Understanding Radon and Mold Risks in Colorado Springs Crawl Spaces
Crawl spaces are often out of sight and out of mind — until they become a source of serious concern. In Colorado Springs, the combination of elevated radon levels and humidity-related mold growth makes crawl spaces a hotspot for hidden health risks.
At Colorado Water & Mold Restoration, we’ve seen how many homes in the Pikes Peak region suffer from issues originating below the main living area. Understanding the dangers of radon and mold in your crawl space — and how to address them — is crucial for protecting your home and your family.
☢️ What Is Radon — and Why Is It a Big Deal in Colorado Springs?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without proper testing.
Colorado, and especially El Paso County, is classified by the EPA as a Zone 1 area — meaning high potential for elevated indoor radon levels. Since radon gas rises from the ground, crawl spaces with exposed soil or poor ventilation can trap the gas and allow it to seep into the home.
⚠️ Why Radon Is Dangerous:
Leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers
Linked to respiratory issues and long-term health risks
Often goes undetected for years
Radon testing is the only way to know if your home is affected — and mitigation is often simple and affordable.
🌫️ Mold Growth in Crawl Spaces: A Silent Threat
Crawl spaces are typically dark, damp, and poorly ventilated — creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. Whether due to heavy rain, plumbing leaks, poor drainage, or high humidity, mold spores thrive in these conditions.
Common Causes of Mold in Colorado Crawl Spaces:
Snowmelt or seasonal moisture seepage
Leaky pipes or HVAC systems
Condensation from improper insulation or air flow
Poor grading or drainage around the home’s foundation
Once mold begins growing, it can release spores into the air that move throughout your home via ductwork and floor vents — contributing to indoor air pollution, allergies, asthma, and structural damage.
🧪 Signs Your Crawl Space May Have a Problem
Many homeowners don’t realize they have a crawl space issue until symptoms begin appearing. Look out for:
A persistent musty odor, especially after rain
Coughing, sneezing, or respiratory irritation indoors
Peeling paint or warped floors above the crawl space
Visible mold around vents or baseboards
Higher-than-normal humidity levels in the home
Illness or fatigue that improves when you leave the house
🛠 What You Can Do: Professional Solutions for Lasting Safety
At Colorado Water & Mold Restoration, we recommend the following for homes in Colorado Springs:
✔ Mold Inspection and Remediation
Using thermal imaging and air quality testing, we locate the source of mold, remove contaminated materials, and treat crawl spaces with antimicrobial agents to prevent regrowth.
✔ Crawl Space Encapsulation
Installing vapor barriers, insulation, and dehumidifiers helps control moisture, reduce radon intrusion, and improve indoor air quality.
✔ Drainage and Waterproofing
We improve grading, add sump pumps or French drains, and seal foundation cracks to keep water out before it becomes a problem.
🏡 Colorado Springs Homes Need Extra Attention
Due to our high elevation, soil composition, and dramatic seasonal swings, homes in Colorado Springs are especially vulnerable to both radon gas and mold development. This makes routine inspection and professional maintenance of your crawl space a smart investment in your home’s long-term health and value.
📞 Get Peace of Mind Today
If you're unsure about the condition of your crawl space, don’t wait for signs of trouble. Colorado Water & Mold Restoration is here to help with expert inspections, honest advice, and local experience you can trust.
✅ Mold testing available
✅ Certified technicians
✅ Serving Colorado Springs & surrounding areas
📍 Contact us today for an inspection or consultation
