Moisture Control
Poorly installed insulation can prevent proper ventilation, and improper ventilation within crawl spaces can lead to moisture problems.
Surface Molds:
Experience in South Carolina indicates that surface molds and mildew will often be evident growing over the sapwood portion of the wood in the crawlspace of a house. These do little or no harm to the wood but their striking appearance is usually a good first clue to the homeowner that there is a moisture problem. According to the official South Carolina Wood Infestation Report wood-destroying fungi is considered active only if the wood moisture content is 28% or above. If this is the case, you should eliminate the origin of the moisture problem, such as by excluding surface water, installing a moisture barrier and opening foundation vents. There are also other steps that can be taken to control the moisture in the crawlspace. Such as, automatic foundation vents, humidistat fans, sump pumps and french drains.
Decay:
Decay is the final stage of deterioration and occurs when wood is colonized by true decay fungi in the class known as the Basidiomycetes.
