Mold or Wood Rot? Key Differences You Need to Know
Of the many problems that plague your crawl space, wood rot and mold are two of the most confusing and deadly. Both form in similar ways and negatively impact your home, but they also are very different.
If you’ve noticed some changes in your home, like musty smells or sagging floors, you may wonder if you have rotting wood or molded wood in your crawl space.
This article explores wood rot and mold’s causes and symptoms, how they impact your crawl space, and how crawl space repair professionals help you create a healthy home.
Comparing & Contrasting Wood Rot and Mold
What’s interesting about wood rot and mold is that they are both caused by fungi. Unfortunately, although they are caused by fungal species, one is far more destructive than the other. Let’s take a look at each one.

All About Crawl Space Mold
Mold is an umbrella term used to describe a very wide range of fungal species. While they are all very different, some are toxic to humans, which is why all mold-related repair work is best left to the professionals.
The way mold can appear in your crawl space is varied as well. It is almost always slimy and can be a wide range of colors, including black, white, orange, green, or purple. Mold flourishes in damp, humid environments and reproduces by sending spores through the air.

All About Rotting Wood
Like mold, wood rot thrives in damp and humid environments.
However, unlike mold, wood rot digests the wood it has infected. It spreads at remarkable speeds and can cause a need for major replacements in homes. The good news is that it is possible to deal with wood rot and even prevent it by taking care of your crawl space.
What’s The Difference Between Wood Rot and Mold?
So, how can you know whether your home has been infested with mold or wood rot? Rotting wood looks like decay, whereas molded wood usually looks like discoloration.
While mold is by no means good, it is “better” than wood rot for homes. However, as both wood rot and mold form in damp and humid environments, the presence of mold can signal that wood rot is soon to follow.
If you’re worried you have mold in your crawl space, contact a crawl space repair specialist as soon as possible.
Wood Rot and Mold Symptoms
You may be one of the many homeowners confused about what to look for when it comes to the health of your crawl space, particularly in terms of wood rot or mold. While mold and rotting wood are very different things, they do cause a wide range of very similar symptoms.
We don’t recommend going into your crawl space to look for the most obvious signs of these issues. Instead, we will cover some of the indirect symptoms of wood rot and mold to help you figure out what to do next.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to call a crawl space expert like Indiana Foundation Service.
Bouncy Floors
If you have bouncy floors, you likely have wood rot instead of mold.
“Bouncy floor” is a term used to describe floors that move or give away when you walk across them. This usually happens when the floor has been infected with wood rot. Instead of breaking under your weight, the floor bounces back once you move away from the affected area.
Wood rot has a particular way of attacking wood. It permeates the wood in such a way that it affects its structural integrity. If not dealt with, affected joists will eventually be completely consumed by wood rot and give way.
Musty Crawl Space Smells
A stale, earthy, musty smell emanating from your crawl space can be a sign of either mold or wood rot.
Many homeowners think that below-grade areas, like crawl spaces, are just supposed to smell musty. But that’s not the case. If you notice unpleasant smells coming from below your living space, it’s best to contact a repair professional as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to deal with any potential problems.
High Humidity Levels
High levels of crawl space humidity cause a wide range of problems. These problems can not only be detrimental to the health of your below-grade spaces but can also impact the lives of those living inside your home.
Humidity leads to condensation and moisture. One thing to keep in mind is that wood rot and mold require high levels of humidity to develop and spread. That is why you should waterproof and encapsulate your crawl space as a precaution.
How to Address Wood Rot and Mold
Mold is a beast of its own, and it is best to trust a mold remediation professional who knows how to kill mold on wood safely and effectively.
However, following a free inspection from an Indiana Foundation Service expert, you’ll receive a no-obligation estimate detailing moisture management solutions. Installed together, they offer complete crawl space protection and create healthier conditions that discourage rotting wood and molded wood.
Some of the crawl space encapsulation solutions we may recommend include:
Tackle Crawl Space Problems the Right Way Today!
Your crawl space can be a dangerous area, especially if wood rot and mold are present. Don’t risk your health or your family’s safety. Trust the crawl space repair experts at Indiana Foundation Service for a thorough evaluation and customized repair solutions.
You deserve a safe and healthy home, and we can help you create a better living environment. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and repair quote.
Wood Rot and Mold FAQs
A crawl space will not dry out on its own and requires prompt repair, including professional water removal, dehumidification, and moisture management to prevent mold and structural damage.
Untreated wood rot worsens, spreads, attracts pests, and causes structural damage. Contacting crawl space professionals at the first sign of trouble is crucial. Indiana Foundation Service offers free inspections and customized repair solutions.
Yes, frequent inspections help identify issues before they worsen. After Indiana Foundation Service encapsulates your crawl space, benefit from our annual maintenance plans. We return annually to evaluate your crawl space’s ongoing safety. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free inspection.
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