Prevent Mold
Mold is pervasive, silent and dangerous. Requiring moisture, food and warm temperatures to survive, it is a common problem in homes across the country. Feeding off materials like wood framing and drywall, you cannot eliminate the food source. Thriving in the same temperatures that people are comfortable with, you will not freeze or burn mold out of your home. However, there is one element you can control. Mold thrives in moisture, and controlling moisture and humidity levels in the home will protect you from this invader.
Moisture in the Crawlspace
Crawlspaces are naturally damp, and an astounding 60-percent of them have mold. Part of the problem is moisture seeping in through the walls when it rains. An unreliable or broken sump pump allows water levels to rise and ensures that mold will form and spread. With raw earth in the crawlspace, a certain amount of moisture is unavoidable, but you can take steps to minimize moisture and prevent mold.
Drying the Crawlspace
Before you start looking at other solutions, make sure your crawl space is dry by keeping gutters in good condition and investing in a sump pump with a power backup in case of storms. Examine your interior walls and the exposed exterior walls. Seal cracks, gaps and holes with concrete patch or caulk. You may also want to consider putting a rubberized coating on the exterior of the wall to prevent water from migrating into the crawl space.
Start with a quality vapor barrier. Choose a 6-mil thick or heavier vapor barrier and put it across the ground of your crawlspace. Overlap seam by several inches and tape them for a good seal. The barrier should also be taped around columns and on the walls. Add gravel over the plastic to keep the plastic in place and create a protective barrier.
Install insulation the right way. Most people put insulation with the paper side facing the crawlspace, but the paper can trap moisture and should actually go towards the heated floor of the room above. This will prevent condensation from forming and help you avoid mold.
Take this moment to inspect any ducts or vents that pass through the crawlspace. Dryer vents should go all the way through the wall and vent to the exterior of your home. Heating ducts should be tightly sealed to avoid heat loss and help keep the space dry.
There is great debate over whether crawlspaces should be ventilated. Mold loves areas that are not disturbed, and it will thrive in an unvented crawlspace. If you choose not to vent the space to make it easier to keep the house warm, then invest in a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels in this space under control. If you have the space vented, then make sure you have one-square foot of ventilation for every 150-square feet of space to ensure that a cross-breeze can adequately dry the space and move moisture out.
When You Should Call the Professionals
Crawlspaces are difficult to work in. It’s hard on your back, and the vapor barrier is easily dislodged as you move around the space. It’s tempting to rush through the job because it’s uncomfortable, but you cannot rush this work. If you don’t have the time to deal with this project, or if you are concerned that you may not create the right environment to discourage mold, then you should call in the professionals to help you.
Mold is pervasive and silent. Growing in the hidden areas of your home, it can make your family sick. Crawlspaces are particularly vulnerable to mold, but you can take steps to prevent mold and protect your family. You will sleep better at night knowing that your home is free of mold, and you will protect your home from this silent invader.