When you have molds at home, it can be a daunting and scary experience. It can be hard to know what to do first during these situations that seem overwhelming.
However, you need to tackle the mold issue right away, so it does not worsen. So, what can you do if you have mold in the crawl spaces of your home?
How to Tell if You Have Molds in Crawl Spaces
The best way to determine if you have a mold problem is if you can see the mold. Sometimes, it is growing in your crawl spaces. When this happens, it visually gives you an idea of how much mold you have.
Mold is not always noticeable. It can grow in places hard to see. In these cases, you can determine the presence of mold through its smell. A musty or unpleasant scent can indicate a mold issue.
When you see or smell mold, it is a good idea to test and see what mold you are dealing with. It is essential to know what mold you need to treat before buying any product. When you know what kind of mold you have, you can safely handle the cleanup process. It might also be an idea to hire experts to help you with the cleanup. They will be able to advise you on what the best steps are to remove the mold, and ensure it does not come back. Whether these experts deal with crawl space encapsulation in Indianapolis, IN, or they are experts in protecting the structural integrity of the home that might have been damaged by the mold, it is highly recommended you get them on board to help as soon as possible.
Why Molds Grow in Crawl Spaces
When you see molds in your crawl spaces, it is crucial to figure out the reason why it grows there. Even if you clean the mold, if you haven’t fixed the issue, the mold will likely return. A lot of factors can contribute to mold growth, and they all involve water damage. Mold lives where there is moisture. So, you need to find out the cause of the moisture that is feeding the molds.
Ventilation is crucial for issues involving high-humidity levels. In a crawl space, the ideal ventilation should be a square foot for every 1,500 square feet minimum.
When you have leaks or flooding in your crawl spaces, it will likely develop a mold even if you can’t see it. Molds can grow incredibly fast in the right conditions. That’s why any mold issue should not be ignored. The problem will not be solved, and it will just multiply.
Cleaning Mold in Crawl Spaces
The first thing to do is to know the type and size of the mold problem you’re dealing with. If you a smaller mold problem, you may try to solve the issue yourself. However, if you have a bigger mold problem, the best thing is to call a mold remediation Tampa service.
After fixing the cause of the mold, you need to scrub, kill, and clean off any material that you cannot remove and replace. Any mold on your drywall should be cut out and replaced.
You can use different mold cleaners for the surface that you are remediating and take the needed precautions. Wear the proper protective masks, eyewear, gloves, and clothing for the job. Ensure that the crawl spaces are properly dried to prevent the mold from returning.
While molds are a severe and scary dilemma, don’t let this problem stop you from dealing with all the molds in your crawl spaces. Your family’s health is always the top priority.