How Does Dampness Affect a Crawl Space?

Humidity and dampness are insidious issues which often occur alongside more pressing issues and go unattended as a result. However, dampness is at the root of many serious issues within a home and can be damaging to your health as well. The most common problems associated with dampness are mold formation and rot. 

• Mold Formation 

Mold and mildew are almost guaranteed in damp and humid environments. The specific types of mold that you are likely to see in a property depend on the area it is in and the amount of organic material available. However, once mold takes root it can spread very quickly, even making its way into your HVAC system. 

Mold and mildew can cause many problems which range from the irritating, like a bad odor and damage to soft furnishings or clothing, to the severe. Severe mold-related problems include respiratory issues, migraines, skin irritation, and an increased likelihood of pest infestation. If you have allergies, you may notice very severe side effects from prolonged exposure to certain species of mold. 

• Rot 

Where dampness takes root, organic material is sure to start rotting. If you have exposed woodwork in your property, like wooden support joists, you could see damage and rot taking root. Rot and decay will present as discoloration and then as softening in the structure of the wood. If the floorboards of the room above are exposed, they may also begin to warp. 

The most likely result of rotting joists or floorboards is a musty odor and sagging in your floor. If the floorboards themselves are starting to rot, they will feel bouncy and soft. If the joists which support them are rotting, you may notice a slight tilt to the room or sudden depressions in your flooring. This can easily snowball into the collapse of certain parts of your floor.