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Crawl Space Moisture Control
Crawlspaces are dark, nasty places that none of us care to visit. We would rather pretend that they don’t exist. The biggest myth regarding crawlspaces is the concept, “What is in my crawlspace stays in my crawlspace”. In reality the moisture, mold and bacteria located within your crawlspace can eventually infiltrate the air of your safe and secure home. If left unchecked the moisture in your crawlspace can cause or lead to termite infestation, structural damage, wood rot, mold, bacteria and can stimulate allergic reactions among people and animals.
What are some tell tale signs that might indicate a moisture problem in your crawlspace? These may include:
- A musty or mildew type smell detected when initially entering the home or a closed closet.
- Cupping of the hardwood floors. These floors will rise up slightly during the summer, lay down slightly during the winter, and return to cup even worse during the following summer. This is a continual degrading process.
- Presence of insulation falling down in the crawlspace.
- Experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms within your family, which seem to continue for no apparent reason.
In the Low Country, moisture in crawlspaces can be a common problem for several reasons. We often find that it is a combination of three categories that contribute to these moisture problems.
- Rain water run-off
- Ground water evaporation
- Humid outside air infiltration
Several proactive measures can be implemented to help reduce or possibly eliminate the problem of moisture in crawlspaces. The most proactive action is to seal the crawlspace, which will save up to 15-20% of the home’s energy consumption. Open crawlspaces can be maintained, but will require constant future maintenance.
Click here for more information on sealing your crawlspace.
