Why Mold in the Crawl Space Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think

Most homeowners never go in their crawl space. And that’s exactly why mold down there turns into a serious—and expensive—problem before anyone notices.

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’ve pulled out soggy insulation, treated black mold, and replaced rotten floor joists all because a little crawl space moisture went unchecked. Here’s what you need to know.

Crawl Space Mold Spreads Upward

Mold doesn’t stay put. Once it’s in your crawl space, spores rise with the air into your living areas. This is called the “stack effect”, and it means you could be breathing in mold from below your feet every day.

Mold exposure symptoms include:

• Chronic cough or sinus issues

• Eye irritation

• Fatigue and headaches

• Worsened asthma or allergies

If you’re noticing musty smells or allergy flare-ups at home, your crawl space could be the cause.

It Can Wreck the Structure of Your Home

Mold eats what it grows on. In crawl spaces, that means floor joists, subflooring, insulation, and even sill plates. Left alone, you’ll start to see:

• Sagging or uneven floors

• Soft spots or dips

• Higher energy bills (due to compromised insulation)

In Ohio, where humidity levels swing and spring rain is no joke, mold can form fast. According to ANSI/IICRC S520, any porous materials heavily colonized with mold (like insulation or wood that’s deteriorated) should be removed—not just cleaned.

It Could Affect Your Home’s Value or Insurability

When it comes time to sell or refinance, inspectors will check the crawl space. If mold is found, it can:

• Kill deals with buyers

• Require documented professional remediation

• Spike insurance premiums or reduce coverage options

We’ve helped homeowners in Grove City, Dublin, and Hilliard clean up crawl space mold just weeks before their homes hit the market. Don’t wait that long.

Signs You Should Check Your Crawl Space

You don’t need to crawl under your house yourself. But you should get it looked at if:

• Your floors feel soft or saggy

• You smell must or mildew indoors

• You see water pooling near the foundation

• You’ve had recent water leaks, plumbing issues, or a sump pump failure

What We Do at Total Home Water Restoration

Our crawl space mold checks include:

• Moisture reading and thermal imaging

• Air sampling if needed

• Photo documentation

• Honest recommendations—no scare tactics

If mold is found, we follow IICRC standards and Ohio code for proper containment, removal, and sealing. And we explain everything clearly—no guessing.

Don’t let what’s under your house destroy what’s inside it. If you suspect mold in your crawl space, call Tyler at Total Home Water Restoration. We’ll check it out and fix it like it’s our own home.

📍 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837