Crawlspace Cleanup – What to expect
What happens when moisture enters a dirty, poorly ventilated place that no one ever checks? Sometimes, mold. Though fairly uncommon, mold growth in the crawl space is unusually problematic due to the effect it can have on the indoor air quality in the space above. By most estimates, 30-40% of the air in your home comes directly from the crawl space.
Conclusion: If you have mold problems in your crawlspace, you may have problems in your house as well.
What are the most common sources of crawl space problems in Portland?
Most houses built in Portland are constructed over a ventilated crawlspace. Sealed crawlspaces or partial crawlspace/basements are less common. Typically, sealed crawl spaces are found on high-end energy efficient homes.
- Missing vapor barrier
- Poor drainage / flooding
- Broken sump pump
- Inadequate perimeter ventilation
- Rodent infestations
- Saturated framing during new construction
What does a typical crawlspace mold remediation project entail?
- Address the underlying cause. This may include rainwater redirection, rodent exclusion, sump pump replacement, or a variety of other preventative measures.
- Prevent cross-contamination. Because of the substantial air exchange occurring between the crawl space and the main living area, preventing cross contamination is a critical component of the remediation process. Often, the most effective results are achieved by positively pressurizing the main living area. This prevents any mold spores or debris from traveling from the crawlspace into the airspace above.
- Remove damaged materials. The two primary materials often requiring treatment are insulation and the vapor barrier.
- Clean remaining materials. In nearly all cases, the structural integrity of the underlying framing is not adversely affected by the mold growth. Cleanup can involve a variety of techniques including wire brushing, sanding, HEPA vacuuming or chemical treatment
- Encapsulate. After the mold growth is removed, a dark staining often remains. This unsightly remnant is often treated with a latex based, antimicrobial paint.