crawl space fungus

[Wesley C.]

I've read other threads on BP about mold, but as you know different regions of the country tend to experience mold in different forms and fashions. Here in the south, we have lots of crawl spaces that are very humid and the floor joists start to get growth. My present rehab has just that, but the boards are not rotted or moist, just surface "blackness" at this point. Because everyone wants to sell you something or not be liable for bad advice, its hard to get good solutions to these type issues. I don't really feel like I need to hire a mold outfit for such a light situation, but I don't want future problems either. I plan on getting better ventilation, replacing the insulation that has some growth, and replacing the insufficient vapor barrier. But can anyone offer a step by step process by which I can first get rid of the mold and then make sure it doesn't come back. The cleanup is what I'm mostly concerned about. After that I've been directed to Bora Care solution to treat the wood, but someone else suggested "20 Mule Borax soap". Thoughts on any of this......

[Andy Luick]

When it comes to mold, there actually aren't a ton of ways to skin the cat. First step, identify your source of moisture. It is usually an even split between gutters, drainage and vapor barriers. Remove any debris or scrap wood from the space or any other food source for mold. While many are well intentioned, bleach absolutely doesn't kill the spores that cause mold & mildew. It will knock it down some but that's about it. Many make this mistake of cleaning with bleach or detergent and then paint the surface only to wonder why it is graying underneath. Mold is anaerobic so once you paint over it, you've given it a motel 6....perfect place to thrive.

Microban is the industry standard for treating, killing and cleaning mold. It is usually available at JonDon supply stores but you will need a commercial account. Treat the area thoroughly with Microban....then add adequate venting....a thick vapor barrier which we usually bring about 1' up the sides and seal off the edges. Mold spores can live dormant for millions of years...cleaning it with a brush & something like borax runs the risk of mold spores getting into the air and relocating elsewhere. I've heard of others using borax but I never have. Microban is more expensive but it kills on contact...no scrubbing just spray and you're done.

My favorite house to buy is the one with black mold....scares everyone else away and it's usually an easy fix. Happy Investing!