How to Treat Crawlspace Mold & Mildew
Mold and mildew are harmful to humans and pets. These two culprits can be responsible for causing many different health problems, but, if left untreated, they can also cause damage to your home. With a crawlspace, mold and mildew are one of the culprits that can cause humidity levels in your home to rise, which in turn leads to more mold and mildew growth. It's important to treat it as soon as possible. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic vapor barrier, roll form
- Pea gravel
- Scissors/utility knife
- Fans, if necessary
- 5- to 10-horsepower shop vacuum
- Perimeter draining
- Long sleeved shirt
- Pants
- Rubber/latex gloves
- Masking/duct tape
- Dust respirator
- Mold preventing paint (optional)
- Paint roller/brush
Instructions
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1
Install perimeter draining around the outside perimeter of your home. This helps reduce both minor and major draining issues that can aid in the growth of mold and mildew. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
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2
Use the shop vacuum to pick up as much mold growth off solid surfaces, such as the sub-flooring and crawlspace walls.
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3
Roll out the plastic vapor barrier and cut to fit using the scissors or a utility knife. If you need to roll out the plastic in multiple strips, overlap your sections about 6 to 8 inches.
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4
Add the pea gravel to the entire crawlspace floor, on top of the plastic barrier. This helps to minimize moisture retention while also holding your plastic in place.
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5
Apply the mold preventing paint, by roller or by brush, to the solid surfaces you previously vacuumed, following the application instructions on the container.
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Tips & Warnings
If your crawlspace dirt floor is wet or has puddles, you must dry with fans or mold will grow under the plastic barrier.
Wear the dust respirator and tape the gloves on your sleeves closed to minimize spore exposure; wash or discard clothing immediately.
References
- Photo Credit mold on petrified wood image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
