Houses with mold growths can be a big turnoff! Yet, we don’t have an issue with mold just because it looks bad. It’s also been linked to severe and life-threatening health hazards.
It might make you wonder, ‘Can mold in crawl space get into the house?’
The quick answer is: yes. Mold tends to spread, especially if your house has high levels of humidity and gets little sun exposure.
If this sounds familiar, fear not! In this article, we’ll go through why mold invades crawl spaces. We’ll also tell you what to do to prevent it.
Let’s get started!
What Causes Mold in Crawl Spaces?
The air surrounding us carries mold spores around. These spores are always searching for a suitable environment to cling to and grow.
They prefer confined areas like pipe tiles, window corners, and roofs. Then, when these confined areas are covered in dampness, shade, and mild temperatures, they make the perfect environment for mold infections to spread.
Once the spores settle in, they reproduce, forming white patches. Then, later on, as they develop, they start producing black mold, which is extremely hazardous when inhaled.
Can Mold in Crawl Space Get Into House?
Sadly, mold in crawl spaces can reach the house through air vents, heating systems, windows, or simply open doorways. Another way mold can get in your home is by hitching a ride on your clothes.
The problem is that once it gets into your home, it can spread quickly, particularly in places that are humid with no sufficient aeration or sun exposure. Hence, if your house was recently a victim of flood or leakage, the probability of mold invasion can be higher.
Another mold-inducing factor is wet wood or wallpaper. Both of these have a high cellulose content, which is a good nutrient for mold.
What Are the Risks of Mold?
Regardless of how unpleasant the sight or smell of mold might be, the primary concern here is health-related. Someone who’s allergic to mold or suffers from asthma can have more severe symptoms. In many cases, this extends to shortness of breath and even fever.
Additionally, recent studies found a link between the development of asthma in young children and early mold exposure.
For starters, someone who’s sensitive to mold can suffer from:
- Stuffy nose
- Tearing
- Itchy skin
- Difficulty breathing
How To Get Rid of Mold?
Once you’ve pinpointed the source of the infestation, it’s time to take action!
We highly recommend seeking professional help to protect you from unnecessary exposure to mold. However, if the infected area is relatively small, there’s a chance you can handle it on your own.
The most important thing is to keep your eyes, nose, and hands protected. Make sure you wear a tight-fitting mask to avoid inhaling any spores. Eye goggles and gloves can also help keep you protected.
Now, let’s take a look at some household items that are great at getting rid of mold infestations.
Vinegar
You can create your very own organic microbicide by mixing equal amounts of water and vinegar. Next, put your mix in a spray bottle, spray the affected area well and let it soak for a few minutes.
Afterward, scrub the crawl space. Finally, wipe with a clean cloth and leave to dry.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide can kill just about any microorganism.
Apply it over the area with mold, and wait for 10 minutes. Then, clean thoroughly with a wet cloth and leave to dry.
Bleach
Your regular chlorine household bleach is an all-time star when it comes to disinfecting bacteria and mold! Not only does it kill the mold itself, but it also removes any discoloration left behind.
Yet, keep in mind that bleach is harsh on the skin and eyes. It can also damage fabrics, causing the colors to fade.
To make it less caustic, you can always water it down. Simply add one cup of bleach with a gallon of water and you’re good to go.
How To Protect Your House From Mold?
Since tackling a mold infestation can be a burden, it’s better to be safe than sorry! With a few precautions and regular maintenance, you can make your home mold-proof.
Check Your Plumbing
A dripping pipe or a small crack in the floor might not be at the top of your to-do list. Yet, the problem is that the water could be gathering between those cracks. Then, the floor starts leaking as the cracks get bigger over time, causing a mold problem.
It’s much easier to fix your plumbing issues as early as possible. It’ll save you a lot of time and effort later on.
Dry Out Your Home Right After a Flood
If you were misfortunate and suffered from a flood, drying out your house should be your number one concern.
The good news is that there are professional companies that provide drying services for homes post floods. So, make sure you get in touch with them as soon as you can before any mold has a chance to grow.
Use a Dehumidifier
Living somewhere with high humidity levels isn’t something you can control. However, what you can control is the level of humidity inside your home. With the help of a dehumidifier, you can lower humidity levels somewhere between 30% to 60%.
However, you should note that dehumidifiers will only deprive the mold of its ideal growing conditions, but they won’t eliminate it.
Ventilate Your Home
Mold thrives in dark, damp corners that don’t get a lot of, if any, sun exposure. The reason is that ultraviolet rays penetrate through the walls, eradicating any sign of mold growth.
Moreover, good aeration will help dry out any extra moisture in your home. Finally, opening your curtains and windows regularly can be an excellent and effective all-natural anti-mold remedy.
Final Thoughts
Discovering a small patch of mold hiding in one of your corners could be an unpleasant surprise. This raises the question: can mold in crawl space get into the house?
Well, if you don’t ventilate your house, or have plumbing issues, then, yes, it can.
The worry here extends beyond the nasty view of mold. Mold can cause severe health issues that range from itchiness and a stuffy nose to shortness of breath and fever.
Fortunately, you can fix a mild mold situation with basic household items. All things considered, it’s better you use dehumidifiers, fix your plumbing, and regularly air out your home to avoid any potential mold invasions.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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