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Originally Posted On: https://www.baycrawlspace.com/crawl-space-mold-types-whats-that-growing-in-your-crawl-space/

Homes in the United States now cost an average of over $450,000 as of 2023. Although this has made it difficult for some people to purchase a home, many others have viewed it as a great investment opportunity.

One of the most important responsibilities that homeowners have is keeping their house a safe place to live in.

In context, this means looking for the presence of mold throughout the home. People often find toxic mold in their crawl spaces, but not everybody understands the different crawl space mold types they might encounter. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know.

Black Mold

This is one of the most commonly found crawl space mold types. It is known for its slimy texture and foul smell.

Black mold usually grows on surfaces that are constantly damp, such as near leaky pipes or in areas with poor ventilation. Aside from having a negative impact on air quality, black mold can cause serious health problems such as breathing difficulty, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

Some types of black mold or more dangerous than others.

White Mold

This is a type of water damage-related mold that usually grows in cool and damp environments. It can be identified by its white-to-grayish color and musty smell.

White mold often grows on walls and within crawl spaces if they’re left unattended for an extended period of time. This is particularly true for those who have homes in humid regions.

Stachybotrys Chartarum (Toxic Black Mold)

This is a very dangerous form of mold, and it needs to be removed immediately.

It’s dark greenish-black in color and also has a slimy texture. Stachybotrys chartarum can cause severe respiratory illnesses and can be particularly dangerous to those with weakened immune systems. This type of mold is often confused with general black mold, which could be many different types of mold that appear black in color.

Aspergillus

This type of mold is usually found growing on wood, carpeting, wallpaper, and insulation materials. It has a dusty texture and comes in a variety of colors such as green, gray, and yellow. Aspergillus is known to cause allergic reactions in people and can also lead to asthma-like symptoms.

It is notably common within crawl spaces due to the conditions in which it thrives.

Mold Vs Mildew

Interestingly, mildew is not actually a type of mold. Mildew is usually identified by its white and powdery texture, and it grows in warm, humid environments.

It has a musty smell but doesn’t cause any serious health problems. In contrast, mold can be dangerous to your health since it releases toxins into the air.

What Are the General Health Effects of Mold?

The presence of mold in any environment can cause health problems such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, asthma attacks, and even headaches.

If the mold is toxic black mold or Aspergillus, it can also lead to more serious illnesses. These include respiratory infections, respiratory failure, and even memory loss.

That’s why it’s important to identify and remove different crawl space mold types as soon as possible.

What Is the Best Way to Remove Mold?

The best way to remove mold is to hire a professional mold remediation company.

They have the experience and expertise to properly identify, clean, and remove different types of crawl space mold. The process usually involves identifying all sources of moisture, assessing the extent of the damage done by the mold, containing it in order to avoid cross-contamination, and finally cleaning the area. Afterward, they may also perform a post-cleanup inspection to make sure that all mold is gone.

It’s important to hire experienced professionals for this job in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the process. It’s important to address the root cause of the problem once the mold has been removed. This could be anything from poor ventilation to water damage or standing water around your home.

It’s essential to take corrective measures in order to prevent mold from growing again in the future.

How Do I Find the Right Company For Me?

When searching for a mold remediation company, it’s important to make sure they are certified and have the experience to handle different types of mold.

You can also ask for references from family members or friends who have used their services before. Make sure to research their safety protocols and read reviews online so you know exactly what kind of service they offer.

When looking through past feedback, consider how the company responds to any negative reviews they receive. If they are defensive or aggressive, this is a sign that you need to consider looking elsewhere. Otherwise, you run the risk of having a similar experience.

Once you have found the right company, make sure to be clear about your expectations when discussing the project. This will help ensure that they are able to deliver a successful job that meets your needs.

A good mold removal company should be able to provide you with an effective and safe solution for removing mold from your crawl space.

Understanding Crawl Space Mold Types Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

Understanding the different crawl space mold types you might encounter is much easier than it seems.

As long as you keep the above information in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best professional to work with and get rid of mold in your crawl space as soon as possible. Looking for more information on what we can do? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.