From initial MC% assessment through borate treatment and vapor barrier replacement to post-remediation clearance — the full below-grade mold scope in one place.
Assessment
🔍MC% Assessment & Contamination Mapping
Calibrated moisture meter readings at joist and sheathing intervals across your Cottage Grove, MN crawl space — with visible growth mapped and photographed. Findings documented before any work is proposed. MC% readings inform both the contamination extent assessment and the post-remediation verification target.
Removal
🔨HEPA Removal & Wire-Brush Treatment
Loose and surface mold growth on joists and sheathing is removed using industrial HEPA vacuuming and wire brushing — capturing spore material rather than disturbing it into the airspace. Contained removal prevents spore migration upward through the subfloor assembly into living areas.
Treatment
🌳Penetrating Borate Application
Borate application after HEPA removal on all accessible surfaces. Penetrating formulation diffuses into wood fiber, not just surface coat. Active for years in treated wood.
Structure
🔨Sistering Structurally Compromised Joists
Joists with advanced fungal digestion — evidenced by delamination of sheathing, spongy or punky texture, or through-penetration of decay fungi — lose structural capacity and need sistering with pressure-treated lumber rather than treatment. We assess each joist individually and document replacement recommendations in the written scope.
Barrier
💧Vapor Barrier Repair or Replacement
Reinforced poly, correctly lapped, footing-secured. Proper vapor barrier installation is the #1 long-term prevention tool for crawl space mold in Cottage Grove, MN properties.
Systems
🏔Encapsulation vs. Vented Conditioning Assessment
Full crawl space encapsulation (sealed vapor barrier, insulated perimeter walls, conditioned air supply) is the right answer for some Cottage Grove, MN crawl spaces — particularly those with high water table, poor drainage, or chronic moisture loads that vented conditioning can't manage. We assess your specific conditions and recommend objectively, not by default toward the more expensive option.
