Mold in Crawl
-
Adrianne C on Aug 14, 2014Clean it definitely, but try to ascertain where the water would be coming from. A leak perhaps?Helpful Reply
-
-
Jeanette S on Aug 14, 2014It sounds to me that you need to open up that crawl space for ventilation. I don't know who came up with the idea of putting plastic under houses! I think that is a new trick to hide things! The underside of the house should get plenty of air! Hiding wet under plastic is not fixing the problem...there is either a leak somewhere or ground water is seeping in...either way, needs to be fixed!Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
-
-
Tyrenta on Aug 14, 2014How can I get this thread moved to Home Maintenance & Repairs? There is no visible water only humidity and from what I can see this is the only visible dark colored mold in the crawl space (though there is a strong musty/urine smell). My main concern is if this mold appears to be standard mold that can be cleaned, or if it appears to be the more dangerous variety and I should call in a pro environmental service and pay thousands for their cleaning services (which they will recommend no matter what).Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
-
-
Trac on Aug 14, 2014I live in the North Georgia Mtn's and we have very high humidity and very damp homes. We use to have a very moldy basement and my husband discoverd a product that was developed by the military and is safe for both humans and pets. It's a Broad Spectrum Virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal disinfectant.You can purchase it on Amazon and it reasonably priced. Good luckHelpful Reply
-
-
Tyrenta on Aug 14, 2014Some more info -- doesn't appear to be Stachybotrys from the Healthful Home test I had. And I found where outside air is leaking into the crawl for humidity issues. But I'm still concerned over the odor it's terrible, despite no visible mold issue outside of these few small patches.Helpful Reply
-
-
Michelle Thorburn on Aug 15, 2014Mould spores need to be killed and removed. A solution of 1/4 tsp of Oil of Clove to 1lt of water sprayed onto the areas left for 24 hours and then wiped over. Repeat if necessary.Helpful Reply
-
-
Linda on Aug 15, 2014As Jeanette said, why is there a plastic/linoleum lining in your crawl space? It should be dirt.Helpful Reply
-
-
White Oak Studio Designs on Aug 15, 2014We dealt with flooding and crawl space issues, so I know exactly what you are dealing with. If that space was encapsulated (as it has to be by law to sell it) then you need to call that company to come back and complete the job. Something has gone wrong and you have a leak somewhere. the LAST thing you want is more water in the space. Don't wait get a professional in and have that taken care of.Helpful Reply
-
-
Pamela Miller on Aug 15, 2014I had a friend that had a similar problem and it was rat urine. The smell is awful and the humidity seems to carry it/make it worse. She had an exterminator come in and they also cleaned it out. Her's was worse than yours. They took out all the plastic. Usually there would be some dropiings though and don't see any in your picture.Helpful Reply
-
-
Mssmatch on Aug 15, 2014My crawl space has plastic sheeting over all the dirt- is this ok?Helpful Reply
-
-
Kathleen Turner on Aug 15, 2014You really should have a professional company look at that. Looks like black mold. It causes cancer! Be careful.Helpful Reply
-
-
Carmen on Aug 15, 2014Mold can be dangerous and costly. I exhort you to have checked by a professional, and do not attempt to remove the plastic yourself,as it may spread.Helpful Reply
-
-
Rrs368534 on Aug 15, 2014I agree with Carmen. Do not try to clean yourself or use bleach. This is a health & safety issue. Get professional & licensed mold inspector to check this out.Helpful Reply
-
-
DORLIS on Aug 15, 2014ANYONE THOUGHT OF USING CINNAMON ON IT. IT KEEPS CINNAMON BREAD FROM MOLDING. MAYBE TRY IT ON A SMALL AREA TO SEE IF IT KILLS THE MOLD.Helpful Reply
-
-
Tyrenta on Aug 15, 2014thanks for the responses. I had a professional environmental specialist out last year, and he said it was fine and didn't even need an air quality test which would be a waste of money. The professional humidity control firm that I bought my dehumidifier for my main basement from said the smell was strange -- more like cat urine than mold. The HVAC guy said we needed a duct based U/V air scrubber that of course he'd be happy to install. The basement systems firm that did the original install was happy to recommend additional services that they provide. They originally put down a vapor barrier, but it isn't air tight to the ground (they use plastic spikes to hold it to the wall). I can take a pretty good guess what a mold cleaning firm will recommend if I call them in for a hefty fee, actually needed or not. I did a mold test last night and it isn't black mold. I've seen several reports that soil off gassing can cause a strong urine smell in a small percentage of encapsulated basements, but I'd like to be sure that is the issue before going down that route. There were mice and reports that the prior owners had a rat problem at one point as well. I've been trying to solve these issues for almost a year -- the humidity I think I've finally solved but the odor is a nightmare.Helpful Reply
