Mold Doesn’t Just ‘Dry Up and Go Away’
I hesitated to write this article because we do not sell mold remediation based on fear. However, seeing misinformation about mold makes me want to speak up.
I recently watched a video from a crawl space repair company about what causes mold to grow in crawl spaces. It was a short video, right to the point, and the man correctly identified that mold growth is caused by moisture. So the way to prevent mold in a crawl space is to prevent moisture in a crawl space. I agree.
Then he said, “When you take that moisture away, the mold goes away.” No, it doesn’t. I’m not here to name and shame, but that statement is simply not true. He probably even believes it. I’ve heard it before from other companies that sell crawl space encapsulation systems. I’m not sure where they got that idea from, but it seems to be common in certain parts of our industry.
While it’s true that eliminating the source of water should stop the mold from growing, or at least slow the growth rate considerably, the mold does not dry up and blow away or magically disappear. The mold is still there, just dormant. And the mold spores can still get into the air and into your home if disturbed by humans, animals, or air moving through the space.
Mold Spores Remain Viable for a Very Long Time
In fact, there have been various molds found to still be viable in mummies in Egyptian pyramids. Some even theorize that King Tut’s curse was caused by mold that remained in the tomb. Molds in the Egyptian desert are a possible health concern for tourists even today. And I assure you that desert sand is generally drier than most Midwest crawl spaces in the summer. Mold spores can survive for years, decades, or even centuries in harsh conditions, waiting for the right time to grow again. If moisture reenters your crawl space, the mold will get right back to work; destroying your wood, producing allergens and toxins, and lowering the value of your home after you went to the expense of having it all wrapped in a nice encapsulation system.
Encapsulation Helps Protect, But Doesn’t Eliminate Mold Growth
I’m not against crawl space encapsulation. We sell encapsulation systems. Along with preventative treatments, ventilation, and dehumidification; wrapping your crawl space can be a great option for some people to lower the humidity and keep water out. But don’t skip the important mold remediation step.
Mold doesn’t just ‘go away’ when you eliminate moisture, and it can still be a threat to your health in its dormant state. To protect your home and well-being, it’s crucial to address mold thoroughly through proper remediation and preventive measures. Only then can crawl space encapsulation be truly effective.
