Barrington and Palatine - Why is Mold Growing in the Crawlspace or Basement

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Palatine IL Basement Mold

Mold cannot grow without moisture or high humidity, so a thorough investigation is necessary to determine the cause of elevated moisture in the crawlspace or basement. In most cases several minor conditions have contributed to creating an major problem.

 - Gutter and downspout extensions. For every 1,500 square feet of roof and one inch of rain 1,000 gallons of water drain off the roof. If gutters do not catch the water or the downspout extensions do not carry the water at least 6 feet away, all of that rain water can find its way into the crawlspace or basement.

 - The drainage of the yard is sloped back toward the home and drains rainwater back into the crawlspace or basement.

 - The condensate drain form the HVAC system can deposit up to 20 gallons of water per day and is sometimes dumped at the edge of the foundation.

 - A small unnoticed plumbing leak.

 - Foundation cracks can allow groundwater into the crawlspace or basement.

 - Rain penetrations through the building envelope such as the seam where a porch joins the home, window or door openings, improperly installed siding or unsealed building exteriors.

- Dryer vents improperly ducted can introduce warm humid air into the crawlspace or basement.

Please call SERVPRO of Barrington/North Schaumburg at (847) 526-0090 for information about mold remediation for your crawlspace or basement.