-
-
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Aug 15, 2014The mildew your seeing was caused by standing water and the associated dust that collected. It appears that the vinyl that was used to cover the floor was a vinyl floor remnant that was placed down on the ground. An admiral idea, but horrible use of such a product. 1st. the mold you see is easy to simply clean up using any quality shower and bath cleaner. The material that is allowing this to grow will not really support any real nasty stuff. But if you do suffer from mold allergies or have someone in the home that does, or even a compromised immune system you will want to wear a mask and soak the area down before attempting to wipe it away. Or get someone else to do the cleaning for you. The 2nd thing you need to understand is that its very likely there is a real mold concern below this vinyl material. Vinyl flooring is a mix of sorts. It has a plastic type top where the pattern is placed, then under that there is a material that is more like a paper product. Normally this the material that the glue sticks to when fastening the floor down. In fact if you ever tried to pull up a vinyl floor after it was glued down, this is the material that remains as the surface pulls away. In any case, this material is a paper product. Paper is ideal food for mold development. The moisture that was part of the issue why the vinyl was placed down is the amount of dampness mold needs to develop. You will need to remove this covering. This is the strong odors that your are smelling. The proper way to seal the crawl area is to rake any organic materials out from that area. Then using a vinyl sheet, much like a pool liner place that down and up the sides of the crawl space. To at least six or 10 inches above the outside grade. Ideally the vinyl should extend to the wood sill, but not cover it. All seams need to be sealed. Vinyl glue should be used. Just be sure the area is well ventilated. Seams can also be taped using vinyl tape designed to use with the product your using. Many people use plastic that they purchase from the home centers. This will work, but its short lived as over time this material will begin to crack and fail. The vinyl material will last a much longer time and resists damage should you need to move around in there for services or storage.Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
-
-
Charlotte Belange on Aug 15, 2014were ever it is just cut it out you may have more mold than you thinkHelpful Reply
-
-
Irish53 on Aug 15, 2014Have you tried Damp rid? They have all styles for different ares of the house works great. I have used an open bag of charcoal with out the lighter fluid to clear up orders in the basement should also work in crawl space.Helpful Reply
-
-
Jaci on Aug 15, 2014Try white vinegar instead of bleach. Easier on the lungs and will help neutralize odor, especially if it is animal urineHelpful Reply
-
-
Linda on Aug 16, 2014OK, I had no idea that we didn't do dirt crawl spaces anymore. Or maybe the regs are different from state to state?Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
-
-
Rrs368534 on Aug 16, 2014You made the right choice by getting professional looking at it.Helpful Reply
-
-
Susan H Dittman on Aug 16, 2014Bleach only appears to get rid of the mold. It is the spores that are so hazardous and bleach does not kill them. I am just now reading the most recent posts here and it looks like you got professional help. Good choice!! Mold is dangerous. Read about it in Leviticus 14:33-53Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
How to get rid of mice?
We seem to have some unwelcome Mickeys and Minnies in our house. What is the best way to get rid of them?
How to remove popcorn ceiling with asbestos?
I want to remove my popcorn ceiling, but it has asbestos in it. How do I go about this safely?
How to caulk baseboard gaps?
How do I fill gaps at baseboard, should I caulk? If so, does anyone know how to caulk baseboards?
How to fix squeaky hardwood floors?
How do I fix squeaky hardwood floors?
Water damage on bathroom ceiling
I am about to patch up this water damage on a low bathroom ceiling. What can i paint/seal the entire ceiling with to minimize future water damage? the ceiling is very... See more
Brown paper floor/wall help
I have purchased a brown roll of paper because I wanted a consistent "vein" look through out the walls and the brown paper bags I was getting would sometimes be "vein... See more