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Yes, there is a mold problem not only in crawlspaces but also outdoors. Mildew accumulates on the exterior of homes, on roof shingles, on driveways. Power washing is needed often on exterior of homes and driveways, walkways.
If you have a crawlspace, there is anxiety over what may happen with mold. Have it checked by a pest control company for moisture levels often. Crawlspaces absolutely need a vapor barrior. And in attics here there is worry about mold, even with proper air flow.
Also, there is the problem when putting down hardwood floors. If your crawlspace isn't dry enough, the wood will buckle and warp.
Air conditioning is a necessity here, but moisture, mold and mildew does cause problems even with that. It's aggravating, and a constant struggle.
Or buy a house without a crawlspace. (I'm so glad we have a walkout basement built on a slab.) We also never had a mold problem in our attic. Maybe newer houses are built differently than 60's-vintage homes (like ours).
In many cases, attic mold is a by-product of crawlspace moisture. The moisture is pulled up into the attic via the wall cavity. I rarely see attic mold in newer homes, most likely due to the onset of ridge vents in our area. In older homes like split levels and ranches with a shallow roof I see it occassionally, especially on homes with only gable ventilation (and damp crawlspaces). Provided extensive mold growth does not already exist, it is relatively easy to deter it from happening. If anyone ever wants more detailed information on the subject you can always message me; I like talking houses.
Yes, there is a mold problem not only in crawlspaces but also outdoors. Mildew accumulates on the exterior of homes, on roof shingles, on driveways. Power washing is needed often on exterior of homes and driveways, walkways.
We have been in our house 18 months and have not had it power washed yet (it's 5 years old). Is this something that should be done every year, and if so at what time of the year is best? I've noticed some dark spots on the exterior that could be mildew, but could also be dirt, not sure how to tell the difference (not used to dealing with this sort of thing!).
Agree 100%!! We have a full walkout daylight basement up here in N Durham. Best purchase ever. Its so nice to not have a crawlspace, and have to deal with anything that crawlspaces entail. Plus, usually water in the crawl/moisture/mold is the #1 reason prospective buyers walk, and for us, we will never have to worry about this. Its such nice piece of mind, cause crawlspaces can be finicky and VERY high maintenance (our last home I had to spend $6,000 to waterproof the entire crawl by having a french drain dug around the entire inside perimeter of the crawl, what a freaking nightmare).
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovebrentwood
Or buy a house without a crawlspace. (I'm so glad we have a walkout basement built on a slab.) We also never had a mold problem in our attic. Maybe newer houses are built differently than 60's-vintage homes (like ours).
Agree 100%!! We have a full walkout daylight basement up here in N Durham. Best purchase ever. Its so nice to not have a crawlspace, and have to deal with anything that crawlspaces entail. Plus, usually water in the crawl/moisture/mold is the #1 reason prospective buyers walk, and for us, we will never have to worry about this. Its such nice piece of mind, cause crawlspaces can be finicky and VERY high maintenance (our last home I had to spend $6,000 to waterproof the entire crawl by having a french drain dug around the entire inside perimeter of the crawl, what a freaking nightmare).
We began our search to move here not knowing much about crawlspaces/slabs after a basement over the years. I did my research on crawlspaces v slab and decided to go with crawlspace. We had a wonderful buyer agent who toured us the area multiple times. After deciding on a builder and model we needed a lot. She picked out several and gave us the tour. I didn't fully understand all she was saying but kept saying what looked like a great lot today may be a problem later on. She kept talking about slope at the house line etc. Well we listened to her advice and have a bone dry crawl space while others have wet crawl space problems in our development. They have perfectly flat lots that the water just sits on because of clay soil etc. We also have a great guy who treats for insects and goes in the crawl space 4 times a year and checks not just for insects but for any moisture/mildew problems and we get flying colors. We have a tall crawl space which when you enter is almost 6 foot high. She figured that out from the lot etc. There are trade offs yes but a dry basement is one of the pluses.
Have a good agent who knows what they are doing and a good insect control guy who actually/really goes into the crawl space. They all don't really go in.
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