Say Goodbye to White Mold in Your Crawl Space

What Exactly Is White Mold? 

White mold is a species of fungi whose name is derived from its appearance as a white substance. White mold is commonly known to have two textures: fuzzy or light and powdery. Although textures may differ, the implications of the existence of white mold in your crawl space are still serious.  

The growth and spread of white mold is often the result of elevated levels of moisture and low-to-no airflow. That is why white mold can often gather in crawl spaces, especially in Florida where humidity levels are high nearly 9 months out of the year.  

Florida also experiences heavy rainfall throughout the year, which seeps into the soil beneath your crawl space and serves as the catalyst for the growth of white mold. High moisture levels beneath your crawl space can also be the result of plumbing leaks or poor dehumidification. 

Where Does White Mold Form in Crawl Spaces? 

White mold often forms in one of two places in your crawl space. The most common area in which you may find white mold is where the structure of your crawl space meets the soil. As rainfall and water gather in the soil and make it damp throughout the year, mold grows as humidity spikes both before and after rainfall. Exposed soil is also a common contributor to the growth of white mold. Often, this is due to an incomplete or missing vapor barrier. The limited airflow and excess moisture in the soil increase humidity levels and allow for mold growth. White mold can also commonly form on the floor joists of your crawl space if the conditions are the same.  

What is the Difference Between Efflorescence and White Mold? 

It is quite easy to confuse efflorescence with white mold. The fact of the matter is white mold is often much harder to get rid of than efflorescence and has much more serious implications. The difference between white mold and efflorescence is that efflorescence can vary between white, brown, and yellow colors. Even if both substances appear to look the same, efflorescence has no odor and dissolves in water, unlike white mold. If left untreated it is also quite common for efflorescence to develop into mold if the climate and conditions around its gathering are sufficient. 

Tips for Spotting White Mold Growth 

White mold grows and spreads fast under the right circumstances. It is common for it to reach various parts of your home that are located near your crawl space. Inspecting your crawl space for white mold and keeping in mind the signs that may indicate its accumulation will serve you well to prevent its spread. It is imperative to spot the growth of white mold in its earliest stages before it spreads to other parts of your home. Keep an eye out for white mold to prevent further damage to the structural integrity of your home–as well as your physical health.  

Changes in Climate 

Dampness and increased humidity levels in and around the area of your crawl space are an indicator that white mold has begun to grow and spread there. If you feel or notice an influx in humidity levels or notice water droplets around your crawl space, chances are that white mold will soon appear–or has already begun to grow and spread. 

Health Symptoms 

The musty odors that occur in conjunction with white mold growth can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. These reactions can include sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, watery eyes, itchy skin, dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases: asthma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms that come with exposure to white mold, chances are it’s already growing in your household. 

Is it Easy to Detect White Mold? 

The easiest way to detect white mold is through a visual inspection of your home and its crawl space. Recognizing common signs of the growth of white mold will also help you to detect its presence. However, your local technician will most likely detect white mold through a process called direct mold sampling. There are many diverse types of sampling practices, including tape lifts and swab/bulk samples. Your specialist will send these samples to a lab for testing to determine if you have white mold growing in your crawl space. 

Do You Need a Technician? 

Alpha Foundations, an expert in foundation repair and crawl space encapsualtion throughout Florida, has been helping Florida residents get rid of white mold for years. Through their proven processes and expertise, they have tackled even the most severe cases of crawl space fungi. Our specialists also offer services that will help prevent the growth of white mold before it even starts! Contact us today for your free inspection!