The crawl space under your house gives you easy access to your utility systems, including plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs, and electrical wiring. But because crawl spaces are unfinished areas that have direct contact with the ground, they’re also susceptible to humidity and moisture issues.
Without proper maintenance, a buildup of crawl space humidity and moisture can lead to serious and expensive problems, including mildew and mold problem and structural issues.
How Moisture Enters the Crawl Space
Common entry points for crawl space moisture include normal ground moisture, poor drainage around your home, and ventilation issues inside your crawl space. Other times, it may be the fault of leaky plumbing or heavy rainfall. The expert eyes at Crawl Space Care can help you pinpoint the root cause of your issue and suggest an appropriate solution.
Effects of Moisture on Structural Integrity
Moisture has a cascading effect on the structure of a home. High moisture in a crawl space feeds mold, mildew, and fungi, which, left untreated, causes wood to rot and metal components like beams, screws, and joist hangers to rust. Over time, the support beams wear down, and your home’s foundation shifts and cracks from the pressure.
Signs of Moisture Damage
Know the warning signs of a moisture problem:
- Musty odors and mold growth in the main part of the house warn of crawl space humidity and moisture. Nearly half the airflow throughout your house comes from your crawl space.
- Soft, sagging floors that feel sloped or bouncy can be a sign of damaged supports and beams.
- Cracks in walls signal support and foundation issues as well.
- Keep an eye out for any visible signs of wood decay or rusted metal elements.
Prevention and Solutions
Know your options to address the moisture problem:
- Vapor barriers created with large plastic sheets form a waterproof barrier between the ground and your floor. These are a great option for people in drier areas where environmental moisture isn’t a pressing problem.
- In Roanoke’s more humid climate, encapsulation is a more common solution because it seals your crawl space from outside moisture.
- Dehumidifiers compliment encapsulation to maintain optimal humidity levels in your crawl space.
- Address any drainage issues around your home’s foundation and within your crawl space.
- Have the professionals at Crawl Space Care inspect your space regularly to ensure your home’s safety.
Help When You Need It Most
The time to address moisture levels in your crawl space is now before you have crawl space structural damage. Crawl Space Care’s team of professionals can assess your space’s needs and work with you to devise a long-term solution. We offer a free inspection and hassle-free estimate so you can make an informed decision.
Call us today to get started.