019ll likely have to undertake costly mold remediation as well.<\/p>\n
Warped or sagging floors<\/h3>\n
As we\u2019ve mentioned before, mold needs humidity to live, and humid conditions can cause lumber framing to warp or rot. If your floor joists begin to twist or your subfloor starts to sag then you\u2019ll likely notice dips, soft spots, or other irregularities on your floors.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve noticed that your floors have gone out of true then something is amiss. Act quickly because water damage can rapidly turn into a serious mold issue.<\/p>\n
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Increased bugs and pests<\/h3>\n
Mold loves high humidity, but know what else does too? Cockroaches, termites, and all sorts of creepy crawlies!<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve had a recent and unexplained pest infestation this may be indicative of excess moisture in your crawl space, and as we\u2019ve explained, moisture leads to mold!<\/p>\n
Discoloration on walls and insulation<\/h3>\n
Wet drywall and damp insulation are perfect breeding grounds for mold. Water stains on your walls are a clear sign of a problem, but even high humidity can be enough to allow mold to take hold.<\/p>\n
If you see unexplained spots, discoloration, or flaking paint on your walls then you may be seeing the first signs of mold growth.<\/p>\n
Similarly, damp insulation is prone to developing mold and mildew. While you may have to peek your head inside your crawl space in order to get a good look, weird colors or stains on your insulation are commonly caused by mold.<\/p>\n
Worsening allergy symptoms<\/h3>\n
While the scariest type of mold is the toxin-producing black mold, the less dangerous white molds bother many people\u2019s allergies. If you\u2019ve recently developed a severe case of hay fever that just won\u2019t go away, then you may need to consider that your home\u2019s air quality has been compromised by mold spores.<\/p>\n
Not everyone is allergic to mold spores and in some cases it takes prolonged periods of exposure before the allergies manifest. This shouldn\u2019t be the sign of crawl space mold that you\u2019re waiting for, but it is definitely one to act on quickly once you notice!<\/p>\n
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What are the health risks of mold exposure?<\/h2>\n
There are literally thousands of species of mold and hundreds of those are known to inhabit our homes. Few are truly dangerous, although certain molds, like Stachybotrys chartarum (toxic black mold), produce mycotoxins which can lead to severe health problems.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”10px||10px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/dragoninsulation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/black-mold-prevention-columbia-midlands-sc.jpg” alt=”Prevent mold with a Vapor Barrier ” title_text=”black-mold-prevention-columbia-midlands-sc” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”22px” header_2_font_size=”36px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Black mold has been associated with a wide range of conditions including:<\/p>\n