Mold Prevention

How to Check for Moisture Under Your House?

Moisture beneath your house can give rise to mold growth, leading to serious health issues and structural damage. Therefore, it's imperative to check for and address moisture problems promptly. Here are some effective ways to detect moisture under your house:

Inspect the Crawl Space

• Use a flashlight to thoroughly examine your crawl space. Look for damp soil, condensation on walls, pipes, or insulation, and signs of water damage like rotting wood or discolored drywall.
• Feel the surfaces. Mold often thrives in damp environments. Touching the surfaces in your crawl space can help you identify areas with excessive moisture.

Check the Foundation

• Examine the foundation walls for cracks, gaps, or holes that may allow water to seep in.
• Look for efflorescence, a white, powdery substance that indicates water is evaporating from the foundation.

Test the Soil

• Insert a soil moisture meter into the ground around your house. High readings indicate excessive moisture.
• Place a piece of plastic over the soil and weigh it down. After a few hours, check for condensation on the underside of the plastic. This indicates high humidity levels.

Use a Moisture Detector

• Invest in a moisture detector and use it to scan the crawl space, foundation, and other areas where moisture may accumulate.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure accurate results.

Monitor Humidity Levels

• Install a hygrometer in your crawl space to measure humidity levels. Mold thrives in areas with high humidity.
• Aim for humidity levels below 60% to prevent mold growth.

Professional Inspection

• If you suspect moisture problems but cannot identify the source, consider hiring a professional inspector.
• They can use specialized equipment and expertise to pinpoint moisture sources and recommend solutions.