Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew have formed along the floor joists of the crawl space. This can occur on any organic materials when the relative humidity of the crawl space reaches over 60% during warmer temperatures. Mold spores can rise up into the home and cause irritation for those with allergies or asthma.
Exposed Dirt Flooring
The dirt floor of this vented crawl space is uncovered, allowing moisture to rise from the earth and into the space. This can affect the environment and raise relative humidity, which can lead to mold growth, higher energy bills, and moisture damage in the crawl space.
Porous Foundation Walls
The walls of this crawl space are created with porous cinderblock walls, which means that air and moisture can pass through it and affect the crawl space. Efflorescence is visible in certain areas of the walls, which tells us that moisture has seeped through the walls, bringing along with it the salts and sediments of the cinderblocks to the surface, creating a powdery and chalky substance.
Mold Remediation
An antimicrobial, called Shockwave, was used to eliminate the mold and mildew growth on the floor joists of the crawl space. Shockwave will eliminate mold spores but it will not remove any staining left behind from mold. It is important to note that mold and mildew can grow back if the relative humidity and environment are not regulated and controlled.
CleanSpace Vapor Barrier
A 20-mil CleanSpace vapor barrier was installed over the dirt flooring of the crawl space. This heavy-duty liner will help protect the crawl space from the moisture rising from the earth. It also comes with an antimicrobial, called UltraFresh, built into the material, which will help to prevent mold growth on the vapor barrier, itself.
Insulating with Foamax
The foundation walls were covered with an inch and a half thick Foamax foamboard. The foam board is mechanically fastened to the walls and sealed with a canned of foam. It acts as an air barrier and vapor retarder and will help to keep any outside influence from affecting the crawl space.
