How Can Mold and Rot Damage Your Home?
The same conditions that promote the growth of mold invite decay fungi to rot wood and other organic materials.
The presence of mold and dispersion of mold spores will reduce the indoor air quality of your home. Mold will also cause unsightly stains and unpleasant odors. It will not, however, cause structural damage. Mold tends to grow on surfaces rather than deep into substrates. In order for structural damage to occur decay fungi, mold's not so distant cousin, needs to gain a foothold.
Don't be complacent though. The presence of mold means that the conditions are probably right for the fungi that cause decay, too. Decay fungi spores, moisture, organic material, and temperatures over 40 degrees are all it takes for the rotting process to begin.
Where to look for decay
Rot can occur anywhere in the home, but the crawlspace or basement is the most common location. Floor joists, girders, and sill plates - basically the entire floor framing system under your house – are vulnerable to rot – and making repairs isn't cheap. Imagine a carpenter trying to figure out how he's going to crawl under your home and get new 16-foot-long 2" x 10"s in place, with all the ductwork, wiring, plumbing, and bridging (cross bracing) that are attached to the old rotted joists. In a low crawlspace, take into consideration he will be operating on his back. It's not easy on him, and it's not going to be easy on your bank account.
When the floors in this New England condominium began bouncing and getting soft, new framing lumber was installed to either side of every girder and every floor joist so the home would not cave in. Once the crawlspace was encapsulated and dehumidified using the Basement Systems CleanSpace® Crawl Space Encapsulation System, the moisture problem was eliminated.
That the sill plate had to be replaced over this vent was no coincidence. Vents are a prime source of moisture-laden air – just what decay fungi prefer. Your vents should always be some of the first things your contractor inspects.
Structural repairs don't guarantee rot won't return
Most of the time, structural repairs are done without fixing the root of the problem. So it's only a matter of time before the new framing rots out, and has to be torn out and replaced all over again. If you want your structural components to last, it's imperative to eliminate the moist conditions that lead to rot in the first place, before making any repairs.
Find a mold removal expert in your area who can repair all of your mold issues and prevent mold from damaging your home and your health. Many Basement Systems, Inc. dealers offer Free Estimates! Contact us today to learn more.
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