There are many good reasons that homes are built with crawlspaces. This hollow area underneath your home can range from about one foot in height to about four feet in height, and it is a very convenient place to put key components of your home like the ductwork for your heating and air conditioning, wiring and plumbing. Placing these things under the home allows for easier access and reduces the potential damage caused by problems like leaking pipes.
Crawlspaces can have their disadvantages as well. Mold in a crawlspace is one of the most common reasons for poor indoor air quality in your home. A large percentage of the air in your crawlspace under you home ends up inside your home. Because of this, it is critical to the health of your home and to the health of all the people living in your home that you take steps to avoid mold in your crawlspace.
Mold in a crawlspace is a common problem because the crawlspace is a perfect environment for mold growth. There is plenty of oxygen, it is dark, there is readily available moisture (from the air or the ground), and it is usually a more moderate temperature than the open air. To prevent mold in your crawlspace, you must get the moisture out of your crawlspace and keep it out. This can be achieved most effectively with crawlspace encapsulation and the use of a dehumidifier. Other steps you can take are to make sure that your dryer vents outside, to regularly check for leaks under your home, make sure your gutters drain at least 6 feet away from your home’s foundation and that you have sufficient ventilation in your crawlspace.