IAQM, the leading mold remediation, mold removal and mold prevention company.

A crawl space is an area created to allow for quick and easy access to plumbing, ductwork and/or wiring and is not intended for habitation of humans.

Mold in a crawl space becomes an indoor air quality concern when the mold releases spores and/or other mold by-products into the air and it infiltrates the living space.

The primary intent of this information is to address the appropriate treatment and handling of its removal. Mold present in the crawl space can be detrimental to the living space of a structure if it enters the occupied space. Construction practices are not intended to allow air to flow from the crawl space into the occupied space. It is prudent to isolate the crawl space from the interior space.

A crawl space is inherently unclean as they are open to the ground and can become a home for insects and rodents.

Mold and other contaminants in the crawl space can travel through an opening in the ductwork or through cracks and crevices in the flooring to enter the living environment of the home.

These openings should be sealed using expandable foam insulation, caulking, the taping of ductwork joints, etc.

It is best to attain and maintain a negative pressure in the crawl space relative to the home. This can be done by introducing fresh air into the home and by venting air from the crawl space outdoors.

Crawl Space Remediation

If mold is visible, all growth should be removed. The crawl space should be isolated from the interior living space and put under climate controls through a combination of positive pressure from the living space and negative pressure from a crawl space.

All moisture sources should be eliminated or mold will continue to produce new colonies until it has been corrected. Moisture sources could be coming from a plumbing leak, breaks in ductwork, landscaping issues or moisture seeping up from the ground. Steps necessary for proper crawl space remediation

1. Negative pressurization will be established in the crawl space relative to the home to prevent cross contamination of the interior air space.

2. All affected insulation will be removed from the crawl space.

3. All cracks will be sealed with expandable foam or caulking.

4. Ducts will be sealed using duct tape.

5. All visible molds will be removed.

6. A clear anti-microbial encapsulate will be applied to help prevent future growth.

7. 6-mil plastic vapor barrier will be installed to prevent ground water exposure.