Changes to humidity levels in your crawl space or the way it smells may have you wondering if you are dealing with a mold or wood rot infestation. Although both are caused by fungal species, they are very different, and one can be detrimental to the health of a crawl space and home. We’re talking, of course, about wood rot.
Wood rot loves damp and humid spaces. Naturally, crawl spaces, particularly those that lack encapsulation or have dirt floors, are a favorite breeding ground for it.
The main difference between wood rot and mold is that the former digests the wood it infects. It spreads very quickly and can wreak havoc on a space. If left to its own devices, wood rot can completely annihilate wooden joists. Don’t let this happen to your home. The last thing you want is to have to replace your joists. As you might assume, doing so can be incredibly expensive.
Mold, on the other hand, is much less harmful to your home’s structural integrity. However, mold is toxic to individuals living inside the home. Like wood rot, mold is a range of fungal species. It loves damp and moist spaces, and humidity is its best friend.
It’s easy to tell the difference between mold and wood rot. Mold is a slimy discoloration on wood that comes in numerous colors, from black and orange to purple. Conversely, wood rot does not present as a discoloration but rather looks like decay.
The good news is that wood rot and mold can be dealt with. More importantly, it can be prevented with the help of a crawl space repair expert.
