If you had a burst pipe over the past winter, or if you’ve had any other type of water issue recently in your home, there could be mold growing in your crawl space. Mold and mildew can also form when the moisture from the ground is trapped beneath your house. Such issues can lead to health problems for you and your family,  particularly if one of your family members has a breathing condition, such as asthma or COPD.  Fortunately, there are several easy and affordable things you can do to eliminate such a mold hazard.

Ways to eliminate mold in your crawl space

1. Install foundation vents. Foundation vents help to keep the air flowing beneath your house, drastically reducing the chance of mold developing. These vents are available at home improvement and hardware stores, are easy to install and can be closed during the winter when the temperatures plummet.

2. Have your crawl space cleaned. If you’re like most homeowners, you rarely think about the crawl space under your home. However, the moisture (and dirt and debris) that collects there can easily be circulated throughout your living spaces, compromising your indoor air quality. Having your crawl space cleaned periodically can help keep your indoor air healthy and clean.

3. Make sure your roof drainage system is secure. Leaky or leaf-laden gutters can cause water to cascade over the side of the gutters along the foundation line and allow water to seep into your crawl space. Making sure to keep your gutters free of debris and your downspouts properly attached will help to keep that water out of your crawl space.

Keeping your crawl space dry with Kaufman’s Home Maintenance

If you’d like help keeping your crawl space clean and dry, Kaufman’s home maintenance can help. We offer a full range of home repair and handyman services, either as on-demand or as a subscription service. Our home maintenance packages are designed to meet each homeowner’s particular maintenance needs and include such services as washing exterior windows, cleaning out gutters and downspouts, changing furnace filters, installing foundation vents, cleaning heating ducts and other home projects that help your home to stay clean and dry. To learn more about Kaufman’s Home Maintenance Service, call 503-798-4357 or e-mail [email protected] to schedule an appointment.