Seeing Spots? Understanding Surface Mold
As residents of Central Virginia, we know what it’s like to live in a humid environment. We enjoy the benefit of lush green landscapes, but also face the challenge of problems this same humidity can create in our homes. These challenges are present even in hidden and often-neglected areas like crawl spaces and attics. One common issue homeowners face is surface mold that grows in crawl spaces, specifically on floor joists. While it can be alarming to discover, knowing what surface mold is and what to do about it can save you from major problems and stress later.
What is Surface Mold?
Surface mold, as the name suggests, is mold that grows on the surface. When we are talking about crawl spaces, this often occurs on floor joists that support your home, on the insulation, or even on the ground. It appears as discoloration, ranging from white or gray to green and black spots. Be careful not to confuse surface mold with wood rot. Wood rot is the result of actively decaying wood, which leaves the wood feeling soft. Mold can lead to wood rot, which compromises the structural integrity of your home and should be addressed as soon as possible. Surface mold can create other problems, such as respiratory or allergy-related concerns, but does not directly affect the structure unless ignored for long periods.
Why is it Common in Central Virginia Crawl Spaces?
Crawl spaces in Virginia are often dark, damp, and poorly ventilated. These are prime conditions for mold growth. What exacerbates the problem is our high humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and frequent rainfall. Warm, moist air enters the crawl spaces, then condenses on cooler surfaces such as floor joists, and surface mold begins to grow. Additional contributing factors in your home may be leaky gutters and downspouts and/or poor grading. Water will always travel downhill, and if there is nothing directing water away from your crawl space, you’ll have water in your crawl space. Plumbing leaks and appliance problems are other reasons water may collect in your crawl space, creating surface mold.
Is Surface Mold Dangerous?
No, your house will not immediately fall apart if you have surface mold on your floor joists (but it can if left untreated), however, it can create serious health risks. Mold spores become airborne and can then enter your living space. For those prone to asthma, it can trigger attacks. If you have allergies, it can worsen the symptoms. For other individuals with respiratory issues, it can make them significantly worse.
What Can You Do About It?
Addressing surface mold requires a multi-pronged approach focused on moisture control:
- Improve Ventilation: This is crucial. If you have crawl space vents, these are often inadequate in our climate. Installing a dehumidifier helps maintain a more consistent humidity level in your crawl space.
- Control Ground Moisture: Ensure proper grading around your foundation to direct water away from the house. Installing drain tile and a sump pump can assist in removing standing water from your crawl space. Repair any leaky gutters and downspouts. Consider installing a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting covering the crawl space floor) to prevent moisture from evaporating from the ground. A full encapsulation is ideal for maintaining a clean and dry crawl space.
- Address Plumbing Leaks: Inspect the plumbing lines in the crawl space and address any leaks quickly.
- Mold Remediation: If surface mold has begun to form and is only in a small area of your crawl space, it can be treated with a diluted bleach solution (using appropriate safety measures: gloves, mask, and eye protection). Scrub the affected areas and allow them to dry thoroughly. For larger infestations, it’s best to consult with a professional mold remediation company such as Vance Insulation.
- Monitor Regularly: After addressing the mold and moisture issues, regularly inspect your crawl space, especially during periods of heavy rain or high humidity. You can do this with a hygrometer. This allows you to catch any recurring problems early. However, with the above steps taken, you will notice a significant decrease in the risks associated with humidity.
Prevention is Key
The best way to deal with surface mold is to prevent it in the first place. By taking proactive steps to control moisture in your crawl space, you can protect your home and your health. If you’re a homeowner in Central Virginia, understanding the connection between our humid climate and crawl space moisture is the first step towards a healthier, more structurally sound home. If you suspect a more serious issue such as wood rot, it’s always best to consult with a qualified professional.
Want someone to check it out for you?
Vance Insulation has been helping homeowners in Central Virginia maintain healthy, protected homes for over 60 years. Call us for a free inspection and quote for addressing humidity-related problems in your crawl space.
