Eastern NC homes often experience crawlspace mold issues. Up to 40% of the air within your home comes through your home’s crawl space. Indoor Air Quality within the home can be drastically affected by elevated mold levels originating within this space.
Crawl spaces where relative humidity (RH) is high are common sites of hidden mold growth, particularly if the crawl space has a bare earth floor. The soil will wick moisture, through capillary action, from moist to dry areas. The relative warmth of the crawl space will dry the soil by evaporation, adding this moisture to the air in the crawl space where it can cause mold to grow. Also, in areas where the water table is high and weather conditions are suitable, ground water may enter a crawl space.
The moisture that accumulates in a crawl space may also enter another part of the building and contribute to mold growth there. Moisture can pass from a crawl space into a building through cracks in walls, floors and ceilings.
common dangers
dangers discovered in crawlspaces
Just like pests, mold and fungus can grow rapidly in crawlspaces. They are both a health concern as well as a cause of wood decay, which can require a costly repair. Airborne mold spores can potentially enter the living space from the crawlspace. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Homes infected with molds and fungus are also much more difficult to sell, often requiring costly remediation prior to closing the deal.
Our thorough inspection will provide you with a visual inspection report (including photos) which identifies the present conditions within the space. Common problems to our area include; mold growth, elevated moisture, compromised insulation materials, inadequate venting, and landscaping design are all subjects taken into consideration during the inspection process. We will provide you with a list of recommended actions to correct conditions.