Mold Treatment: Crawl Space Microbial Growth

Mold Inspection Services in Nashville

At United Structural Systems, we offer professional crawl space mold inspection services in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, 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 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 Fungal Growth in Crawl Spaces

Microbial growth in a crawl space is not something to take lightly. The microbial growth in your crawl space can cause a number of problems for your home and your health. If you or your family members experience these symptoms, you may have mold problems in the crawl space:

• Musty or moldy odors
• Visible mold or mildew growth
• Wet or damp insulation
• Condensation on air ducts
• High humidity levels
• Wood rot or decay
• Bugs or rodents

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.

What Are the 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

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.