How Easy Is it for Mold to Grow Under a Damp House?

Look Below the House

Mold is a problem that no homeowner wants to deal with. It can damage wood, drywall and other parts of a house. You could spend thousands of dollars to repair the damage, and there is a good chance that the mold poses a hazard to the residents. When this happens, the owners must move out until the clean up is completed. In rare cases, clean up might not be possible, and the house must be condemned. Mold in homes is caused by a number of sources, however a main cause can be found underneath the house in crawl spaces.

Darkness

Sunlight kills mold. So, the dark spaces under a house offer a perfect spot for mold to thrive and spread.

Humidity

Mold also prefers a warm, damp climate, usually one with at least 55 percent humidity. Humid air can get trapped under your house if the space is too enclosed. So, to discourage mold growth, open the crawl space vents in warm weather to allow a cross breeze to blow through.

Drainage

Poor drainage can contribute to mold growth under a house. If the yard is graded in a such way that water flows into the crawl space, that can boost under-house humidity, even if the outside air is dry. Also beware of sprinkler systems, which can spray water through the crawl space vents. Don't forget to check for leaks from pipes. Standing water underneath the house can cause wood beams and other structural features to become damp. The mold then grows on--and spreads from--these locations.

References

• Mold, mildew or musty odors
• Mold Prevention