How Moldy and Damp Crawl Spaces Affect Your Health and Home

Your Crawl Space: Out of Sight, But Essential for Home Health

Your crawl space may be out of sight, but it plays a big role in your home’s overall health, comfort, and value. If the space beneath your home is damp, musty, or moldy, it’s not just a structural concern — it can directly impact the air you breathe every day.

In fact, according to the EPA, up to 40% of the air on your first floor comes from the crawl space. That means crawl space moisture and mold problems can quietly lead to poor indoor air quality, higher energy bills, and costly structural damage over time.

How It Impacts Your Health

A moldy crawl space can lead to serious health symptoms, especially in sensitive individuals like children, the elderly, or those

with allergies or asthma. Homeowners often report:

• Allergy Symptoms – Sneezing, coughing, sinus congestion, and itchy eyes

• Asthma Flare-Ups – Increased breathing difficulty or attacks indoors

• Fatigue & Headaches – Caused by airborne mold spores and indoor humidity

• Chronic Illness – Long-term exposure may lead to sinus infections or neurological symptoms

• General Discomfort – Musty odors and poor air quality can make your home feel stuffy or damp

Signs Your Crawl Space Is Damaging Your Home

Moisture and humidity below your home can spread silently, causing widespread problems that affect both comfort and structural integrity.

Look for these warning signs of crawl space damage:

• Sagging or uneven floors

• Mold on baseboards or near vents

• Fogged windows or high indoor humidity

• Persistent musty odors

• Increased insect or rodent activity

• Insulation falling or deteriorating

• High heating or cooling bills

Left untreated, these issues can lead to wood rot, structural weakening, pest infestations, and reduced property value.

What Causes Crawl Space Moisture?

Several factors contribute to crawl space moisture and mold problems in homes across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including:

• Poor exterior drainage

  

• High water table or clay soils

• Unsealed vents or foundation cracks

• No vapor barrier on the ground

• Lack of dehumidification or airflow control

The combination of cold winters and humid summers in our region makes crawl spaces particularly vulnerable — especially in older homes without modern moisture control systems.

The Solution: CleanSpace® Crawl Space Encapsulation from DBS Repair

At DBS Repair, we help homeowners permanently fix wet, moldy crawl spaces with the CleanSpace® Encapsulation System, a proven solution developed by Contractor Nation and installed by our certified crews.

Our Encapsulation Process Includes:

1. Inspection and debris removal

2. Sealing vents and air leaks

3. Installing perimeter drainage and sump pump (if needed)

4. Lining the crawl space with a 20-mil CleanSpace® vapor barrier

5. Installing a high-performance dehumidifier like the SaniDry™ Sedona

   
   

    

This system prevents mold growth, protects your home’s structure, improves indoor air quality, and helps lower energy bills — all while adding value to your property.

Why Choose DBS Repair?

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners throughout Northern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin

turn damp, uncomfortable houses into dry, healthy homes. 

Our crawl space solutions are:

• Backed by long-term warranties

• Installed by trained, local professionals

• Custom-designed for your unique home and environment

Get a Free Crawl Space Evaluation Today

If you're noticing musty odors, allergy symptoms, or signs of moisture damage, don’t wait. Crawl space problems won’t fix themselves — and they tend to get worse (and more expensive) over time.

Contact DBS Repair today to schedule your free crawl space inspection. We'll help you identify the root cause of your moisture issues and recommend a permanent solution that keeps your home healthy, dry, and protected from the ground up.