Chattanooga Crawl Space Microbial Growth Treatment

Helping Clear Mold from Your Crawl Space

Have you noticed a musty smell in your home? Is there a dank, damp odor emanating from your crawl space? If so, you may have a mold issue. This fungus can grow rapidly in crawl spaces, and it poses serious health risks to you and your family.

United Structural Systems Chattanooga, formerly Basement and Crawlspace Solutions, offers professional crawl space microbial growth treatment services. Our experienced team of highly trained, licensed, and certified technicians can help identify the source of your mold problem. Then, we offer effective solutions to keep your crawl space clean and dry. We use only the highest quality materials and tools to ensure your satisfaction, and we work hard to achieve top-quality results.

Breathe easier with microbial growth treatment from United Structural Systems Chattanooga, formerly Basement and Crawlspace Solutions. If you think you have a mold problem in your crawl space, call (423) 592-7950 today for a free inspection in Chattanooga and surrounding areas.

Mold Inspection Services in Chattanooga & N. Georgia

At United Structural Systems Chattanooga, formerly Basement and Crawlspace Solutions, we offer professional crawl space mold inspection services in Chattanooga, TN, North Georgia, and the surrounding areas. Our team of licensed and certified experts will inspect your crawl space for signs of mold and mildew growth. We will also check for any other signs of water damage, such as wet or damp insulation, condensation on air ducts, high humidity levels, and wood rot or decay. 

Once we have completed our inspection, we will provide you with a detailed solution to address our findings. If we find signs of mold or mildew growth, we will recommend the best course of action to resolve the problem. We will also provide you with an estimate for our services, so you know exactly what to expect.  

Our most effective mold prevention treatment plans include three steps. Once we inspect the crawl space thoroughly for microbial growth and discover anything from black mold and mildew to other types of fungal growth, we will design a customized repair plan to: 

• Remove the microbial growth 
• Treat the area for microbial growth 
• Encapsulate the crawl space 

Remove + Treat + Encapsulation = Healthy Crawl Space. This three-step R.T.E. process is necessary to effectively treat and prevent mold and microbial growth. Mold removal alone, even by a highly trained professional, will not prevent its return. Changing the environment where microbial growth thrives is the only way to prevent mold from coming back. You can breathe easier knowing your crawl space is a healthy space with our three-step R.T.E. mold treatment process that includes crawl space encapsulation. 

How To Prevent Microbial Growth, Mold & Mildew in a Crawl Space

If you have a crawl space that is damp, humid, and musty, then you have a problem. Here are a few things you can do to prevent microbial growth in your crawl space. 

• Encapsulate the crawl space: One of the best ways to prevent microbial growth in your crawl space is to install an encapsulation system in your crawl space. A thick vapor barrier is installed to cover the dirt floor of the crawl space and sealed to the foundation walls along the edges. This creates a barrier between the soil and the crawl space air that prevents moisture from evaporating into the crawl space. 
• Install a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier is another way to help prevent microbial growth in your crawl space. A dehumidifier is a device that removes moisture from the air. By removing the moisture from the air, a dehumidifier can help keep your crawl space dry and free of microbial growth. 
• Install a sump pump system: A sump pump system is a device that is installed in the lowest part of your crawl space. It is designed to remove water from the crawl space and help prevent water damage. 

If you have a crawl space that is damp, humid, and musty, then you need to have it inspected by a licensed professional who can help you put a plan in place to prevent mold growth in the crawl space. 

Signs of Microbial Growth, Mold & Mildew in Crawl Spaces

Fungal growth can be difficult to detect, especially in crawl spaces that are hard to reach. However, there are signs to look out for. These indicators could signal mold’s presence in your space. If you notice any of these issues, call our team right away to inspect your crawl space.

Some of the most common signs of microbial growth in crawl spaces include:

• Visible Growth 
  Mold grows rapidly in damp, dark spaces. Check your crawl space for any spots that look discolored, fuzzy, or slimy. These spots are probably mold.
• A Musty or Damp Smell 
  Mold produces a distinct odor you can easily detect. It can smell musty, chalky, or damp. If this smell generally permeates the home, you could have a serious mold problem. You can also do a quick check and sniff around your crawl space for a moldy smell.
• Increased Allergy Symptoms 
  Most people have a bad reaction to mold. Mold releases spores into the air, which can make you sick. If you or a family member have been experiencing increased allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes, you may have a microbe problem.
• Condensation on Your HVAC Air Ducts 
  Condensation build-up is a sign that your crawl space has poor ventilation. Improperly ventilated areas can allow excess moisture to build, creating the ideal environment for mold growth.
• Wood Rot or Decay 
  If wooden structures within the crawl space are soft or damp, there is a presence of moisture causing the decay that needs to be addressed. While microbial growth is not always visible, other signs you may have mold growth, such as wood rot, are at times more easily detectable.

What Are Health Risks of Crawl Space Microbes?

Microbial growth in a crawl space should be eliminated as soon as it is discovered. Air within the crawl space travels upward, which means a crawl space with mold spores leads to unhealthy air within the home. Some health issues caused by microbial growth in the crawl space include: 

• Increased allergy symptoms
• Aggravated asthma, wheezing 
• Difficulty breathing  
• Nasal congestion 
• Eye irritation 
• Headaches 
• Respiratory disease

If you notice any of these signs in your crawl space, then you need to have it inspected by a licensed professional. The longer you wait to address the problem with mold remediation, the worse it will get. A professional licensed in microbial growth can help you determine the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action to resolve it.

How To Clean a Crawl Space

If someone in your household suffers with respiratory problems, there are a few things you can do to help prevent microbial growth in the crawl space, which could be the root cause:

• Remove any wet or damp insulation
• Remove any debris or clutter 
• Remove any standing water by installing a sump pump and drain system 
• Remove any mold or mildew growth and treat the affected areas 
• Clean the crawl space with a solution that fights microbial growth 
• Replace any decaying wood 
• Seal any cracks or gaps in the crawl space 
• Encapsulate the crawl space and install a dehumidifier

Mold, mildew, microbial, or fungal growth in a crawl space is a severe problem that can cause many problems for your home and your health. If you have a crawl space that is damp, humid, and musty, then you need to have it inspected by a professional licensed in microbial growth.

If you see signs of mold or other microbial growth in your crawl space, call our USS Chattanooga experts, formerly Basement and Crawlspace Solutions, at (423) 592-7950 today. We can provide a free inspection by a licensed professional for Chattanooga microbial treatment services. Breathe easier and have the mold experts turn your crawl space into a healthy space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crawl Space Microbial Growth Treatment

How often should I have my crawl space inspected for microbial growth?

It is recommended to have your crawl space inspected once a year, especially if you live in a humid climate or have experienced recent water damage.

Can microbial growth in a crawl space cause structural damage?

Yes, microbial growth can lead to structural damage. Moisture can weaken wood and other materials, making them susceptible to rot, decay, and pest infestations.

Can microbial growth cause health problems for people living in the home?

Yes, exposure to microbial growth can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, headaches, and fatigue.

How long does it typically take to treat microbial growth in a crawl space?

The time required to treat microbial growth can vary depending on the severity of the problem. However, most treatments can be completed within a few days.