Most of the air that we breathe while inside our homes and other buildings comes from inside the crawl space. Therefore, it is crucial that the crawl space be free of toxins, gasses, and mold. Crawl space plastic is the best solution for construction mold prevention to stop mold from accumulating inside the crawl space. Americover vapor barriers and plastic sheeting, like the 10 Mil Pro Crawl™ Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier with MPT™, can prevent mold from growing.
Speak with one of our crawl space experts by calling 760-388-6294.
What Type of Mold is Commonly Found in the Crawl Space?
Mold thrives in places where there is plenty of moisture, such as in the roof, around pipes, and in the crawl space of buildings and homes. Mold thrives in many building materials, including drywall, carpet, upholstery, paper products, cardboard, wood, and much more. Some of the most common types of mold that infect homes are Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Stachybotrys, among others.
According to the CDC, there are no exact numbers on how often mold infects buildings. Additionally, different molds common in homes have different effects on breathers, from mild to severe. Aspergillus, for instance, is quite common in homes and may only prove to affect those with a weakened immune system or tuberculosis. Meanwhile, Stachybotrys, also known as Black Mold, is potentially extremely harmful to humans. Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Alternaria can have potentially harmful effects on the health and allergies of humans.
Some symptoms of a mold problem include stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, or itchy skin. For those with more intense allergies or asthma, there can be severe reactions, including fever and shortness of breath.
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How Does Mold Affect the Home or Building Structure?
In addition to the harmful effects of mold on humans and animals, mold can damage the internal structure of homes and buildings. Mold is often an indicator of rot, which can damage drywall, frames, and pipes. Mold compromises the structure of the building, which can lead to leaks, drafts, and collapses in the most dire of circumstances.
What Are the Solutions for Construction Mold Prevention in the Crawl Space?
Crawl spaces are especially susceptible to mold because of their proximity to the ground. Ground soil produces moisture and gasses, which can cause a moisture buildup in the crawl space. Encapsulation with crawl space plastic is the most effective way to prevent the buildup of mold in the crawl space area.
To encapsulate a crawl space, install a vapor barrier along the walls and floor of the crawl space according to best practices for the climate of the area where the building or home is located. Install the barrier using double-sided butyl tape along the top barrier and sealing the overlap with vapor tape.
Related Article: Crawl space Vapor Barriers for Radon Mitigation
The Best Crawl Space Plastic for Encapsulation
10 Mil Pro Crawl™ Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier with MPT™: This second-generation Pro Crawl™ vapor barrier is embedded with Mold Prevention Technology (MPT™) that prevents mold and fungus from growing on the material.
“Mold prevention is so important for the health and longevity of our families and friends — that is why builders, contractors, and homeowners want reliable coverage for their crawl spaces,” says Americover Founder and President Tevan Riedel. “We created the 10 mil Pro Crawl™ Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier™ with MPT™ to provide peace of mind.”
Other Americover options include the Pro Crawl Barrier. The Pro Crawl Barrier is a 10 mil Class 1 Vapor Barrier with a high gloss white finish offering low permeability and excellent tensile strength to protect the building fabric from moisture vapor damage.
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As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with a representative, call us at 760-388-6294 or contact us.