Proper ventilation of a crawlspace – One of the biggest issues in a crawlspace comes from moisture levels being too high under a home. This can be a variety of factors: evaporation from the soil below, water leaking from pipes in the crawlspace, or an accumulation of standing water that remains trapped in the foundation. Some of this comes directly from a lack of airflow, keeping humid air trapped beneath a home. One of the most common methods for maintaining the air in a crawlspace has been the use of ventilation.
By allowing humid air out of the crawlspace, moisture levels can remain more normalized under a home. This is great when the air outside is not as humid as the air under the home. When that changes and the air is just as humid outside, ventilation does not have the same advantages as hoped. Consistent moisture in a crawlspace, or humid air can accumulate and lead to the growth of fungus. As homeowners, we want to protect our home and avoid this scenario at all costs.
What Happens If There Is A Lack Of Proper Ventilation?
Allowing for a lack of ventilation, and the increased level of water and humidity in a crawlspace can lead to the loss of insulation, fungal growth, even increases in heating and cooling as air seeps through gaps in the insulation and crawlspace foundation. Keeping air from accumulating and damaging the structure of the home is necessary to avoid costly repairs and keep your family safe. Improperly designed or maintained crawlspaces suffer the most when it comes to poor ventilation. While the air in a crawlspace is similar, areas with low ventilation and circulation can become stagnant and muggy. This traps higher levels of moisture in certain areas, and while you may not see fungal growth near proper ventilation, deeper into the crawlspace wood destroying organisms may be hard at work devouring the foundation of your home.
How Does The Environment Have An Affect?
Even with good ventilation, some environmental factors may impair the crawlspace’s ability to remain dry. The geographical position of the home may not be suitable for every crawlspace. If your home is in a humid environment, relying solely on ventilation may be an uphill battle for homeowners. Improper runoff from the home may lead to accumulation of moisture in the crawlspace. While the conditions around a home haven’t changed over the years, the methods for preventing damage have. Any homeowner’s best course of action in protecting their crawlspace comes from an encapsulation.
Encapsulations seal the moisture normally coating surfaces in a crawlspace behind a thick barrier that prevents evaporation. In addition to a good moisture barrier, an encapsulation utilizes a dehumidifier to take the humidity of the air in a crawlspace and displace it beyond the barrier. This is key in maintaining a dry crawlspace without ventilation.
Interested in improving the air quality in your home? U.S. Crawlspace’s technicians and inspectors have the tools, training, and experience to make your home, the best it can be. Call today for a free inspection or visit us at uscrawlspace.com.
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