Five Signs You Have Mold In Your Crawl Space
Most people don’t spend much time in their crawl space. Unfortunately, it can be the perfect breeding ground for an unwanted mold infestation. It can spread, infiltrating the structure of your home long before you detect anything. The biggest issue with North Texas crawl spaces has more to do with the clay that absorbs moisture under the house, as well as problems with cross ventilation.
Crawl space encapsulation is a proven way to protect your home from moisture-related issues, such as organic growths like mold and mildew, by adding a sealed vapor barrier to all the surfaces of your crawlspace. Water vapor can seep into your home from the ground, even through concrete. Contact the experts at Align Foundation Repair. We offer crawl space encapsulation services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Let’s look at five signs of mold in your crawl space.
Five Signs of Mold
Once mold enters your home, it can endanger your health, even if confined to your crawl space. Mold spores can spread into your living areas, putting your family at risk of respiratory problems and other health complications. Furthermore, mold can deteriorate the wood within your crawl space, potentially compromising the strength of the foundation.
Smell
Many species of mold are notorious for their unpleasant odor. Even if your mold infestation is initially unnoticed, you may eventually notice a disagreeable, musty smell. If it is still noticeable even after you’ve done a deep clean around the house and eliminated all the usual suspects, mold may be the source.
Stains
A quick internet search will show that water damage and mold buildup go hand in hand. Water stains can suggest mold might be just around the corner, sometimes literally. Look for any new spots or discolored areas on your walls, floor, and baseboards.
Structural damage
Humidity and the mold that follows can warp the wood in your house, resulting in sinking floors, sloping walls, and even collapsing ceilings. This is why mold, even just contained in crawl spaces, can cause serious structural damage. If you notice an uneven floor that was once level, don’t ignore it.
Pests
Mold isn’t the only thing that flourishes in dark, humid areas. The same conditions that invite mold tend to invite pests such as termites, cockroaches, mice, and even larger pests. A recent bug or rodent infestation without a visible cause might suggest the presence of mold in your crawl space.
Allergies
Mold exposure can cause and aggravate allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of mold exposure can manifest as nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, coughing, throat irritation, and sneezing. Some species, such as black mold, are toxic, can cause serious diseases, and should be removed as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Contact Align Foundation Repair for a Free Estimate
If you believe you may have mold in your crawl space, don’t wait. Get ahead of a mold infestation and contact crawl space encapsulation experts at Align Foundation Repair. Taking action today can save you thousands of dollars in the future. Call today for a free vapor barrier installation estimate.
