Crawlspace Encapsulation: Things You Should Know

One of the most typical issues we experience is mold in crawlspaces. Advancing with our series of posts on crawlspaces the purpose of this post is two-fold.

First, we will address the most typical concerns asked about crawlspaces.

Second, we will explain why crawlspace encapsulation is so essential by noting and discussing the top 5 reasons your crawlspace needs a vapor barrier.

If you check out your crawlspace, you may see standing water, moldy insulation, or a bad smell. Listed below are the top questions we come across about crawlspaces. For mold removal services visit our website https://moldinspectionaustintx.com/

 

Why Do Crawlspaces Get Wet?

Your crawlspace could be damp for several factors:

Fractures in the foundation or walls allow water and wetness to enter your crawlspace.

Incorrect ventilation can enable wetness in.

Poor drain systems likewise allow wetness and water in.

Poor maintenance and not sealing the dirt flooring is another typical reason your crawlspace is wet or wet.

 

Why Are Wet Crawlspaces A Problem?

There are two essential issues caused by wet or wet crawlspaces.

First, if your crawlspace has standing water or is damp, this will motivate the development of mold and mildew.

Second, the excess wetness and mold will also cause wood rot and structural degeneration. Click here to learn more about mold inspection services.

 

Do Vents Keep My Crawlspace Dry?

No!

Regrettably, vents will not keep your crawlspace dry.

Wetness and humidity can still collect in your crawlspace, which in turn will lead to mold and wood rot.

Also, many times the airflow is impeded when the vents get obstructed by plants or other things outside the vent. When this happens, water that collects around the home or drips down the exterior walls can enter your crawlspace producing moisture issues.

 

Top 5 Reasons Your Crawlspace Needs A Vapor Barrier!

– Keeps Moisture in the Soil

According to the EPA, a vapor barrier will keep your home drier and is particularly recommended for older houses to manage dampness. In locations where humidity is a concern, your crawlspace likely has wetness and damp issues and a vapor barrier will assist keep the wetness down since it will prevent wetness from escaping from the soil.

Installed correctly and spread out uniformly across the soil and the walls of your crawlspace, the vapor barrier produces a barrier between wetness and your house.

– Prevents Ductwork from Rusting and Corroding

Many houses with crawlspaces have ductwork running beneath their home, and many have their HVAC system installed under the house too.

It is necessary to keep moisture at a minimum to prevent metal from rusting and corroding.

– Prevents Wiring Hazards

Many crawlspaces likewise have circuitry. Water and electricity do not mix well. Build-up of excess moisture is a possible fire risk and could create an unsafe environment for anybody that gets in the crawlspace.

– Keeps Your Home Dry

Considering that excess moisture in your crawlspace can enter your house through the floorboards, keeping the moisture to a minimum will also assist keep wetness levels in your home.

In addition to a wet free house, a vapor barrier will likewise decrease your energy expenses because your a/c unit will operate more efficiently.

The threat of excess dampness and moisture in your home is mold. If your crawlspace is wet and that moisture enters your house, you will not only have mold problems in the crawlspace however your house.

As pointed out earlier, mold can trigger health issues; moisture control is necessary in both your home and crawlspace.

– Keeps Your Crawlspace Clean

Your crawlspace is an area of your house that you can potentially utilize for storage. To ensure that your crawlspace is a safe and tidy environment, a vapor barrier will reduce moisture and also keep the area clean and less livable for rodents and insects.

If you prepare to use your crawlspace for other uses, such as storage, we advise that you utilize a more powerful and thicker barrier.

The most important function that a vapor barrier plays is keeping the wetness in the soil. At the same time, it will help keep a cleaner and more secure environment for you, must you select to utilize it for storage or other uses.