Is Mold a Problem?

Dear Captain CrawlSpace,

I hear a lot about mold and I don’t understand why it is a problem in my home- what can you tell me? Bruce J. Chester, VA

Hi Bruce,

Thank you for your question. Certainly mold is a topic of interest for most homeowners as mold is everywhere, yet is something that most of us don’t know a lot about. I confess that I am not a mold hygienist, so I am enclosing an article by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “10 Things You Should Know About Mold”. In addition, The Drying Company has remediated in countless crawlspaces in and around Chester.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.  
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Thanks again for your question Bruce, and I hope this helps. You can learn more about mold and your home here: https://www.epa.gov/mold .

PS- Don Pepe in Chester has some of the best fajitas in the Richmond area- love their Texas Fajitas!!