Crawl Space odors can originate from many sources. Often, we find crawl spaces in Central Florida that have been “improved” with the addition of a vapor barrier and batt insulation. Both the vapor barrier and batt insulation will cause odors, mold growth, and deterioration of the crawl space.
We also find the exterior grade to have been neglected to the point that the crawl space vents are covered, and water is draining into the crawl space. The only thing worse would be to find a vapor barrier and batt insulation in an under ventilated crawl space with water draining into it. This is the perfect storm. The water enters, the vapor barrier prevents the water from draining into the porous soil, and the trapped and evaporating water vapor condenses between the batt insulation and the joist and decking.
Other sources can include;
Failing HVAC
Plumbing Leaks
Blocked Ventilation from Additions
Unsealed areas between the Crawl Space and Living Space
Rodents
Insects
Mold
Mushrooms
Hire a Qualified IAQ Consultant to help you investigate the origin of your crawl space odors. Call IAQ Solutions (407) 383-9459
Crawl Space Mold Inspections
It is pretty obvious that a home or building has a mold problem when it is visibly growing on walls, ceilings or the floor. Other times, a structure may have a mold problem that could be causing concerns for building occupants that is taking place completely out of sight. Three common problem areas include attics, basements and crawl spaces. In this video we will be focusing on crawl spaces.
Crawl spaces are a common form of construction in numerous parts of the country. For many property owners with homes constructed on a crawl space, they may go years without inspecting for leaks or other types of moisture damage under their homes. These problems can quickly develop and may not be apparent for a long period of time or until they have become a major issue.
Crawl spaces where the relative humidity is high are common sites of hidden mold growth, particularly if the crawl space has a bare earth floor. The soil will wick moisture, through capillary action, from moist to dry areas. The relative warmth of a crawl space can dry the soil by evaporation, adding this moisture to the air in the crawl space where it can cause mold growth. Also, due to flooding events or in areas where the water table is high and weather conditions are suitable, ground water may enter a crawl space.
Crawl spaces also often contain water and sewer pipes. These can develop leaks over time or have issues related to condensation. During extreme cold weather they can also freeze and burst causing major water issues.
Any moisture that accumulates in a crawl space may also enter other parts of a building and contribute to potential mold growth in those areas. Just as moisture can spread from a crawl space into a home or building, so too can any mold that is growing in the crawl space. Airborne mold spores and fragments can enter a home or building through cracks and openings. Crawl spaces are also often used to house air ducts from the HVAC system. These ducts often have leaks and openings that could potentially help to spread mold from a crawl space throughout a building.
These are just a few things to know about hidden mold in crawl spaces.
Call Microshield Environmental Services, LLC, Indoor Air Quality Solutions for answers to all your indoor air quality questions. We can provide you with a superior Indoor Environmental Assessment or Orlando Mold Inspection. Call Lydia Today! 407-383-9459
5840 Red Bug Lake Rd. Suite 220 Winter Springs Florida, 32708
1170 Tree Swallow Dr. Suite 330 Winter Springs, Florida 32708 51 E Jefferson St Orlando FL 32801 - 424 East Central Boulevard Orlando FL 32801 - 8870 Boggy Creek Road Orlando FL 32824 - 2607 Edgewater Dr Orlando 32804
Indoor Air Quality Solutions, IAQS Microshield Environmental Services, LLC.
The Indoor Air Quality Solutions Consultants are Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant, Certified Mold Inspector, Certified Mold Investigator, Certified Microbial Consultant, Certified Mold Remediation Supervisor, Florida Licensed Mold Assessor. Indoor Air Quality Solutions provides Florida with the best Orlando indoor air quality Inspection, Orlando Radon Testing, Chinese Drywall Inspection, Mold Remediation Protocols, Orlando Air Testing. We offer the best affordable Orlando Mold Inspection, Asthma and Allergy Testing, & Orlando Mold Testing by Florida Licensed Mold Assessor Microshield Environmental Services, LLC & John P. Lapotaire, CIEC The most trusted names in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Orlando indoor air quality inspection, Orlando Mold Remediation Removal Florida
Proudly Serving – Orlando, Winter Park, College Park, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Lake Mary, Maitland, Wekiva, Celebration, Apopka, Casselberry, Deltona, Windermere, Isleworth, Lake Butler Sound, Daytona, Melbourne, Cocoa, Lake Forest, Heathrow, Alaqua, Baldwin Park, Stoneybrook, Eagle Creek, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Titusville, Alafaya, Geneva, Bay Hill, Hunters Creek, Buena Ventura Lakes, Clarcona.
Brevard County, Flagler County, Indian River County, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, St. Lucie County, Volusia County
Proudly Serving – Orlando, Winter Park, College Park, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Lake Mary, Maitland, Wekiva, Celebration, Apopka, Casselberry, Deltona, Windermere, Isleworth, Lake Butler Sound, Daytona, Melbourne, Cocoa, Lake Forest, Heathrow, Alaqua, Baldwin Park, Stoneybrook, Eagle Creek, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Titusville, Alafaya, Geneva, Bay Hill, Hunters Creek, Buena Ventura Lakes, Clarcona.
Brevard County, Flagler County, Indian River County, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, St. Lucie County, Volusia County
