Mold is nasty stuff that over time can cause a variety of health problems. Mold grows in dark damp spaces. Therefore, the best way to prevent mold in any space is to keep it dry. Since most people don’t visit their crawl space very often, it is even more important to address any moisture problems sooner than later. If you have mold in your crawl space or are worried that your home may develop a mold problem, there are proven steps that you can take.
1. Remove
The first step in fixing a mold problem is to remove any visible mold. There are products available at most hardware stores, or you can make a bleach and water mixture. If you choose to remove mold yourself, make sure you take all safety precautions. The EPA recommends that a professional mold remediation specialist be used if you have more than 10 square feet of mold visible in any part of your home. Specialists have the equipment and protective gear necessary for removing mold. Mold spores are airborne and can make you sick if you breathe them in.
2. Protect
There are many ways to protect a crawl space from growing mold, depending on how much money you are willing to spend. It could be as simple as installing a dehumidifier. However, that doesn’t always completely fix the problem. If moisture is getting into the crawl space, you should find out where it is coming from. Cracks or leaks in your crawl space can lead to excess moisture. Contact a crawl space repair Tulsa OK company to identify the problem. These companies can repair foundation issues, install moisture barriers or even encapsulate the whole crawl space.
3. Prevent
Once your crawl space is free of mold and protected from moisture, you must still lookout for warning signs. Look for cracks around the exterior of your home. Keep an eye out for leaks around HVAC ducts or pipes. Also, make sure that your gutters are clean so that rainwater flows away from the foundation. It all comes back to keeping the crawl space dry.
