Crumbling Crawl Space Supports
Note the footer below the concrete blocks that are holding up the floor joists - it's cracked and caving in. Given that the ground surrounding the makeshift post is uneven, it's unsurprising that everything is crumbling.
High Humidity in Crawl Space
The humidity in this crawl space was over 82%, as shown on the hygrometer. That's a major problem, as ambient moisture can cause mold and affect the wooden support beams.
Ineffective Sump Pump in Crawl Space
Uncovered sump pumps are always at risk of clogging and damage from debris, but this is doubly true in a crawl space with a dirt floor and debris everywhere.
Hodgepodge of Crawl Space Supports
Look at all of the various...things...stacked as makeshift support piers in this crawl space. The safety of your home should not rest on a Jenga game.
Mold, Spiders, and Moldy Spiders in Crawl Space
When the mold problem in your crawl space is bad enough that it's mummifying spiders, it's time to call in a professional.
Water Staining on Crawl Space Block Walls
Along with more spiders in the foreground, you can see the level of water influx visible in the staining on the walls.
Old and New Wood in Wet Basement
On the left is a fallen support post. On the right, some new posts that were installed in hopes of shoring up the joists. As wooden supports fail in the face of moisture-induced damage, it's instinct to put new supports in, but unless you take care of the water problem you're just entering a vicious cycle.
Cracked Floor Joist in Wet Crawl Space
Between being degraded by constant moisture and inadequate support from below, this floor joist has cracked and started falling. Of course with the joist comes the floor, which led to settling floors in the house.
Mold and Water Damage on Pipes
Mold and corrosion can damage metal fixtures in the crawl space.
Rotting Floor Joists in Wet Crawl Space
Note the damage on every visible joist, discernible through discoloration and splintering.
Makeshift Crawl Space Supports Don't Solve the Problem
When the floor joists started splintering and falling, makeshift posts were created from stacks of boards. There are a few problems here. One, adding more wood to a space being decimated due to water damaged wood isn't a long term solution, and two, these haphazard stacks can't take the weight, and as you can see they fall over easily.
The Many Colors of Mold
This wood was once all the same color, but mold infiltration has warped and discolored it.
Water Damage and Debris in Crawl Space
Water and efflorescence on the blocks prove the long term water damage here. Efflorescence is the process by which water travels through a concrete block and dissolves minerals present, then leaves the white deposit on the surface of the block once it reaches air and evaporates.
