Why Does My Crawl Space Smell Bad?
For some people, the idea of going into their crawl space is nothing short of nasty. It smells terrible—why bother?
Well, there's one important reason: If your crawl space smells bad, it's likely mold.
And if there's mold, you're already breathing it.
How To Fix Mold In Your Crawl Space
Over 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor of your home comes from the crawl space. That's a problem when most of the air in your crawl space is mold spores!
We care so much about mold because we know the truth that other competitors won't tell you: Mold can grow in a waterproofed crawl space. It just depends on a couple main factors: Mold needs organic material (which every home has) and a high relative humidity, about over 60-70%. It doesn't have to be wet for mold to grow—just humid. In fact, mold doesn't grow underwater.
The only way to stop mold from growing is to keep relative humidity below 55% all year long, and the best way to do that is to keep your air dry. Damp indoor air costs more money to cool, so by keeping your crawl space dry with our encapsulation system, we make it cheaper to keep your home healthier.
A popular solution that we and our homeowners love is our SaniDry Sedona, the world's most powerful dehumidifier for its size! Not only is it highly energy efficient as an Energy Star rated appliance, but it's also an air purifier as well. Keeping the air dry will also dry the environment, and mold doesn't stand a chance on dry things.
What About Anti-Mold Paint?
You might've been told that anti-mold paint can eliminate mold from your crawl space. However, this simply isn't true. It depends on the environment, as previously mentioned. Is it humid, and are there organic materials for mold to grow on? Paint won't stop mold from growing. Consider the contents of your crawl space: If you have a cardboard box, does it have to be painted too? Or what about all of your furniture? Mold grows with or without a coating, if the environment is right. That's why we use products, such as the SaniDry Sedona, that help you climate control your crawl space to eliminate any threat of mold.
How Do I Get Started?
To start removing mold from your crawl space, it's best to contact your local crawl space repair and waterproofing contractor, such as us. We'll provide you with a free inspection and a free estimate of work, presenting you with pictures and all the facts you need to know about your crawl space before making a decision. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
