Warmer Temperatures & Your Crawl Space: What To Do?

ADDRESSING THE HUMIDITY IN THE CRAWL SPACE OF YOUR HOME

Crawl spaces are often overlooked areas of a home, tucked under the living space, out of sight out of mind. However, what happens in your crawl space has a significant impact on the overall health and integrity of your home. One crucial factor to consider is humidity. If left unchecked, humidity leads to costly repairs and upkeep, all of which can be avoided with a proper waterproofing system in place. 

The humidity levels in a crawl space can fluctuate due to various factors such as weather conditions, ventilation, and moisture intrusion. With over forty percent of the air in your living spaces coming from under your home, the health of your crawl space affects all of the household. When humidity levels rise in a crawl space, several problems can arise, including:

• Mold & Mildew Growth: High humidity creates an environment for mold and mildew to thrive. These fungi not only cause unpleasant odors but can also pose serious health risks to you and your family.
• Structural Damage: Excess moisture can lead to wood rot and structural damage in your crawlspace, compromising the stability of your home's foundation and support beams.
• Pest Infestation: Insects and rodents are attracted to damp environments. A humid crawl space can serve as an entry point for these unwanted guests, leading to potential infestations.
• Increased Heating and Cooling Costs: High humidity levels can make your HVAC system work harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, resulting in higher heating and cooling bills.

To stop keep negative effects of humidity from harming your crawl space, a full encapsulation is recommended. This system has many products that work together to ensure your crawl space remains healthy.

• The Right Vapor Barrier: A CleanSpace vapor barrier protects your home against humidity issues. This 20 Mil woven vapor barrier is installed under the wooden posts, anchored up to the rim joist, and is fully sealed into place. Ensuring the crawl space is brought into your home's envelope.
• Seal Leaks and Cracks: With an encapsulation, we air seal around the rim joists to protect your home against even the smallest intrusions.
• Use a Dehumidifier: A SaniDry dehumidifier is an effective machine for controlling moisture. With this installed in the crawl space it ensures optimal humidity levels, so no mold or mildew can grow.

Home health begins at the foundation. If humidity levels are high, this harms your home and affects the air you breathe. By installing a crawl space encapsulation, you can protect your home from mold, structural damage, and pest infestations. To ensure these systems remains in tip-top shape, an annual service visit is recommended. 

Schedule your free estimate to learn more and see how we can transform your crawl space into a dry and healthy environment!