Condensation / Moisture / Mold / Wood Decay



Ref: Crawlspace Encapsulation

What is Mold?

Mold is a member of the fungi family and thrives anywhere there is a moist environment and an organic food source. They grow within a 24 hour period and reproduce as spores which easily spreads through the air to form additional colonies. This microbes create deteriorating damage to buildings surfaces and potentially fatal health problems.

Health Hazards

Mold produces allergens, toxins (mycotoxins) and or irritants

Molds are the major source of indoor allergens and can trigger asthma

Mold produce health effects through inflammation, allergy or infection.


Fungi Growth / Mold

Some molds are capable of producing carcinogens

Typical Symptoms

Respiratory Problems

Nasal & Sinus Congestion

Eye, nose and throat irritation

Skin rashes or irritation

Structural / Material Hazards

Molds cause odors, discoloration, staining and cosmetic damage.

Mold growth can eventually cause structural damage to a building

The more porous the material, the more extensive the damage mold can cause.

The longer mold is present and grows, the more damage it will cause.

Simple signs of mold presence may include moldy bathroom tiles / grout, discolored shower curtains, rotting wood / drywall, discolored roofing materials and offensive odors.

Mold / fungi growth in the crawl space is one of the most common mold problems in homes today, 35% of all crawlspaces in the United States, if left untreated cause a total loss of a home from severe mold infestation. Mold spores Move within the crawlspace and enter the home throw Cracks or holes in the HVAC A/C ductwork System. Mold does not need a lot of water to grow.

Common sources of crawlspace moisture include:

· Plumbing leaks

· Condensation due to high humidity, and cold spots under the crawlspace

· Dryer venting under crawlspace area

· Hot water heater pressure relief valve venting under the crawlspace area

· HVAC condensation pipe draining under the crawlspace area

· Exterior water penetration because of crawlspace grade is lower then outside grade.

Besides moisture, mold needs a food source to grow. Mold can grow on virtually any organic substance. Most Crawl spaces are full of organic materials that mold can use as food, including paper, cloth, wood, plant material, and even soil. In most cases, temperature is not an issue; some molds grow in warm areas, while others prefer cool locations such as bread stored in a refrigerator. Often, more than one type of mold can be found growing in the same area, although conditions such as moisture, light, and temperature may favor one species of mold over another.

All crawl spaces must be vented properly.

Crawlspace vent Code: Section 409 Crawl Space of Family Dwelling Code. The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any building (except such space as is occupied by a basement or cellar) shall be provided with ventilation openings through foundation walls or exterior walls. Ventilation openings shall be provided with corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being 1/8 inch (3.2 mm.) The minimum net area of ventilation openings shall not be less than 1 square foot for each 150 square feet of crawl space area. One such ventilating opening shall be within 3 feet of each corner of said building.

Exceptions: Ventilation opening may be omitted when continuously operated mechanical ventilation is provided at a rate of 1.0 cfm for each 50 square feet of crawl space floor area and ground surface is covered with an approved vapor barrier material.

Installing a Crawlspace ventilation system under your crawlspace will insure a dry crawlspace.

Some crawl spaces may need to have new plastic placed down over the dirt after the remediation process is completed and some will need concreted in to prevent water from entering the crawl space.

Our Crawlspace Fungi growth & Mold Protection coating are:

EPA registered mold fungicides.

Environmentally friendly.

Water Based

Inorganic based additives will not degrade.

FDA/EPA compliant additives.

No residual odors.

Will not wash or rub off.

Performance qualified by ASTM standards.

Will not adversely effect any other materials used during construction including, metals, plastics, glue, paint, wiring, etc.

Extremely durable coating developed to withstand moist, humid conditions that provide the ideal environment for fungal growth.

Easy to apply and highly recommended for any porous surface including concrete, bricks, plaster, metal, wood, and sheetrock, plus numerous other locations.
UV resistant, VOC-free, contains no zinc, dries fast and is available in either a clear coat or violet tracer dye formulation.

Prevents future fungi growth / mold problems
Once you have framed you new construction home , we can apply our Encapsulation coating when you have dried in, and before insulation is installed. Our Crawlspace Encapsulation coating forms a moisture repellent barrier to prevent mold / fungi growth infestation.

Mold Links
Building Science Corporation - The problems with vented crawlspaces is discussed in this "Top Ten Dumbest Things To Do In The South"

.
EPA Mold Basics - Basic info on mold.
EPA Mold Prevention - Common sense actions on the general actions to take regarding mold.

For More infomation about crawlspace moisture problems call

(252)531-0621

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