Crawlspace: what's in yours?

wtdolch • October 22, 2021

Here in the Carolinas many homes are built over a crawl space. The foundation typically has 6”x10” vents in order to exchange outside air with the crawl space air. The original intent was to let the good air in and let the bad air out. Sometimes the system doesn't work the way it was intended. The soil under your home is typically 50 to 55 degrees and does not get any sunshine. The outdoor air can be hot and humid for six months of the year. So what happens when hot air hits cold soil? Condensation. This condensation is enough moisture to trigger unwanted mold growth in the crawl space. This creates is a giant kind of Petri Dish below your home.

Building science tells us that air in a building rises. Sooner or later the air in the crawl space rises upward into the living space and eventually the attic.
Many crawl spaces become neglected areas where very few people enter and the people that do are not always there to improve the space but to repair plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems, or kill unwanted pests.
Not all crawl spaces are alike. Some buildings sit in a moist area, some sit on a dry area, some are susceptible to poorly designed foundations or broken household systems.

Your crawl space can harbor molds that are dangerous to humans, or dangerous to the structure itself. A crawl space inspection is recommended to determine the condition of this area and its influence on the health of your home.

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Productive Microbial Cleaning

By Bill Dolch • December 21, 2024

First - Ban the Broom As you sweep dust, spores and fragments of mold growth become airborne and then begin to settle again. Second - Always Use a Properly Functioning True HEPA Vacuum Cleaner Third - Vacuum From All Directions When vacuuming carpets or area rugs it is important to vacuum from all possible directions. Fourth - Remove and Empty the vacuum collection bag or canister outside Every time the vacuum cleaner bag or collection canister is emptied inside the home some dust will become airborne and resettle back into that home. Fifth - Check to see how much dirt is being missed when you vacuum This check will help you learn how much vacuuming you need to do to be sufficient. Sixth - HEPA Vacuum Before Performing Wet or Damp Cleaning Any time visible dirt is present on a surface it should be thoroughly cleaned by HEPA vacuuming first. Seventh - Clean Hard Surfaces with Microfiber Cleaning Cloths Cleaning with typical rags or towels quickly begin to smear the dirt around on a surface rather than clean it well. Eighth - Monitor How productively You have Cleaned Hard Surfaces Repeat step seven and then look at the wipes. Ninth - Use Common, Safe Household Products for Cleaning productively Tenth - Avoid Dangerous Ineffective Products