Mold Remediation & Prevention

Mold needs moisture to grow. If you suspect your house has a mold problem, you must first address where the moisture is coming from. Most molds require a relative humidity of 52% or greater to survive. Most molds will thrive at 60% relative humidity or above.

The crawlspace is the area where we find the greatest concentration of mold. Almost every crawlspace we have looked at in the Charlottesville area has a relative humidity if 55% or greater during the summer months. With most being 65% or greater. This is attributed to poorly installed vapor barriers and crawlspace vents that are left open.

Mold eats porous materials, the most common being, wood, paper face of insulation and probably the biggest culprit, drywall. Once drywall gets wet, as a homeowner, you have 24-48 hours to get it dry before the mold can begin to take over.

Allergic reaction is the most common malady associated with mold. Molds give off a gas, which is what affects people and their bodies. The most susceptible are the elderly, immune-deficient and children. Signs of long-term exposure include allergic reactions, dizziness and respiratory issues.

Warning Signs

  • Damp, musty odors
  • Evidence of moisture or water leaks
  • Condensation
  • Family members complaining of not feeling well
  • Coughing, dizziness or flu like symptoms

What You Can Do

  • Pinpoint and fix the moisture source. (Often times a crawlspace)
  • Check basement, windows, crawlspace and roofs for leaks
  • Keep gutters clean and run downspouts at least 6 feet from foundation
  • Make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outside, not into the CRAWLSPACE
  • Make sure slope runs away from the house
  • Remember, if you control the moisture, you control the mold

Find more information on what you can do to prevent and combat mold in the EPA's Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home click here.

Call Us Today...

Cville-Enviro’s mold remediation and prevention team have served countless residences in our community to their satisfaction. We also want you to know that when we serve you, we do so to the satisfaction of several longstanding, national guidelines for removing mold. We are familiar with guidelines set by the EPA, OSHA, ACGIH, and the IICRC S-520, and we strictly follow the methods suggested in these standards. Call Now! 434-220-0717