Crawl Space Health: Wood Rot vs. Mold

As a homeowner in Appomattox, VA, you understand the importance of a healthy crawl space. However, spending too much time—or any, for that matter—down there checking for wood rot or mold can be very uncomfortable and dangerous.

Crawl spaces are notoriously claustrophobia-inducing areas, but you can still make sure your crawl space is healthy without subjecting yourself to anxiety. One of the best ways to do this is to have professionals encapsulate your crawl space. Annual crawl space assessments are great, as well. However, there are a few ways to keep an eye on your crawl space from your living area. However, before we get into all of that, let’s check out wood rot and mold more closely. 

Wood Rot vs. Mold 

Changes to humidity levels in your crawl space or the way it smells may have you wondering if you are dealing with a mold or wood rot infestation. Although both are caused by fungal species, they are very different, and one can be detrimental to the health of a crawl space and home. We’re talking, of course, about wood rot. 

Wood rot loves damp and humid spaces. Naturally, crawl spaces, particularly those that lack encapsulation or have dirt floors, are a favorite breeding ground for it. 

The main difference between wood rot and mold is that the former digests the wood it infects. It spreads very quickly and can wreak havoc on a space. If left to its own devices, wood rot can completely annihilate wooden joists. Don’t let this happen to your home. The last thing you want is to have to replace your joists. As you might assume, doing so can be incredibly expensive. 

Mold, on the other hand, is much less harmful to your home’s structural integrity. However, it can be toxic to individuals living inside the home. Like wood rot, mold is a range of fungal species. It loves damp and moist spaces, and humidity is its best friend. 

It’s easy to tell the difference between mold and wood rot. Mold is a slimy discoloration on wood that comes in numerous colors, from black and orange to purple. Conversely, wood rot does not present as a discoloration but rather looks like decay. 

The good news is that wood rot and mold can be dealt with. More importantly, it can be prevented with the help of a crawl space repair expert. 

Common Signs of Wood Rot and Mold 

Wood rot and mold are very different and impact your crawl space in various ways. One is more dangerous than the other, but both have a range of symptoms that go beyond the visual. In other words, you can also feel the effects of wood rot and mold in your crawl space in your above-ground living areas. 

Here are the signs of crawl space mold and wood rot:

Bouncy Floors

Wood rot causes a phenomenon known as bouncy floors. These floors sag under any amount of weight. But then, almost paradoxically, they bounce back up to their original position when the weight is lifted off them. 

If your floor is giving way as we described, it’s because it’s infested with wood rot. Floor joists infected with wood rot do not snap under the weight of objects until the infestation has advanced to the final stages because wood rot impacts the structural integrity of the wood. It permeates a large area at once, damaging it slowly, which is why the wood becomes elastic. 

Musty Crawl Space Smells

Many homeowners in Appomattox, VA, believe it is normal for crawl spaces to smell bad. However, an earthy, musty smell is a sign of either mold or wood rot. 

Both wood rot and mold are completely natural developments in the wild. Wood in forests around the world has always decayed this way, and it happens when there is plenty of dampness and humidity. 

An adequately encapsulated, healthy crawl space should not smell musty. If you notice a musty smell coming from your crawl space, contact an expert. 

High Humidity

As we mentioned above, mold and wood rot are natural processes that result from high humidity levels. While we want wood to decay in forests, we want to prevent it from happening in crawl spaces. The best way is to lower humidity levels with crawl space encapsulation and dehumidifiers. 

Wood rot and mold thrive in humid conditions and can be detrimental to the health of your loved ones and the structural integrity of your home. Before things get out of hand, contact the expert team at JES Foundation Repair to schedule a free crawl space inspection and repair quote.

Mold FAQs

Can I handle mold removal by myself?

DIY attempts, such as scrubbing with bleach, are inadequate for complete mold removal and do not address the underlying causes. Entering a crawl space can be risky. Professional mold removal, followed by JES’s moisture management solutions, is the safest approach. 

Should you worry about crawl space mold?

While crawl space mold doesn’t need to cause panic, it’s still a good idea to address the issue quickly.  
There is no “acceptable” level of mold in a crawl space and ignoring it could lead to structural issues or health problems – both of which are cause for worry. 

How Can I Tell if My Home Has Mold?

Mold is a strange substance to have in a home. While it is rarely damaging to the structure of your home as a whole, it can damage organic materials like textiles, drywall, and decorations. Likewise, mold can be damaging to your health and wellbeing if you are exposed to certain species of mold over time. Black mold is particularly dangerous and can cause side effects that range from rashes and infections to fainting and seizures. That’s why learning to spot it can be a vital skill.

There are two main ways you can spot mold in your home: through sight, or through smell. Mold formations are generally very noticeable, but they also tend to form in dark, secluded areas where they are able to thrive without much interference. Mold formations cause changes in color and texture when they form, and they can be found on all kinds of surfaces in a home. They are more likely to form around appliances that are connected to your plumbing system, however, or in rooms that frequently see steam and condensation.

If you do not see mold formations, you may smell them. Mold can produce a unique, musty smell that is slightly sweet and dry. This smell will be strongest near large mold formations, and can produce reactions that are similar to those experienced by people with hay fever or other seasonal allergies. If you notice this kind of smell around your home, you should check some of the more hidden areas around your home for visible mold formations. If you find any, it’s best to stay away from the area and call in a professional who can help.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.