Blog Layout

Wondering why there’s mold on your Louisiana crawl space floor joists?

mold on Louisiana crawl space

Curious why mold developed on your Louisiana crawl space floor joists?


Mold development on crawl space floor joists is a frequently encountered issue by Louisiana homeowners. The crawl space, being a damp and dark environment, provides an ideal habitat for mold growth. The accumulation of moisture and humidity in this area provides the necessary conditions for mold spores to flourish. Neglecting mold growth on your crawl space floor joists can lead to several problems.


Primarily, mold growth can weaken the structural integrity of your floor joists. The mold can erode the wood fibers in your floor joists, making them brittle and unstable, leading to sagging and other structural problems, necessitating expensive repairs.


Secondarily, mold growth can also pose a health risk to you and your family. The mold spores can disperse through stack effect, causing respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems, especially in people inhabiting the main living areas of the house.


It's essential to note that the heating and air conditioning ducts can also be a source of mold growth. Uninsulated Louisiana ducts are prone to condensation, which eventually evaporates or drips to the ground. These water vapors rise up and deposit damp air onto the floor joists and subfloor, leading to mold growth throughout the crawl space.


If you suspect mold growth on your Louisiana crawl space floor joists, it's imperative to have it inspected and remediated expeditiously to prevent further damage and health risks.


Some of the most frequent reasons for mold growth on your crawl space floor joists include:


  • High humidity
  • Rising ground-water vapors from exposed dirt floor
  • Lack of proper ventilation and/or dehumidification
  • Improper/insufficient insulation
  • Condensation from pipes and ducts
  • Water leak from above
  • Flooding
How to deal with mold on my crawl space floor joists in Louisiana?

Misconceptions About Mold Growth and How to Prevent It in Your Louisiana Crawl Space

Despite common assumptions, water damage or leaks are not the sole causes of mold growth. In particular, Louisiana crawl space floor joists are prone to mold development due to inadequate air circulation or high humidity levels. The presence of rising ground water vapors compounds the issue, creating a conducive environment for mold growth in the sub-floor and floor joists. It's essential to note that even incorrect insulation can lead to moisture-related complications such as condensation. Over-insulation can also impede proper airflow and ventilation in the crawl space, making it susceptible to mold growth.

If you're dealing with mold in your Louisiana crawl space, it's important to act fast. Here are some steps to follow:


  1. Contact a reputable mold inspection and/or remediation company that services your area.
  2. Have them inspect the area and prepare a scope of work that outlines the steps necessary to safely remove the mold.
  3. Ensure that the chosen mold remediation company will be removing mold from the exposed and accessible surfaces in the crawl space (not just “treating” the mold in place).
  4. Ask about their mold remediation process, specifically for crawl spaces.
  5. Have the company make recommendations for preventing mold from returning to your crawl space floor joists.


Here’s DryMax Mold's typical mold remediation process for Louisiana homes and businesses:


  • Containment of the affected areas.
  • Removal of unsalvageable, mold-contaminated building materials.
  • Hepa vacuuming exposed surfaces.
  • Application of concentrated hydrogen peroxide agent to “boil” embedded mold roots from the exposed surfaces.
  • Physical scrubbing and wiping mold spores from exposed surfaces.
  • Application of a people-and-pet safe antimicrobial agent on exposed surfaces.
  • Re Hepa-vacuum exposed surfaces (using new brush tips).
  • Have surfaces tested to confirm proper cleanup.
  • Ensure that all cleaned framing and materials have normal moisture content.
  • Apply clear, mold resistant coating to wood framing and building materials.


Is it Possible to Sell a House with Mold on the Crawlspace Floor Joists?

If you're selling your property, it's unlikely that mold will be overlooked by prospective buyers, unless you advertise the property "as is." Mold inspections are now commonplace and many homebuyers are well-educated about the issue. If mold is discovered during a home inspection, don't worry; it can be cleaned. Contact a reputable mold remediation contractor like DryMax Mold who guarantees their work.


If you suspect mold growth in your Louisiana crawl space, it is important to have it inspected and remediated by a licensed, certified, mold professional. This will prevent further damage to your home and ensure the health and safety of your family.


To contact a mld remediation expert at DryMax Mold, click here.

You might also like

DryMax Mold Blogs

Preventing Mold in Louisiana: A Homeowners Guide to Healthy Living

By Thomas Duff • 20 Feb, 2024
Preventing Mold in Louisiana: A Homeowners Guide to Healthy Living

Navigating Mold Damage Insurance Claims in Louisiana

By Thomas Duff • 05 Feb, 2024
Mold Damage and Insurance Coverage in Louisiana When it comes to homeowners insurance in Louisiana, coverage for mold damage hinges on the source of the mold and the specific provisions in the insurance policy. For instance, mold removal is typically covered when the source of the mold is a peril already covered in homeowners insurance policies in Louisiana, such as water damage from burst pipes or malfunctioning appliances. However, it's important to note that mold damage from natural disasters or homeowner negligence is usually not covered by homeowners insurance in Louisiana. An example of this is when a homeowner experiences water damage from a burst pipe, and this leads to mold growth in their home. In this scenario, the mold removal would likely be covered because the source of the mold (water damage) is a peril already covered in a standard homeowners insurance policy in Louisiana. On the other hand, if the mold is a result of long-term neglect of a leaking pipe, it may not be covered under the policy. Some homeowners insurance companies have gone as far as dropping coverage for mold altogether in Louisiana, making it crucial for homeowners to carefully review their insurance policies and seek professional advice to ensure they fully understand their coverage. This underscores the significance of homeowners being proactive in understanding the extent of their coverage and taking steps to prevent mold growth in their properties. Understanding the nuances of mold damage coverage under homeowners insurance in Louisiana is essential for homeowners in safeguarding their properties. It's imperative to review insurance policies diligently and seek professional help if facing a mold damage claim , especially in cases where claims have been denied or underpaid based on mold exclusions.

The Mold Menace: How Mold Infestation Can Diminish Property Values in Louisiana

By Thomas Duff • 31 Jan, 2024
The Mold Menace: How Mold Infestation Can Diminish Property Values in Louisiana The article explores the impact of mold on property values in Louisiana, discussing how mold can cause structural damage, health issues, and decrease the desirability of properties, while also providing tips for prevention and remediation. Understanding Mold and Its Effects on Property Values Mold's impact on property values in the Louisiana real estate market is multifaceted and can have significant repercussions for both buyers and sellers. When mold infestation occurs, it can result in a myriad of issues that affect the value of a property. From causing structural damage to diminishing aesthetic appeal, increasing maintenance costs, and impacting market desirability, the presence of mold can lead to a decrease in property value. For example, the discovery of mold in a home can lead to potential buyers negotiating for a lower price to account for the costs of addressing the mold issue and the perceived decrease in the property's value. The potential health implications of mold infestation are a pivotal factor in understanding its impact on property values. Long-term exposure to mold can lead to persistent sinusitis, respiratory infections, and even brain disorders, affecting the desirability and value of a property. For instance, if a property has a history of mold infestation leading to health issues for previous occupants, it can significantly reduce its appeal and market value, as potential buyers may be deterred by the health risks associated with mold exposure.
Share by: