Control Moisture to Control Mold

Crawl Space Encapsulation

BEFORE: The Problem

• Mold: Crawlspaces are usually the perfect place for mold to grow. Mold is dependant on moisture and without corrective measures adequate amounts of mold are found in most crawlspaces. For example, moisture in crawlspaces can originate from condensation on ductwork, damp soil or humid air entering through foundation vents.
• Musty Odors: The crawlspace of a structure with exposed soil and high humidity tends to have what most term as a musty odor. The odor permeates upward and brings the unwanted smell of the crawlspace into the living space of the structure.
• Household Pests, Termites and Structural Damage: Moisture in a crawlspace along with the stable environment that a crawlspace creates allows most household pests to flourish. Termites, which are of particular structural importance are not attracted to the damp soil or wood, but once they find it will attract others to the area in search of food which unfortunately is the wood members of the structure. Therefore, moisture makes it easier for termites to do damage to wood.
• Wood Destroying Fungi Damage: Excessive wood moisture content can lead to active fungi which in turn leads to wood decay and damage. This damage can cause structural weakness.

AFTER: The Solution

• Identify the moisture source(s) and implement corrective measures that may involve the installation of a dehumidifier and/or the complete encapsulation of the substructure.
• Complete clean up and offsite removal of all trash/debris present in the substructure to eliminate the possible harborage areas and food sources for household pests and termites. This sometimes includes the removal of existing substructure insulation that may be damp and/or musty.
• Cleaning of all substructure wood members to remove any existing mold or mildew that may be present on the wood surface.
• Treatment of all substructure wood members to protect the wood members from recurring mold, mildew or wood destroying fungi that may be present. This treatment’s success is dependant on moisture source elimination and the dehumidification process.

* We are not qualified to and do not render an opinion concerning mold related air quality or any health related issues. Questions concerning the presence or absence of health related issue should be addressed by a properly trained industrial Hygienist, Physician or a Public Health Official.