The presence of mold in your crawl space is never a good thing. Such fungi can cause serious structural damage to your property as they feed on and break down organic matter.
Molds can also be harmful to your health, especially if you have asthma or if you’re sensitive to such fungi. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency or US EPA, molds can cause allergic reactions such as red eyes, runny nose, skin rash, and sneezing.
That said, it would be best for you to contact an expert in crawl space mold removal right away if the underside of your home is infested. In case you’re not sure whether you have a mold problem in your crawl space, here are some signs you need to watch out for:
- Mold Odors
A large percentage of the air you breathe inside your home comes from your crawl space. So, if you ever notice a persistent musty odor in your house, there is a high chance that you have mold growing on your property.
However, you should also note that not every type of mold produces a smell. So, it would be best for you to contact a professional and have your house inspected for mold growth.
- Water Leakage
Some people think that only big puddles of water can cause mold growth. But that is not the case. Even a small amount of standing water brought about by minor leaks can lead to mold infestation. According to the US EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, it can only take 24 to 48 hours for mold to start developing on surfaces exposed to water.
So, if you ever have water leaks in your crawl space, have them repaired right away. Make sure to remove any water and moisture from the area as well.
- Crawl Space Flooding
A neglected or unmaintained crawl space is prone to flooding. Some of the main causes of water in the area include improper grading of the surface drainage, cracks or gaps in the foundation, leaking window or vent wells, clogged drains, and sewer line malfunction. Sometimes, even natural calamities such as heavy rains or storms can bring about crawl space flooding.
If your crawl space gets flooded, the moisture level in the area will increase. This can accelerate the growth of mold in your property.
- Discoloration on Your Crawl Space Walls or Floors
If the walls or floors in your crawl space get exposed to water, you may notice some discoloration in them after a few days. It can start as a small dark spot. If left neglected, it can get darker and larger as time goes by.
Such stains on your crawl space surfaces are caused by molds. And they don’t always appear as black. They can also be white, green, yellow, blue, brown, or gray.
- Peeling Wallpaper or Paint
Your wallpaper or paint can stay in place for many years, especially when they’re installed and applied correctly. So, if you notice any inconsistencies on your wall, you either have a mold problem in your crawl space, or you simply need to repaint the surface. If it’s the former, you should call an expert in mold removal right away.
- Allergic Reactions
As stated above, exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions such as headaches, itchy or irritated skin, and cold-like symptoms. So, if you or your family members are showing any of these reactions, you may have a mold problem on your property.
Contact a Mold Removal Expert in Your Area Today!
If any of the signs listed above occur in your crawl space, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an expert in mold removal service immediately. By doing so, you’ll be able to prevent further damage from happening. Consider insulating, encapsulating, or waterproofing the underside of your home as well to ensure that it will never get infested with mold.
Crawl space waterproofing can also help prevent pests and insects, such as ants, spiders, rodents, and termites, from entering your home. So, reach out to your local waterproofing company now and set an appointment. And if you need more indicators of mold growth in your home, they’ll surely be more than willing to provide you with some information.
