Damp and musty crawl spaces
A musty smell is usually the first clue that the crawl space is too wet. Here's how a crawl space company tracks down the cause.
Air from the crawl space moves up into the house through gaps around pipes, wires and ducts, so a damp crawl space often shows up as a smell in the living space before anyone looks underneath. Fixing it starts with figuring out where the moisture is coming from.
Where does the moisture come from?
- Humid outdoor air through the vents. In Greenville's summers, this air condenses on cooler ducts, pipes and framing.
- The ground. Bare dirt or torn plastic lets soil moisture evaporate into the space, and parts of Pitt County have a seasonal high water table close to the surface.
- Rainwater. Short downspouts, flat or reversed grading and clogged gutters send water toward the foundation.
- Leaks. Plumbing, a dripping water heater line or a clogged HVAC condensate drain.
What about mold?
Damp wood and insulation can support mold growth. A crawl space company can find and fix the moisture problem, remove wet insulation and old vapor barrier, and point out damaged wood. If there's significant growth or someone in the house has health concerns, ask the company for a referral to a mold assessment or remediation specialist. We don't provide mold testing or remediation, and we don't make health claims.
After a flood or hurricane
- Stay out until power to crawl space equipment is off and the water has drained.
- Pull out soaked insulation and debris. It rarely dries in place.
- Dry the space thoroughly before sealing or re-insulating.
- Have the framing, piers and ducts checked for damage.
- Document everything with photos for insurance.
Warning signs
- Musty odor that's worse on humid days
- Water droplets on ducts or pipes
- Dark staining or fuzzy growth on joists and subfloor
- Wood that feels soft when pushed with a screwdriver
The crawl space company prices the job after getting under the house and measuring. We don't quote prices, and any number given over the phone before an inspection is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Will opening more vents dry out my crawl space?
Usually not in eastern North Carolina's summers. DOE research notes that in humid climates outside air is often wetter than crawl space air, so vents can make things worse.
Do you do mold remediation?
No. We're a referral service. The crawl space company deals with moisture, insulation and the vapor barrier, and can refer you to a mold specialist if needed.
Related services
- Encapsulation and vapor barriers
- Crawl space dehumidifiers
- Sagging floor and joist support
- Crawl space drainage and sump pumps
More background: Greenville, NC crawl space guide.
Musty smell, damp insulation or a soft, bouncy floor?
Call now and a local crawl space company will help you figure out what's going on under the house.